New-York tribune., 1886-01-08
THE DOLPHiA'S CRUISE.

The cruise in search of a storm IL not to be
repeated. An Associated Press dispatch states
that Secretary Whitney is entirely satisfied
with the recent performance of the Dolphin In
a heavy gale and that it is not thought neccs-
sary to have another sea trial. This will be
gratifying intelligence to the designers, the
builder, and the conyalescent officers and crew.
II the Dolphin had been ordered ont again in
search OF hard weather, those who are rcspon-
slble for her model and construction might
have suspected that there WIS sinister
purpose, not perhaps tn break her back and 10
wreck her. but 20 enable the engineers ana
officers to assure the Department that she was
structuIally weak, although they would not be
prepared to report that this Was the fault OF
defective materials and workmanship. Such
report would have tended to vindicate the
Judgment of the Examining Board and the Sec
retary. without interfering with the settlement
With Mr. Roach aud the withdrawal OF the
lawsuit in the Court of Claims. The dlScontln-
uance of these storm cruises may satisfy the
public that the suspicious entertained In some
quarters have not been well founded, and that
the Dolphin is 10 be accepted rs n seawoTthy
vessel well-designed, carefully constructed
and structurally strong. The officers aud crew,
who have barely recovered from the shaking
up received off Bermuda. will also be relieved
by the prospect of shore duty. 10 have
exposed them to additional naval exercise when
they had hardly regained their sea legs would
hnve been severe discipline.
There is one statement in this Washington
di,patch which we do not understand Ii is
asserted that the Department will formally
Al. ~
narIes can be arranged. This seems to imply
that Captain Meade has been cruising III
vessel which the Government does not own.
There must be some mistake III this statement.
If the Department has borrowed MIR. Roachs
shin and ordered her to cruise in search of
storms and hurricanes in this inclement season,
it is to be hoped that the owner has been
allowed ~ insure his property ut current marine
rates 1t il pot the practice OF the Government
TO insure its war vessels. since commanders in
time of pcAcc are expected to remain IN port
when there is threatening weather, and to be
extremely cautious and prudent in navigation
Since Captain Meade has been securing the
high seas for a storm and pittlng the snip IN
the most trying positions in order to test her
seaworthincss, it may be assumed that the Gov
ernment has taken the risks OF her beng
wrecked and virtually owns her.
Indeed, we are surprised to learn that there is
any uncertainty in regard TO the acceptance and
ownership of the Dolphin. Under the agree
ment with the assignecs the Department appar-
emily took possession of the vessel which it had
formally rejected and so far as the builder was
concerned it was stipulated that he should get
the unpaid balance, whetAer he won or lost his
suit in the Court Of Claims. We would say that
the vessel had been most eilcctually accepted.
and trial trips and further formaltlcs are super
huous. Having got the Dolphin, why does not
the Department take rs good care of her as 1t
does of the eight-knot tubs which constitute
the present American NavyY