New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1886-11-21
NATIONAL CAPITAL TOPICS.
CONDITION OF NAVAL ORDNANCE.

WASHINGTON, Nov. 20-Commodore Montgomery sieard
Chief Of the Bureau Of Naval Ordnance in his annual
port TO the secretary of the Navy says that
during the year n number of the 6inch high
power steel guns have been finished and fired
at the Naval Ordnance Proving Ground. They have
all endured proof in satisfactory manner and over 1000
feet muzzle velocity readily obtained with standard
powder and projeces and moderate chamber
The two 5inch for the Chicago have been finished
since the last port One has been fired at the Proving
Ground and the results satisfactory although the
powder used not made for the gun The first snch
finished has also been proved with most satisfactory
results.
Under the head of procctiles Commodore sicard
ments upon the unsuitable character Of cast iron
material for proeces intended to be used in hgbpower
guns and the failure OF steel makers to supply unhsm
mered cast steel shells OF good quality He that 1t Is
absolutely necessary have a stronger metal replace
cast iron for common shells.
Under the head of machine and cannon the report
the tendency abroad the calbre OF such
cannon and the opinion expressed that pieces throwing
proectile Of 20 and 30 pounds will he perfected
Cartridges for Hotchkiss have been produced IN this
country which perform better than those abroad.
forward state The South Boston Iron Works have Writ
ually completed the six 6inch guns which are 10 be
assembled and finished there and the two snch guns are
The West Point Foundry has made good the
guns that he finished there The contract Of the
Midvale Steel Works for 6inch forgngs is nearly filed
only few remaining to be furnished
S2741 494, including S.5OoOOO toward the armament
of vessels authorized and 81 0S6 $50 for fuel labor
eral armament and new proving ground.
OBSERVATIONS OF A DEFEATED FREETRADER-
WASHINGTON Nov 30 tSpecldh. Con gresham Hurd is
Of the most cheerful of men. He says that he
the Democratic party in better shape than
now With great question like tariff reform before
them there will be lack OF leaders in the House. He
says There Is Mr.. Carlisle Of course at the head of
the House and there are Mr.. Mills. the two Brecken-
ridges, Mr. Holman and Tarsney Of Michigan. Tars-
ney has just his second term, and he is good
and then Mr. Cox, OF NewYork. comes back. Tariff
reform is the advance. What II needs Is agitation
talked nothing could be expected
and everybody thinking Of it, and the theories Of
protection cannot stand discussion People will look at
the question as Mr. Carlisle did In his speech at the
Iroquois banquet Tariff reform principles bound to
grow from discussion. II we have lost in places
have gained in Others
How about the suggestion that Mr.. Carlisle may de-
cline the Speakership of the h Congress TO take the
lead on the floor e. asked the reporter.
Oh, He do more for tariff reform as Speaker.
The Speaker the leader the House. There legs
Speaker has greater recognition than in the House Of
Representatives.
Speaking OF the Administration Mr. Hurd says :" Mr..
Cleveland Ia exceedingly popular. No President In my
day generation has been popular among the people
he Is. | know | not mistaken in this. have
There never was Administration popular as this
among Republicans as well as among Democrats. Mr..
Cleveland IL strong. There can be no mistakng the
popular feeling"