New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1891-01-09
MAKING GUNS FOR COAST DEFENCE.
BIDS OPENED AT THE WAR DEPARTMENT-AD-
VANTAGE OF HAVING An ARMY
GUN FACTORY.

BIDS OPENED AT THE WAR DEPARTMDNT-AD-
VANTAGE OF HAVING An ARMY
GUN FACTORY.
Washington, Jan. (SpecaD.-Bids were opened
on Monday by the Chief Of ordnance OF the Army Tor
twenty-five Snch fifty 1OInch and twenty-five 12lnch
steel guns intended part OF the armament IN tie
War Departments scheme of coast defence. For TINS
Use Congress had appropriated S3,773OOO, OF when
S25OOO0 used by the Department for accessories.
The specifications were furnished by tie Ordnance De-
partment. which also provided for inspection and
laid down system Of tests. The Midyale steel
Company, Of Philadelphia proposed 10 construct tho
s-inch guns for So2,028 each the 10ilch guns for
S5l $50 each, and the 12inch guns for ss6,192 eacl
AT total cost Of S5350,50o. one type OF each
cabre would be furnished within three years from the
acceptance of the proposal, and the remaining guns
would be completed within eight years from the ac-
ceptance Of the type guns. The only other bid was
from the South Boston Iron Works Of MllsborOug KY
The firm proposed 10 construct one type OF the onch
steel rifle for 10000 and 300 rounds of ammunition
for ga ,342 80. The remaining twenty four olnch
guns, each with ten rounds of ammunition, were to
be furnished for 800 800 each. The experimental gun
was 10 be delivered for trial in January 1885, and the
balance at the rate Of per year after the acceptance
Of the type gum single type Of the lO-inch gun
was to be constructed FOR 46560 and 300 rounds OF
ammunition for $43,350. This type gun was TO
be ready for delivery by June l, 1893. The remaining
forty nine 0nch guns, each with ten rounds or am
munton are to be furnished for 94 900 each deliver
able the rate Of five guns per after the trial OF
the type gun. single type of the 12inch guns to be
delivered January 1894 10 cost S76,oOO and 30
rounds Of ammunition 100000. The remaining twenty
four guns Of this cabre, each with ten rounds OF am
muniton would be furnished for $4,000 each deliver
able AT the rate Of three per year after the trial OF
the typc gun An alternative proposal was presented
by the south Boston Iron Works that guns Of United
ions workmanship
inspection would be furnished prices stated by the
Chief Of Ordnance in his last annual report. II was
proposed further that the delivery would be AS rapid as
the Chief Of Ordnance estimated the delivery OF guns
from the Watervlict Arsenal.
The results Of the opening far from satisfactory
In both instances the definite bids exceed the appro-
pratlon and no action remains for the Ordnance officers
other than the rejection OF tie proposals 1t is doubt
ful II Congress will be asked to in ;reaso the appropra
ton since the results contemplated In the act
authorizing these hundred guns have been sug-
gested by the Ordnance authorities In their
plans for army gun factory at Water
vllet The Chief Of Ordnance estimated the cost OF
operating perfected factory at 81 $4,000 per annum
! of which amount S1,300,O0O would be required tor
steel forgingS under tho most approved raclAleS ol
manufacture proposed by General Bene, me ty 10
inch guns in 1897, and tie twenty I'VE LINEN guns ~
-93 such an OUTPUT OF course depends po am S
fcient supply OF forgnc' not 20 say az %
OF the plant at expense Of SlO2o7 a. I'M, latet
/ expenditure would be, however, fOr all uIt' p,Slucs
making II possible for the Government "a furnish the
armament for its own works Of defence. Even undrs
these crcurtan il will be thirteen years before the
eleven forts recommended for fertilization can be sup
Piled with the required guns. Perhaps the opening ol
Yesterday will stand the best argument for Govern
nent gun factory IL shows thar economy OF time
would result in the establishment Of fully equipped
| gun factory While the Midvale Company would con,
! sumo eleven years I'm the production Of me 100
guns desired. and the south Boston occupy uitll lJO9
before IL furnished like supply. the army gun factory
! would present the same armament by 1897 Each bid.
excluding the indefinite alternate proposal aggregates
more than $1,000 600 or II 100000 In excess Of the
! available appropriation. The army gun factory would
/ have finished the 100 guns in 1897 at cost ~
Sj1 $4,000 so that the expense Of the work would
! lie greater which the opponents Of the establishment
at Watervlet will be inclined TO emphasize b. adding
Tho ~ O2s 743 for pcrfecng the plant. The most
favorable comparative feature is the time. Just what
action Congress will take IN this matter I, entirely coz
Iecual The bids may be considered and the appro-
irritation increased or the bids be accepted 80 far
~ fhc supply IS confined within the amount available