New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1893-12-01

The report continues The ncreas ed horse power
or speed designed rates obtained by con-
tractors In these ships has entitled them in some
cases TO large premiums and has attracted much
comment. 1t has been assumed that these pre-
mums when paid gratuities. or that
they were at any rate. all clear profit TO the
builders the Government being without any suftl-
Gent consideration therefor. The system Of allow
Ing premiums for increase over and Imposing
penalties for failure to attain. contract rates was
not thus intended. and II Is not believed TO have
operated.
when Secretary Whitney who devised this
method. considering the question of making
contracts. he very properly concluded that it would
work hardship II he should refuse In every case
to take, and should throw back upon the hands
of the builder every vessel that should fail In any
respect to equal contract requirements The na'u-
raj conclusion was that II the Government did ac-
cept ship not coming up 10 all the requirements
the builders should be charged for the defect ac-
cording to scale of rates previously agreed
upon This resolved itself into the imposition of
penalties for failure to attain required results
The corollary. alike fair and reasonable, was
premiums for excelling contract rates Thus was
devised system which was practicable because
reciprocal, and 1t alike just AID fair to Gov
eminent and contractor. II was double incentive
TO diligence and Is not believed that 1t has re-
suited in any injustice to the Government snip
builders are not less shrewd than other men who
conduct great business establishments: competi-
ton between them has always been severe. Ihs
statement is made with the fules. assurance OF us
correctness. and 1t may as result be stated with
eoual confidence that contractors have always
taken into their calculations. when bidding, the
amounts it was possible TO earn as premiums.
1T will therefore be seen that the official uiai
of vessel upon whch premiums and penalties de-
pend Is O matter of great moment both 10 the
Government and the contractor Elaborate prepl-
rations are always made to secure exact weights,
and no
Contracts made prior to the incoming of the pres
ent Administration provided that the Govern
ment should pay the expenses Of successful trial
When one party to a contract is TO provide the
means of conducting a test upon which so much
depends and the other Is to pay the bill. IT Will
Re readily perceived that disputes will be likely
TO arise when settlements come to be made, and
such has already been the Bills have been
recently presented for trial trip expenses In which
the Department has felt obliged to insist large
reductions. To avoid disputes Of this character 1t
has been provided in the recent contracts for the
three new gunboats that all trial-tri1 expenses
shall be paid by the contractors. 1t Is not to be
doubted that bidders took this matter into con-
alteration in making their estimates. yet It is
believed that this course will result In economy
10 the Government When those who make the
bills are themselves to pay them, expenditures
for the trial of vessels will not lie lavish"
The progress thus far made in our Naval develop
n,ent is clearly shown by this report In series of
tables which give the number and type of effective
ear vessels which this country will possess when
those now building completed, and also
,luilar list of vessels Of the principal foreign
Naval Powers. The tables show that the United
States has the following vessels servicea5le for
purposes: