The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1892-05-24
NEW NAyAn ErPERInENrs.
Testing the Destroyor's Submarine Gun at
tho Brooklyn Navy Yard.

Experiments with the Destroyer's sub
marine gun. which have been in contempla-
ton for several weeks. were begun at the
navy yard. Brooklyn. Saturday afternoon
The torpedo board having the tests II charge
consists of Commander q. A. Converse aud
Iieutenants 4. G. Mclean and G. A. Brad
bury. They obtained the use OF the timber
dry dock for the trials, sR4 had the Destroyer
hauled into the stream close ia front OF ne
dock gate. i he dock was allowed 20 all with
water. and tho gate was removed 10 one side.
At distance of 100 feet nets Of selling stun
cord about thetslZe Of d ciotles-hRe-
stretched across the dock. each being sup
ported in the centre by two floats Tho re-
stroyers bow WAS 100 feet from the first net.
and the exact direction up the middle OF the
dock was given by getting range on two
white flags al the further end. Abreast Of
the Destroyers bow in the navy ward were
other white flags in lines across the line OF
FIRE 70 determine how much the explosion Of
tho gun made the vessel recoI.
Commander Converse, one Of the leading
authorities OF the world on torpedoes. IN
charge of the experiments decided 10 mako
the first shot with charge OF twenty five
pounds OF cocoa brown powder in the gun
All things being ready. Ill assistant made an
electrical connection at twenty-five minute
70 4 Saturday afternoon, and the gun ex-
plOded.
There was a sound like a con- bined monster
snort and grunt in the water under the De-
strOyer's nose. and the water swirled about
in great agitation. The craft kicked five feet
backward and simultaneously there was q
sort of prolonged hum-hke whistle. similar 9 o.
the closing notes OF q steem-slren. A peculiar
tremor or furrow on the surface OF the water
marked the passage OF the 20-fOOt prOiectlls
until just before II reached the frst net when
II rose and showed itself like brick red water
snake, as u shot clean over tho net. Then 10
sank little again came 20 the top, and
finally plunged into the bosom OF the second
net. 200 feet from the gun. There 10 seemed
to have a prolonged struggle. rs though u
was trying 10 Jump over the second obstruc-
ton also. but, apparently exhausted, 10 gave
up the fight and went 10 the bottom.
The time from the discharge until tie pro-
ectle reached the first net WAS one-half Il q
second, and from one net 70 the other one sec
ond more. making one and one-half seconds
as the time required 10 traverse 200 feet. Fur
Iher experiments will be made with the De-
strOyer's gun, using increasing charges
of powder both cOcoa brown and sphere
hexagonal, 70 learn what range can bo se-
cured without danger OF crushing the pro-
jectlle. Also, OF course. questions Of accuracy
rs TO direction and depth will be settled. and
the general efficiency OF the gun will DO deter
mined.
Captain John Ericsson, the father Of the
Monitor. designed the Destroyer. and during
the latter years OF his life the great inventor
gave considerable time 20 this. his last irn.
portant work. While the details have under
gone change since the craft was first tested
IN 1888, the general principle has not been
altered. The Destroyers dimensions are.
Length, 100 feet. greatest beam. y feet:
depth. II feet Both ends are precisely alike
In shape. her lines being sharper than those
OF most vessels. The rudder s attached 10
the keel far below the water line. and is
worked by hydraulic pistons.
plate iron deck-house about seventy fee,
long rises high above the upper deck amid
ships, but this is not intended 10 be perma
nent heavy armor plate placed about
thlrty-two feet from the bow extends acros.
the upper deck and this, being inclined AT an
eugle OF torty-hve degrees. Is intended tc
defect any shot striking the vessel bow. on
Ine present craft was built more TO test III,
submarine gun than 10 show what could bs
done to give the necessary protection, and
any destroyer built hereafter to carry the
gun would b 30 srmored on the bows a e