Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1892-12-12
OUR RECONSTRUCTED NAVY.

uAo WOrlu-NOG ESpecLa ~ NO" S-F7'
but New Inventions the Cause.-The
Delays in Armor Plate Annoying.
WASHINGTON, Dec. 1.-THE Secretary
of the Navy, in his annual report, sees forth
the fact that when the present adminlstra-
ton came in March 4, 1883, besides old and
obsolete wooden ships only three modern
war vessels were in commission. during
the administration 10 new vessels, with an
aggre rate tonnage of 81 s32 tons, mounting
two l2-inch, six lO-inch, 16 Simon and 81 b
inch guns. all OF which, with the exception
of five OF the earliest, have been manufac-
tured in this country. Three new steel tugs
also have been constructed and put In SER
vice. There are in process of construction
Is new vessels certain to bc completed'
should the arms be delivered, within the
next year, of an aggregate tonnage OF 81, 4sI
tons and mounting altogether II l3-inch, SIX
12tnch, 16 10.inch 90 s-inch, 81 6-inch, 3S5-inch
anu "a 4inch arms, all of which have been
or are to be manufactured in this country.
Development during the past four years
has. not been confined to ships alone. At
the beginning of this administration, says
the Secretary, the naval establishment was
entirely destitute of certain elements or ef-
nctency. But progress is noted by wn1ch tne
United States has emerged from its conul-
t1on OF helplessness at sea, and Dy the EN-,
ployment of its own resources hns distanced
its most experienced competitors. Thls
marks an epoch in the naval development
not only of this country, but OF the world
Delay but Better Armor Plate.
Delays in the delivery of armor plate
have caused the dates of tho final compile
tion of armored vessels under construction
to be somewhat later than at first contem-
plated. The only compensation for this de-
lay is found in the superior quality of the
4l,oH
In connection with the development of
nickel steel for armor, the departments has
undertaken n series OF experiments in the
application of this material to other pur-
poses the construction OF which promises
no less important results that those already
attained. II expectations now formed are
realized. it will not be long before nickel
steel will be extensively used, both in ship
frames and marine engines, with marked
Improvements, both in strength OF parts and
reduction of weight; while its non-corroda-
BILE qualities, already partly demonstrated'
point to the probability that it may ulti-
mately present solution for the harrassing
problem of preserving submerged plating
OF ships.
Coming down to detailed statement as to
armor tests the Secretary tells of work ac-
complished; of the tremendous test to which
Harvey nickel steel armor plate was SUBJ
tected in November, 1891, which resulted in
improved methods being introduced in tho
manufacture by the Harvey process, and
the final test made July 20 last. lt
has been demonstrated that the United
States in the reconstruction fits new navy,
which ten wears ago had no existence. even
on paper, is enabled to place upon each and
all of its armore0 vessels material the like
of which the world had not up to this time
seen; and, while vast sums have been
spent plating the sides OF foreign men
OF war with inferior material this country
will employ for the purpose an armor which
not only is far more efficient, but which
represents unQuestionably, having refer
ence to dimensions and plates thus far
tested, the highest development OF modern
own independents efforts Following our
example, the English Government four
weeks ago held trial of new American
armor, and it is clear from highly successful
results that the United States, instead of
being the last in the race in the construc-
tion of vessels of war or of borrowing best
ideas from abroad, has set an example in
this respect which other maritime nations
will speedily follow.
The Contractors Making Slow Progress.
With regard to armor plate contracts, the
Secretary says neither the Bethlehem nor
Carnegie companies are making such prog
ress at present as the department. could de-
sire, but both are increasing their output
from month to month and the department.
is now preparing to advertise for proposals
for the remainder OF the armor required to
complete vessels now authorized. When
these plants are able to turn ont, as will
shortly be the case. q full quantity OF armor
required by contract, the aggregate supply
will still amount to only 5000 tons per
annum, OF not more than enough for the
construction of three battle ships. To pro-
vide armor for eight such ships, in addition
to those now authorized, would require
three years after the fulfillment of the pres
ent contract, with works running ut fnll
capacity.
In reference to ordnance of the navy, the
Secretary makes an extended reference to
developments promising greatly improved
results, and which points have heretofore
been covered in these dispatches in the re-
port of the Chiet of the Bureau OF Ordnance.
Comment IS also made at length on the
ordnance report as to powder, the manu-
all showing progress OF the most satisfac story
nature. With regard to torpedoes. with the
Howell torpedo not gone much beyond the
stage of hope with which tho de-
partment entered upon contract for
its manufacture four years ago, yet last
trials are giving great promise.
The Naval Policy of the Future.
With regard to the increase of the navy
the Secretary says another year of expert
ance, OF discussion and OF criticism both at
home and abroad, confirms the department
in views adopted in the annual report OF
1889 as to the policy of construction the navy
should pursue. He deprecates the construc
ton of any more vessels of the monitor
type, celebrating arguments against their
usefulness and, quoting from the report of
Chairman Herbert, of the House Committee
on Naval Affairs, says: Our true naval
policy for the future is to construct here
after, prin cipally, II not entirely, only first
class cruisers and tirst-class battle ships
with their accessories"
The Secretary speaks with much salts
faction of the act to encourage American
ship building" under which the City of
Paris and City of New York are admitted to
American registry and under terms by
which several of the finest liners are to be
built here: and earnestly recommends that
the same principle, which is now embodied
in the bill to grant American register to the
steamship China, OF the Pacific Mail Com
pany, may be carried out, not only in this,
but In all similar cases, by means Of which
American owners OF foreign built steam
Ships whose high qualities are such as to
make them desirable or acquisition, may be
permitted to obtain American register upon
the condition that vessels of equal size and
tonnage shall be ordered to be built in the
United States.
With reference to unprotected cruisers of
the second class of from 1000 to 5000 tons
the Department does not
any present increase OF num-
Der. These vessels, to attain the high speed
required, must necessarily sacrifice coal en-
durance and have therefore very re-
stricted sphere OF usefulness for cruising
purposes in times of war. They answer sat-
the limited demand 1or
upon regular stations in time
peace e. Oqf nitad 1t Is st.fss not Sa pGn these
reliance in case OF an attnch from a mari
time power Nor is 1t desirable to add to
the number of heavily armed gum
boats of the Yorktown type.
Torpedo Boats Recommended.
The Secre tarv also reneys a recommenda-