The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1890-12-01
Tne naw Battle Ships.

Until the year 1889 the modern additions
to the navy consisted chiefly of cruisers of
from 5000 to 1900 tons. and of gunboats of
under 1000. The projected armored vessels
included the Maine and the Texas, battle
ships OF the second class, and one harbor de-
fence vessel, the Monterey In the annual
report of last year the department advocated
new departure in naval construction, and
strongly urged the policy of building first
class battle-ships, as being by far the most
important constituents of defensive force,
capable of effective nSe in time of war. Con-
gress carried out this policy, and in the act
OF June 30, 1890, authorized the construction
of three sea-going, coast-line battle-shIps.
These battle-ships are TO be fighting ma
chimes OF the highest order. Tney will have
maximum speed of 1862 knots and Is knots
sustained sea speed.
The battery of the battle-ships is the
heaviest and most effective in battle carried
today by any ship afloat or projected, and its
disposition is such as to make it tell with
terrific effect. 1t includes four 13-inch rifles
In turrets and two S-inch rifled guns. capa-
BILE of piercing the armcr of any ship afloat
at distance of two miles.
The secondary battery consists of twenty
six FOUNDER rapid-fring guns, six one pound
ers, and two Gatings, so disposed that a rain
of .projectiles can be thrown upon every
point of approach, sufficient to destroy any
light boat that may venture within range.
The vessel also carries six torpedo tubes
two of them fixed at the bow and stern and
TOUR adjusted for training upon the sides.
The bow of the ship consists of power
full ram, rand both bow and stern above the
protective deck can be entirely shot away
without endangering the safety of the ship.
BY the act authorizing the battle ships
there were also provided for, cruiser No.12. a
torpedo cruiser of 750 tons and required
speed Of % knots, and torpedo boat similar
TO the Gushing. The battle ships and cruis
er No. II are under contract, and bids will
soon be opened for the torpedo boats.
Some Powerful Vessels.
Cruiser No. 6 belongs to the recognized
cruiser type, but her greater.size permits an
expansion in those qualities wherein the or
binary cruisers are most defective-coal en-
durance and sustained speed. Her coal ca
pacity is 1900 tons, which gives her an efec
tive radius of $1,000 miles, q distance far in
excess Of the average vessel of this type.
Inc combination OF sustained speed. excep'
tionai coai enGorance, powerful battery, and
a certain amount OF armOr protection make
her cruiser Of no ordinary character.
In Cruiser No. II the Department has
sought to produce vessel absolutely with
out parallel among the war ships of the
Worln. Inc combination here made unites
a sut1clent armament with complete protec-
lion against light guns, while at the same
| time the vessel will have sea speed and a
coal endurance hitherto unknown in ships.of
war She will be match for the most swift
transatlantic liner afloat to-day, carving
any armament of which such vessel is cap
able. No merchant vessel that she meets,
armed or unarmed, can escape from her.
The object which the Department has
aimed at in the New York, and which, it is
confidently believed, has been attained, is
an unusual combination of great offensive
and defensive power. with extraordinary
coal endurance and a high rate of speed.
The Maine, constructed at the Brooklyn
navy yard, stands In class by herself. Her
first keel plate was laid October Ii, 1888. Tho
work on the YES vel has been pushed with the
utmost vigor, and she was launched success
fully on the 18th CT November, 1890. She is
the first ship of her size ever built In a navy
yard, and her workmanship would reflect
nigh credit upon any establishment. Three
OF her four 1O-lnch guns have been forged
and are in course of manufacture at the
Washington Gun Factory. Her machinery,
building by contract, is making good pro
gresS, and she has for some time been ready
for her armor, the delay in obtaining it hay
ing necessitated slight modification In de-
sign. If no further delay occurs in this re-
spect, the ship will be in commission by july,
1892.
Other Matters Considered.
When the great international review, au-
thorized by Congress, is held in New York
harbor In 1893. Secretary Tracy says we shall
have in commission, unless unforeseen de-
lays occur, Sc modern naval vessels, includ-
10 armored ships.
Reference is made to the success of the ex-
periments with nickel-steel armor and the
appropriation by Congress of 81, 100000 for
the purchase OF nickel matte.
DtIOIe entering upon extensive purchases,
the department. has thought 1t wise to make
still further tests, and with this in view a
limited quantity of nickel, amounting in
value 10 about $4,000, has been purchased.
no more VIII be procured until complete ex-
| perimentS have been made.
Satisfactory progress has been made in the
manufacture OF heavy guns and the facili-
sles at the national gun factory have been
| greatly enlarged. There has been marked
decrease in the cost of the guns made here.
Inc secretary deplores the fact that this
country Is absolutely without automobile
| tOrpedoes.
| Negotiations have therefore been under
taken with the Whitehead Torpedo Compa-
ny VIII view 10 demonstrating the manu-
| 1acture OF thelr torpedo, the most successful
| yet produced in the world F.vorahle teTms
have been made and an order will shortly be
| placed Win an American firm for a number
| of Whitehead torpedoes. "1 WI
Measure are suggested to increase the pro.
motions from the junior grades of oficers
Unuer tne present system, the spectacle will
De pLesenteu, aS tune not very far distant,
| of the whole grade of lieutenants in thp
| navy composed Of men between the ages ot
| thirty seven and fifty four. Foually imnera.
| tive is the demand for an Increase in tho 90.
| gineer corps, now much below the reouIsite
| strength.
Our oefenceIess Ports.
4 In