The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1873-05-06
UNSAFE OCEAN STEAMERS.

Sir william Fairbairn directs the attention OF
iron shpbuilders and owners, Through the London
Times, 10 what may be considered serious defects
In the construction and proportions OF iron ships.
He writcs:-"FOr number OF years we have
gradually been sliding into what arc considered
the advantages OF great length and narrow beam
In constructions and no doubt II increased speed
required, they may by these means be obtained.
This, as commercial view, may be desirable; but
II must not be forgotten that, Ii done at all, it
must be done at the risk Of human life
and the ultimate strength OF the ship. This
vessel of snake-ike form Is most dangerous, as any
increase Of length, unless accompanied by a
prOportionate width and depth, must always he
looked upon as constituting an unsafe and unsea-
worthy ship. IL Is perhaps not generally known
that to double the length or vessel without in
cfeasng her depth or width IN the same proper
tion Is TO reduce her powers OF resistance one
only 2l0 Ieet instead OF 40 feet long she would
never have gone 10 pieces on the Meagher rocks,
at the entrance OF Halifax harb0r. With such
lengt b OF snip and a full cargo on board netting
could have saved her from destruction in the posi-
ton In which she was placed, with her bottom on
ledge OF rock and her extremlties suspended on
each side. In such position she must OF neces-
sity break IN TWO when pressed by two power
fuily loaded levers acting upon her fulcrum
and sectional area at midshlps, or, as stated, at
the foremost, where she broke III two and tumbed
neadong into the water. But, III fact, IL ought TO
be known TO naval architectS--as was well under
stool by Mr. E. Reed late Constructor OF the Navy
that iron ships neither more nor less tran nol-
low beams ioating In water; and. moreover, they
follow precisely the same laws any other order,
weights as the cubes. On this principle the
strength OF ship should not be less than
six times the heaviest load she ras TO carry; ana
that should be the maximum, II We are to escape
those lameDLable wholesale disasters when SO
frequently occur at sea. have not gone into cal
cula.ions a. TO the strength OF the Atlantic. IL IL
SUFFICIENT to notice that sac was extremely weak
for her length. and sincerely hope the Commits
Bioners now sitting Will not fail to recommend to
Parliament some tangible measure on the con
struction OF iron ships: but trust they Will also
insist on definite law for compulsory periodical
Inspection think sir, we are all agreed that
any principle OF construction Is practised known
10 be dangerous to human lie the parties exer-
cisng II should be liable for the consequences ana
II long SHIPS with narrow beam and limited depth
can De proved TO be insecure ignorance OF the laws
oil construction Will not remove the responsibilities
wnlcn they incur II ~ therefore necessary that the
government or some other competent authority
such az the Board OF Trade-should determine, for
the public good, what ~ sale and what is unsafe;
anu therefore venture TO MAINTAIN that having
these convictions. they should be carefully nyesti.
gated and proved either that they they are
worthy or not worthy OF adoption In
offering these remarks ! have Ts desire
TO introduce theories, but simply TO establish
system OF construction calculated TO meet all the
requirements OF a safe and useful description of
vessel Tor the maintenance Of our relations be-
tween this and foreign nations. l hope, therefore
! have not exceeded the boundaries OF scientific
inquiry. THAT unsOund principles are at work In
the building OF iron ships have not the shadow OF
q doubt, and venture to hope that your powers OF
Influencing the public will not only lead 70 a saving
OF life, but ultimately to better and more durable
construction OF our war and mercantile martle.n