The New York herald., 1873-11-20

The Commodore proceeds to say that, in connec-
fion with the work upon the powder ior large cam
non, he has also instituted experiments with the
inner grains Tor the metallic cartridges OF small
arms. In these experiments are embraced the de-
tails relating to the development OF a perfected
eystem OF ammunition for the breech-loadlng small
brms OF the navy and to serve also for the Gatling
Runs, which now form part OF the equipment. The
failures experienced by our seamen and marines
under very trying circumstances in the attack on
>1' w II DEFECTIVE II scTIv AMMUNITION
drew attention to the absolute necessity OF having
F. cartridge upon the keeping qualities OF which In
Ehe moist and heated atmosphere OF a ships hold
placed.
To this end his predecessor, Admiral Case, d.
Erected searching examination OF the subject to
Ibe made without delay and from various speci-
mems OF cartridges selected the solid head cases
made Dy the United States Cartridge Company, OF
Lowell, Mass, for trial, not only because they ex-
Inhibited excellent workmanship, but that they
Seemed to have the best method OF reloading-an
essential element in naval small arm ammunition.
With the limited qua tity required for naval pur
poses IL was not considered expedient to set up
.machinery for It's manufacture; but the bureau
prefers to rely on the competition OF private estab
1ishments An of1cer was detailed, however. TO
maintain special supervision and inspection
or the work in every stage oil It's process,
from the preparation OF the sheets OF metal to the
finished cartridge ready for service. This duty has
been performed in the most satisfactory manner,
Ahc people OF the factory aiding the bureau with
signal ability; and the success or these Joint efforts
RECENT PRACTICE
made from Gatling gun, during which 100, 600 OF
containing 10 grains of powder and bullet OF 450
grains, were fred with the following results:-
Failed to extract after the cartridge exploded None
Failed explode on irs, effort and from ali causes
In no instance was there an escape OF gas In the
rear. During the whole OF the trial the gun was
Got impeded by any failure OF q cartridge. on the
nrst gay 1000 cartridges were nred with extreme
saPi1ity saPpn IN Ism. ss., and on the second day
the gun. Alter $4,000 rounds no appreciaDe
ninefence was observed In the working OF the gun
and satisfactory accuracy. Cartridge cases which
had been reloaded 100 times each were found to be
In excellent condition.
IL Will be observed that the percentage OF fail.
yures to explode Is extremely small, and no heads
which is the most important element in a metsiic.
case required for use in both the rife and Gating
guns.
THE eATLIsG GUN.
nuring this trial, exhibited qualities OF precision,
Tapidity OF nre and endurance exceedingly re-
marka6e. so much has been said concerning
these pieces that 1t would be idle TO repeat the
details. The general opinion, however, among
ordnance men is that they wi never @ entirely
howitzers OF the navy; but as anxlllaries to the
latter on board ship and in dangerous boat opera
tions, such as dsembarking, or embarking bodies
pf men In the face OF an enemy, their value cannot
De over estimated.
coNcEnNINo BREgcH-LoAnNd ARTILLERY
The Chief OF the Bureau remarks that IN the ar
tillery operations or the Franco-German war
breech-loadlng rined Gcld pieces were used by the
latter In ali the battles which occurred and there
Is little doubt OF their having performed most
important part In deciding the issue. Whether, un-
DER similar circumstances, an equal number OIL
inuzzle leaders, properly served, might not have
done as well, is perhaps an open question.
~ Is sufficiently obvious, however, that there are
many advantages peculiaf TO breech-loaders which
warrant their use IN naval light artillery, as well as
lor neayy guns OF battery. The bureau, there
sore, Is now engaged In preparing for
sApermental ilrDg two guns intended to use
ynetallc cartridge cases, when, In its judgment,
~ 81 preferable ior naval guns OF small cabre One
1nese ls 10 be made after the designs OF Mr.. b.
=. nOtchkiss OF New York as a Qun OF this kind
pas already been subjected TO trials in France with