Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1889-09-16
FASTEST CRUISER AFLOAT.
The Baltimore on Her Sea Trip Makes
Over Twenty Knots an Hour.

From unofficial reports received here con-
cerning the recent trial trip of the new cruiser
Baltimore, built by the Cramps of Philadelphia
for the government, it would seem that she is
one of the greatest successes in naval archi-
lecture yet constructed for the new navy. She
has, it seems, not only exceeded her contract
requirement to develop 5000 horse power but
she has, in addition, made an average speed of
twenty and one-ffth knots which entities her
to foremost place among all floating struct-
ures, whether naval or commercial.
She started out Wednesday morning and re-
turned yesterday afternoon. During her trial
trip she was commanded by Capt Steel of
Cramps yards. Those on board in addition
were Capt w. A. Kirkland, chief of the exam
lining board; Capt. Chambers, the pilot; Capt.
Winfield Scott Schley, U.SN., who will COM
mand the Baltimore after it is accepted and nut
in commissions; William NJ. and Jacob Cramp
and a large number of invited guests.
The first days run was made Wednesday
to Reedy's island, which was reached Wednes-
day evening. Owing to fog she was anchored
at Ship John light, where she Law until morn
ing. At O'Clock Thursday a trial trip was
made, the officers were shown the working OF
the machinery, short run was made and she
returned to the Brandywine. Her run was
make In the face of very heavy seas, and while
all the other vessels sought protection she con-
tinued on her course. The heavy sea did not
affect the boat and she proved herself entirely
seaworthy. No attempt at speed was made
during this trip.
At $40 the next morning the cruiser took a
due southeast course to Cape Henlopen, a run
OF 6O miles, on the course given. During the
four-hour run that she made, despite the heavy
storm on the coast it was found that the aver
age speed attained was 10 and 3-5th knots per
hour. The maximum speed was 20 and 18th
knots per hour during the third hour out. The
average revolution was 120 per minute, with
10000 horse power, 1000 more than the limit
fixed by the contract.
This, if verified by the official report, will
entitle the builders to premium of 500, 900,
and will make her the fastest cruiser afoat.
Another trial was given Saturday during the
run up. She was circled three times to star
board and three times to port. making each
complete turn In less than seven minutes. A
list OF the engines was also made, both being
run ahead and afterward reversed while rum
ming at full speed; the change of action was
accomplished in fifteen seconds.
THE OFFICERS APPROVAL.
The officers accompanying the cruiser on her
trip expressed to Messrs. Cramp their great
pleasure and satisfaction with the cruisers 8
work. They called attention to its splendid
record in the face of SO many disadvantages.
the high winds and powerful waves, caused by
the terrific cyclone which were prevailing along
the coast at the time. They also expressed
the easy motion of the entire machinery of the
vessel. Capt. Schley, who will be COM
mander of the Baltimore after her acceptance,
is fully persuaded that he will have under his
control the finest vessel of that class afoat in
this or any other country.