Delaware gazette and state journal. (Wilmington, Del.) 1883-1902, 1889-12-26
TIE roKN rowN,s okyIsE.
safe I'm Lisbon, After au Exciting
hun and u Combat with N Heavy

SHie.
Sew York Timos sp cal.
LISBON, Dec 23.-rhe United etstes
cruiser YORKTOWN steamed into the Tagus
today aud anchored near the Chicago,
tho Atlanta, and the Boston, the other
three cruisers, comprising the American
squadron OF evolution. She was exactly
two days behind the other vessels of the
squadron. She has just wsathered
heavy gale in which her seagoing quail
ties were put TO severe test. She be-
haved admirably.
For two days and two nights Comman-
der Chadwick and his men were com.
PEELED to display their seamsnship.
when the gale was at its height the steel
ateeging quadrant broke in two places,
and the littls cruiser, falling of rapidly,
was Repeatedly swept by tho heavy seas
that tumbled over her. The heavy drags
rugged overheard at the early approach OF
the storm had their effect. Except the
breaking of the quadrant, the only aoci-
dent which happened was the loss OF
whaleboat. The cruiser stopped at Fayal
two days. She recovered lost time by
running from Fayal to this port, dis
tAnce Of $50 miles in three days, The
average daily run was 316 miles.
Upon leaving Boston sailing orders
were issued by Admiral Walker requiring
the four cruisers to keep together. Tho
/ formation adopted wA9 that of cross,
the Chicago leading, with the Boston on
her atarhoard quarter, the Atlanta on her
mort, and the yorktown last, 400 yards
behind. At sunset the formation WAS
changed, the Yorktown moving up to
/ loo NJ tha nj alu
port quarter. For tho first Eve days
beautiful weather was experienced, light
easterly winds prevailing until the latter
part OF the fifth day, when the wind sud
denly shifting to the Houthward devel,
oped gradually into a fierce gale. The
heavier displnoeMents OF the Chicago,
Atlanta and Boston enabled them 10 keep
positions in the cross regardless of the
heavy seas.
This Yorktown gradually began to fall
behind, and soon lost sipht of the rest OF
the fleet. Commander Chadwick wisely
decided TO heeye to. The collision maj
was rugged, end the cruiser rode stern tC
the sea. The waves met and parted over
the sharp stern as readily as il it had
been the bow II was while riding IL
this fashion that the accident to tht
quadrant of hye-iuch steel occurred. Al
counter drag. whaleboat, with plu.
drawn, was lowered. AS 1t filed with
water it was paid away on six-incl
hawser. The haRser snapped, and ava,
went the boat. A big sea caught tn
cruiser, poured into the forecestle, ant
uwept away chests and ladders, but doinj
no other damage. The cruiser carrie,
herself splendidly during this exciting
period.
The storm lasted throughout Thursda
and Friday, but moderated on 5aturda
sufficiently to allow the Yorktown /
resume her course, temporary repair
having in the meantime been made to th
steering gear. Westerly gales continue
to follow her for the next four days. o
Wednesday Fayal was sighted and III
cruiser ontne to anchor at Horta. PERM
nant repairs were made to the steerin
gear and coal was taken aboard. TW
| days later she sailed for this port, favore
once more with pleasant weather An
! smooth sailing. A new quadrant az
whRlehoat will be furnished her at SON
one of the European ports.
. No special effort was made by Il
| squadron on the run over to ooonomii
AhO hNoAoBO uhil9 '
, the Chicago for all purposes was So ton
of the Boston and Atlanta 80 tons, aud
the Yorktown while running 200 kno
t per day, - tons. On the run from Fay
o to Lisbon the Yorktown burned 30 to-
S daily. 1t has been demonstrated to Il
Q satisfaction of everybody that the eigt
. knot speed ia not economical for Il
q Yorktown, for the pressure OF the "trip
b expansion engines gets too low in Il
i final cylinder. The Yorktowh's boiler
engines and all the fittings worked pc
teotly. She could 90 to sen again at on
but for the condition Of tho steeril
/. gear. Her entire trip was practical
= made under three fourths boiler powC
one-haIt boiler power would have be-
ample but for the need of addition
4 power for the electric lighting and he's
q ing. Fresh water was maintained in i
n boilers throughout the trip, losses bel
a made good by distillinR
!. The Grew OF the Yorktown deser
/. credit for their sesmanship aud trainin
! The health OF the officers and men is c
a celle@t.