The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1871-06-14
THAT ONE HUNDRED THOUSAND DOLLAR
PRIZE.
A Yankee Competitor and . New Idea ~
Naval Construction.

Yankee Competitor Rnd . New Idsa -
Naval Construction.
The passage OF an act by the Legislature OF the
State OF New York Offering the snug little premium
OF $780, 900 for tho discovery Of satisfactory me-
thod OF applying steam power TO the navigation OF
canals has had the effect, which was anticipated ~
It's framers OF attracting the attention OF inventors
generally, including some OF the best talent Of inc
country to this subject Quite q number Of plans
have already been made pubac, many OF
which are or decided merit II may be consid-
cred doubtful. however. whether any one ~ the
inventions which have yet been made pubic com
bines sufficient number OF advantages to render
Its Success certain. A new and formidable iiyal Tor
the prize has now. however appeared IN the heia.
The steamer Pioneer owned by tue Fowler steering
Propeller COMPANY, OF Bridgeport, and commnnded
by Colonel w. n. Mallory, arrived at THIS port yes
terday en- route for Albany and the Ere Canal
Upon this latter commercial thorougnfare the no
neer viii remain for several weeks, or possibly
months, untl the question OF her availability for
canal navigation has been definitely settled rne
method by which this steamer Is propelled, although
quite simple. Is
NOVEL AND HIGHLY INTEREsrINl,
MOTION is communicated from the engine not 20
the ordinary screw hut 10 wheel composed Of
four upright blades, which rcvove IN the water
with an easy, scullng motion. The common rudder
Is entirely dispensed with, the boat beng siecrei
and propelled by the same power The angle az
which the blades Just rc.crred to are set = capable
OF being changed ut pleasure, 80 thlt forward.
backward IT silewise motion can be in~tan.
taneousy given to the boat ~ can he made 10 re-
vo,vc upon its centre as pivot wltuout making tue
least progress. fne and celeritv with which
| these revolutions are accomplished are quite mar
velious witness, AMI at once attracted the admira
! ton OF Admiral Porter upon the occasion II q
recent visit OF the Pioneer 10 Washington la me
| opinion OF the Admiral
| mum
by naval vessels. and especially ~ turiet shirs,
/ would be very advantageous, "a n would nearly
double Inc rapdly OF their IRE, "a wei a. serve 10
distract the ann OF The enemy. revenue cutter ~
about $50 tons burden which IL now building al iui-
faIo n T., to tie provided with propeller similar
to that OF the Pioneer In order that the advantages
of the ulan NAV be uliy tested. number Of steam
/ launches propelled in the same manner are also
/ shortly to be Constructed. one of the principal
! OBSTACLES TO PRoPELI.ISG BOATS AND BAhoEs IN
STEAM
| upon the canals has been found 10 consist In the
swell Occasoned by the motion oil the pa'istie wheci
or the bad oil the screw through the water. wash
/ ing the banks OF the canal. by the new plan this
lection Is expected TO be entirety obv ated scarcely
any perccpliblc motion the water being caused by
the Fowler propeller. The superior faciIty with
which the beat can be handled Will also come Into
| play here
The following are the dimensions ~ he Pioneer
Register lennih SIS feet breadth, 10 feet: depth III
hold, feet. Carving capacity, about thirty tons.
government measurement.
The company by winch she IL owned IL composed
of such lead ng men Hon. Marshall Jewell, tower
Nathan BALDWIN. one OF the directors OF The New
York ana New haven Railroad; George Mallory,
Frederck Wood, OF the firm OF Wood Brothers,
broadway, New York, and oEers.