The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1893-07-27

Successful Trial. or tho Howell Torpedo
The ErIcn.on Submarine sannhont.

WASHINGTON, July 26.-Capt Sampson chief
| OF tho Naval Ordnance Bureau, has Just re-
| turned from the torpedo station at Tiverton.
II. l.. bringing most encouraging reports OF the
progress being made in the trials OF the Howell
torpedoes there. Secretary Herbert was pres
ent one day. and saw three OF the weapons
discharged at the nets. All OF tho shots were
remarkable for accuracy one passing through
the net within foot OF the bulPs-eye.
As the torpedo has heretofore. while speedy
enough. been slightly erratic in It's course.
this trial is regarded as evidence OF a most
satisfactory Improvement, which, In the iudg-
ment OF the torpedo experts, promises to place
the American weapon ahead OF its English
rival tho Whitehead. Seven Of the Howell
torpeLoes are now being tested. and the parts
Of lnrgc number Of other torpedoes are ready
for assembling.
The Ericsson submarine gunhoat Destroyer
is being put in condition TO take part in the
trials. In somo quarters there are grave
doubts as to the stability and seaworthiness
OF this peculiar craft. but Capt. Sampson Is I'M
willing to believe that any craft designed by
Ericsson should be wanting in these particu-
lars. and the boat will be brought to Newport
and her submarine gun will be fired as soon
ms tho constructors at Now York can make her
ready. ,,., .., ,,,,
d" " innair 70 f New York on the 9th u" inst.
since whi"h date mott has be.n heard from
5 hS p w9 ns was 'sHt sss
likely that -le would delay her cruise to tho
Pacific. where she is greatly needed. even in
consequence OF the troubles In Rra2il The
ph ladelphia is bound for samoa and secre-
soon MS possible. Her sailing orders permit
ted her to stop ut Rio for coal. and It is est:
mated that she G % I'LL her hGnkcrs in at
ment is that she sailed from Rio about the
18TH inst, and is nov, nearing the port OF VAL
r2raso. Chilli which is her next stopping
There will soon be change in tie list Of
Weayer has signiiicd his purpose Of r"tir.
ing from actiTe duty as soon rs the Senate
the Mnor Rear Admiral but is eligible for re-
;,rement, under the iorty Years service clause.
Examining and retiring lIcnrds. The vacancy
promotion OF comm odoro George brown. now
9n save ~, and Win m@se a,nsSy
f !. T. ~ Potter also will be msds com.
nodore. Commodore brown and Capt; Potter
cases are now in the hands Of the PRESIDENT
Their. are three vacancies in the Grade OF Cap
tain the nG m y 10y ts ne f 6x hs PTn
cInation ", tho President to promote Com;
man der NJ. l.. johnson. who stands at the mead
OF the list o, Commanders. and blocks the ad-
yancoi"Gnt of the officers beow him. at least
three Of whom would be, made Captains at
mnndcr johnson has been twice recommended
for promotion by naval examining Boards.
The report OF the first Board was disapproved
by President Cleveland. and the report Of the
second Board now awaits his action. 1t Is
alleged against this officer that his habits
were had several years ago.
Commodore Ramsay. Acting Secretary Of the
Navy. said to-day that the Secretary had do
York. to foreign station. and that she would
leave for tho rev European station as soon as
she is fitted out. Her ultimate destination.
however. will he the south Atlantic station.
whore she will join Commodore Stanton's flag
ship the Newark. The Benning ton will re-
main on the European station severed months,
or until the New York relieves the San Fran
cisco as flagship. when she will sail for Brazil.
The San Francisco or Atlanta Will then be as
signed to Admiral Erben's fleet.