New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1891-05-28
RECENT N4VAL DEPARTURES.

Secretary Iracy's article in 1.-The North
American Review furnishes lucid explanations
of the novel features of naval architecture IN
PRODUCED under the present Administration. The
work of the Arthur Administration in this field
was tentative, but satisfactory in It's results
1t marked the beginning of a systematic policy
of naval development. The first four cruisers
were not in advance of the best methods OF
shipbulding employed in Europe, but it was
new work for American designers and mechan-
| les. and in view of the inexpenence of all con-
cerned in their construction it was remarkable
that steel ships of such excellence, fairly repre-
senting the progress of the period, should have
been produced The next stage of development
was largely initiative. -Four of Secretary Whit
ney's fast cruisers were reproductions OF English
ships, and were built from plans purchased
abroad. The Texas, the first battle-ship, was
also modelled after an English vessel. Under
| Secretary Tracy's administration OF the Depart
ment dependence has been placed exclusively
upon the inventive and mechanical resources OF
| the Nation. The construction of vessels OF an
entirely novel character has been undertaken
during the last two years. These features are
| described by the Secretary as experimental,
since they embrace in their design elements
which are wholly individual and unusual. The
| attention of foreign experts has recently been
| directed to these vessels by Mr.. Bes, an Eng
| ish naval architect of reputation and expert
ence Superficial structures upon the designs
are satisfactorily answered by the Secretary.
The new and original types are four in num-
| ber Cruiser No. 6, the armored cruiser New
York. the vessel popularity known as the Pirate,
and the coast defence battleships. In the first
three the attempt is made to remedy one of the
| radical defects OF the cruisers already in COM
mission: inferior coal endurance. The Bai-
more and Philadelphia cannot make longer
voyage than 1000 miles without running into
port for COAL This Disadvantage has been re-
Gently illustrated in the Charleston's pursuit of
the Itata If the cruiser had not been COM
PEELED to coal at Acapulco she would have
captured her quarry within forty eight hours.
The Itata increased her lead over twenty four
hours owing to the cruisers detention at AGA
pucO. In time of war vessels like the Baltimore
| could not be in active service on the ocean more
than week at time. In Cruiser No. and
also in the New-York the radius of action
has been increased from z 900 to 1900 miles
by enlarging the coaling facilities; and in the
Pirate it is run up to 20, 900 miles. All these
vessels are of the highest speed, the first two
being guaranteed for 20 and the Pirate for %
knots. The New York and the Pirate are armed
with powerful batteries, and are designed not
only for overhaung the fastest European liners
through their sustained sea-speed, but also for
destroying the most formidable Alabama that
may be matched against them.
Coal endurance is requisite for such vessels
as we have been considering. A cOast-defence
battle-ship does not need to carry much coal,
since she is always in port and can readily re-
new her supplies Nor is it essential that she
should have the highest speed, since she is only
designed for the protection of home waters and
not for cruising at sea. What is of the first
importance is her ability to sink any battle-ship
that may be sent to operate against her, and at
the same time to be invulnerable herself. Coal
endurance and speed are subordinated in the
Massachusetts, Indiana and Oregon to armor
and armament. All the elements have been
readjusted in weight so as to secure maximum
defensive and offensive power The result ac-
complished is the placing of heavier battery
upon ship of 10000 tons than an English ship
of 14,150 tons carries, and this, too, with a
comparatively heavier hull and with armor that
is substantially as strong What has been sac
rfced is IA knots in speed and normal coal
supply 500 tons less than an English battle.
ship is accustomed TO carry.
| These results are so remarkable that English
critics are cavilling over the designs as miscal-
cuated failures. Mr.. Biles, who has given ex-
haustiye study to the subject, does not join in
| these structures, but commends both the pro-
:ected cruisers and battle-ships as a match for
any ships of their class now afoat. The Eng
lish designers are naturally surprised that q