Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1886-11-20
IMPROVED GUNS FOR THE NAVY.
Report of Commodore sicard.
THE SATISFACTORY MANUFACTURE OF STEEL
ORDNANCE IN THIS CoUNTRY-ARMAMENTo OF
THE NAVAL VESSELS, ETC.

THE SATISFACTORY MANUFACTURE OF STEEL
ORDNANCE IN THIS CoUNTRY-ARMAMENT OF
THE NAVAL VESSELS, ETC.
The annual report OF Commodore sicard. chief
Of ordnance, to the Secretary of the Navy was
made public to-day. The amount expended
during the year was $2,741.4 .494, of which
81 100000 was for the armament of vessels.
considerable number of the 6-inch high
power steel guns have been finished and fired at
the naval ordnance proving ground. They
have all endured proof in q very satisfactory
manner, and over 1000 feet muzzle velocity
was readily obtained with standard powder and
projectiles and moderate chamber pressures.
The two 5-inch guns tor the Chicago have been
finished. One has been fired at the proving
ground, and the results are very satisfactory,
although the powder used was not made Tor the
gun. \ powder will be made for this caliber.
The first S-inch gun finished has also been
proved, with most satisfactory results. Chase
and nuzzle hoops for heavy guns have been
made in the United States, and, as far as fitted
are satisfactory fact, in quality The two lo,nch
one is smooth-bored, and the rifling will com.
mence speedily.
STEEL SHELLS WANTED.
Nearly all the cast iron common shell for the
use OF the new steel cruisers have been cast and
are largely completed, but cast iron is not q
suitable metal for the manufacture of projec-
tiles for use from high power guns. as it has not
the necessary strength and eXtecsibility TO sup
port satisfactorily the shock OF striking ordin-
ary targets. OF course against armor plates it
would be useless. For some years the bureau
mas been trying TO obtain from our steel makers
some unhammered cast steel common shell for
use against unarm0red ships. Several firms
have presented castings, but none have thus far
passed satisfactorily, being mostly porous
otherwise unsound. Efforts will be continued
In this direction for 1t is absolutely necessary
10 have stronger metal to replace cast iron for
common shells. There is but little doubt that
the art OF making solid steel castings will soon
advance sufficiently to enable us to overcome
the difficulties that have thus far presented
themselves in this matter.
THE ARMAMENT OF THE NEW CRUISERS
For the new ships approaching completion we
have eighteen 6-inch and three S-inch and two
5-inch guns finished, and three 6-inch and five
S-inch we'll advanced. together with all the car.
riages for the Atlanta and Boston, ana all for
the Chicago except the S-inch. All the guns of
the secondary batteries and nearly all the small
arms have been provided, anu all the electric
search lights and appendages The mounts for
the secondary batteries are being pressed; most
OF the powder OF the Atlanta and Boston is de-
livered, and that Tor the Chicago VIII Ue ordered
speedily. The equipments OF the unfinished
ships are now In u forward state.
ARMAMENT OF THE PROJECTED SHIPS AND OF
THE MONITORS.
The sum of 81 100000 has been appropriated
toward the commencement of the armament of
the ships authorized to be built and completed
at the last two sessions of Congress. The de-
signs for the guns of these vessels virtually
finished, and also those Tor all but the heaviest
OF the carriages. Preparations are being made
tor receiving bids on The gun iorgings.
ARMAMENT FOR SHIPS NOW IN SERVICE.
The third-rate modern ships last built are
good sea boats, have compound engines, and
are In most important respects good examples
OF the best class of wooden vessels. They will
last some years and must be depended upon to
do most OF the work OF the navy until a suffi-
clent number OF new ships are built TO replace
them. 1t appears desirae that they should
receive modern armament, as the impress
sion they produce without it is but Signt.
When they are finally replaced the armament
Will answer for newer vessels. There are eigitH
OF the Class referred TO, but the bureau has suUe
m1tted estimates for six, assuming that two
may become unservicable before their arma-
ment could be prepared.
Trials with the Howell torpedo were not con-
FCIuS1v0, auu1t Is undertOOd that sco0assany is
engaged in further celebrating the weapon.
THE INSTRUCTION OF ENLISTED MEN
has been pursued both at the ordnance depart
ment of the Washington navy yard and at the
torpedo station. The course OF instruction Will
be made to cover four months instead OF SIX,
the former period being considered sufficient
for the present.
Attention is called to the importance of fur
nisning the torpedo station at Newport with
two steam launches with which to exercise the
torpedo class IN the maneuverS, wnicn they
will be expected to put in practice i'll time ol
war.
1t is impossible for the small number of clerks
and one draugntman now allowed 10 properly
keep up with all the work the bureau and
the Increase oi TWO frsl-class clerks, one copy
ist. and one assistant draughtsman, is urgently
mmRndod