New-York tribune., 1890-03-31
THE NAVY CRUISER PHILADELPHIA.

THE INTEREST N THE COMING SPEED TRIAL9
DESCRIPTION OF HER WONDERFUL CLOCK.
Philadelphia March 3o-Thc speed trial of the new
cruiser Philadelphia. which Is TO take place In few
days. Is Attracting much interest among naval archi-
tects as well among naval engineers. The trai u
Of especial interest because speed Is substituted ior
horse power as the gdarJnteed element in this ship
also upon the san Francscol and upon this feature
depend, only her actual acceptance by the Govern
ment. but also the earnings of premiums for excess
or the forfeiture Of penalties for deficiency OF speed
The guaranteed speed is nineteen Knots for four con-
secutive hours, and for each quarter of knot made
in excess of this speed the contractors TO receive
a bonus OF $4,000 But should she fail TO make this
speed there will be deducted from the contract price
$4,000 for each quarter OF knot under the guarsn-
teed speed
The contract to build the Philadelphia was awarded
to Cramp IL Sons October -, 1857, and the limit
Of time for her completion two years, the price
10 be paid being 81 Sl350000. exclusive OF armament.
An extension OF five months time TO complete her
was allowed by the Government, owing to the delay
caused b. the inability of the contractors to procure
the necessary plating and other materials promptly.
The vessel was launched september :, 1859. and
the time for her completion expired on Thursday last
The vessel is 3l5 feet in length 4s II feet beam,
l,ii3 tons displacement, and Is fitted with trplcex-
pan-ion engines. She Is a protected cruiser like tho
Baltimore. but with main battery which differs ma
terally from thai 0f her elder sister. she i 10 carry
twelve Ginch guns. mounted in Sponsons about
eighteen feet above the waerne being PLACED for
ward two aft and four either brOadsidc six
6-pounder rapd.iring, six Iotchhss revolving, four
Gatng and two 81 7-millmetre guns and five torpedo
launching tubes.
When the day set for launching her. it was pro-
posed that the married daughter Of secretary Tracy
should chrslcn her. but 50 mach comment followed
tie violation of the unwrittcn but rcvered law among
naval people that all Government vessels shall 10
named by maldcns when married woman was per-
mtted 10 chri,cn t.c Baltimore. that Miss Minnie
Wan. maker, daughter Of the postmaser-o oeaeral was
selected for the nonor.
In recognition OF the compliment paid to the Quaker
CITY In naming The vessel Philadelphia, GcOIge ".
Chds, 4. j. Drcxel and other citizens nave had an
elaborate nautical clock made which j. said TO be the
- finest clock afoatr Il is about forty inches high
and thirty two inches wide The face Is beautifully
decorated the design being from the original coat
bronze gold and silver. The borders II the face Of
the clock made OF bronze rope In relief. with y
foul anchor az either corner at INC Top On inc back
ground is representation OF the ntcd States nag.
lie beug In relief. The field OF the circular
dial is Of solid silver. upon which are engraved the
figures OF Agriculture AMI Commerce. All OF the or
nancutaton OF the dial, the figures and the hour
and minute hands of gold \ majestic spread
cagl. surmouns the dial and the figures which stand
ten inches high, and are OF solid gold. Under the
dial are two American iaSs. with unique shield rep
latest pattern peep out from behind the shield. Tho
base oi the clock represents. IN raised bronze run
ming below which is naval pennant with these
words upon II; =" l. :. :. Philadelphia The move
mcnts of The clock are unlike any other
stpcIed in this country. They will strike the ships
bell automatically, and will ring out chimes
minutes before eight bells TO give warning of
change in each watch: The following inscription Is
OH etGr iiuc % ,ne rsen,u TO ,ne cruiser
by Edward IL. Filter. Mayor; Robert NJ McWade, SEQ.
rotary; Drcxel Co., treasurers; 1907