New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1890-07-22
EXAMINATION OF THE YORKTOWN.
DETERIORATION OF HER BOTTOM FROM COR
ROsIoN AND PITTING-THE R0ACH-BUILT
SHIPS IN MUCH BETTER CONDITION.

The Board appointed to make a denomination Of
Tho bottnm of the new cruiser Yorktown TO determine
10 what extent the pitting and corroson has injured
the mates will probably begin work today. and will
mot fnsb II before the end Of the week. In view of
previous reports concerning the damage done, much
SUNRISE Is expressed that the plates now to be
in sucb good condition. of the officers say that
,be inturv is sETt. but recognize that some protcc-
ton must be given to the submerged portions of the
pc steel vessels, either by sheathng, coating with
an anti -fouing and anti-corrosive paint.
The Board which examined the YorkOwn's bottom
when she was in the dock at Malta prepared for the
Navy Department gutta percha impressions of the
defects discovered. These defects divided into
three classes There were large patches showing cor
rosion over which there was a scale and these we're
found principally the keel plates and where the keel
had Iqisted on the blocks at previous docking there
were small pits which, and projecting beyond the
surface Of the paint, was deposit Of soft rust Of
reddish color which was easily removed but under
meath and filling the pitholcs a black substance
resembling plumbago; and the third class pted
patches which were free from rust
The Board of the opinion that the first form of
defect caused by the absence Of ant-corrosvc
covering the second form might have been caused by
particles Of moisture under the pant or by defects
In the metal and the third from the appearance would
seem to indicate the effect OF galvanic actions the
positive plate Of electrolytic cell There was also
reported streak on the sarbOard side and one on the
port side found to be cOrroded and pittcd in some
places a depth of three siXtecnths of inch. The
edges Of Of the plates at each side forward were
also found to be considerably chafed by the anchor
chain. \ long deep scratch was also discovered and
it still remains. under the portQuarter. extending over
thirteen plates As this scratch partly filed with
cement and covered with TIE antifouling paint.
the Board is of the impression that it existed before the
vessel was turned 10 the Government by the con
tractors. The paint used the bottom has served
well anti foulng substance, but j. not effective
against CorrosiOn.
With regard the other vessels OF the squadron OF
Evolution the Yorktown brought home reports of their
condition at the time they locked al Malta The
hull Of the Chicago reported 10 b.. In general, IN
excellent condition. and not covered TO extent with
grass other submarine growth. .
The Boston, which had three coats of the anti foulnS
paint october, in fairly good condition. there
being little vegetable growth on any part. belt
about the water line, not painted, covered with a
and unbroken, the iron was found in perfect
condition.
The general condition Of the Atanta's bottom was
good and there wa, little submarine growth, except
belt above the watcrnc where 1t had not been painted
with the ccrmiCdc substance in November ON the
surface Of the paint there found in many places
reddish spots reddish Ccnccs varying from mere
point, 10 the size of pea. These were found 10 hc
rust spots, where pitting just beginning. ON the
port bow near the keel. spot of p!ttng haVlu;
a depth Of about one-~xtcenth q an uch Tho rlvet
heads in the Orcfoot considerably eaten into The
germicide paint on the Atlanta proved more effective
than the MCuucss and other paints us"d on the other
vessels, bui 1Tc condition Of the lorktown's plate,
which had been iii service from one 70 four year,
longer