Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1889-01-28
TESTING THE DYNAMITE GUN.


From the New York Tribune January 81
The postponed trial, at Fort Lafayette, Of the
new Zslinski dynamite gun came off yesterday
and was attended with a complete success. On
the occasion Of the first trial, which took place
last Saturday, Capt. Zalinski, after firing two
shots, was compelled, owing to leakage in one
of the valves, to suspend operations for that
day. At the initial trial it was intended to sub
ject the gun to six varying tests. Yesterday
nine shots in all were fred, with projecties
feet in length, 10 inches in diameter, each
charged with 200 pounds of explosive gelatine
and dynamite. The uniform range was about
2, 100 yards.
After q sand shot had been fred with view
TO securing the necessary mark, the first loaded
shell was discharged at ii % a. m. This shell
split and there was for the moment q slight
feeling OF dismay, which soon wore away rs
each Of the shells that followed kept a clean
steady line, striking the water close to the tar
get. Nine times there was a long-drawn hiss
from the gun, followed by a crash, and then q
great body OF water rose into the air, tottered
and fell back into the sea. Capt. Zalinsh
turned round each time with satisfied smile.
The last shot fairly struck the target, result
that was greeted with much applause.
Later in the afternoon Capt. Zalinsh fred
sand shot at ranges varying from 1000 to so
yards in order to demonstrate to the reporting
board, Commander Goodrich, Lieut.. Fiske,
and Lieut.. Schroeder, the efficacy of his gun
at short ranges He intended to try a shot
with 600 pounds of dynamite, but discovering
on a preliminary trial with 500 pounds of sand
that the heavier projectile would not balance
properly with the tubes in use, decided to
abandon work for the day.
The gun has a smooth bore, divided into
four sections, pivoted at the rear on a conical
pedestal, upon which il turns by means Of n.y.
draulic power. 1t can be elevated by n.y.
draulic ram to an angle of IS degrees. At the
left side Of the gun, at the rear, is telescope
sight with a seat for the operator. When the
Projectile is in position the gun can be worked
by one man with the aid Of ahand-lever.
Senator Hiscock as Political Prophet.
From the New York Tribune.
The following extract from letter addressed
BY Senator Hiscock to Mr.. Chandler, dated
Syracuse. N. Y, June 81, 1887, shows the former
to have been a remarkably shrewd political
prophet:
THE democracy" wrote Mr.. Hiscock, "must
take the initiative in revenue reduction. First,
there will be the report Of the Secretary of the
Treasury and the Presidents message, both
apprehend opposing reduction Of the duty on
sugar and the internal revenue. and striking
vigorously at the customs taxes on about every
thing except sugar. My idea has been that the
next national conventions will find US debating
~ fucs"oh, sur pius dccuiluiatinS III the
Treasury at the rate of twelve or fifteen mil
hons per month; and it is not unlikely that
Congress will adjourn without having accom-
plished anything. The issues then will go to
the people in the presidential election, and
platform-makers will have their hands full in
the national conventions. II Congress adj
journs without a reduction, the republicans
will elect presidential ticket. If reduction
is accomplished at all, of course it will be on
line Of the Presidents Recommendation; the
democracy will have the credit Of it. If our
industries. capital and labor are satisfied and
approve, for one shall not be hopeful of car
rying the country in 1888; otherwise We cannot