The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1893-12-30
THE MlANToNoMoH's VOYAGE.
Naval Officers viii Eagerly Watch the
Monitors Progress.

Washington, December 80. The mont
bound for Rio, is making voyage
which will be watched with interest by
naval authorities. She viii keep reason
ably near the coast until the officers and
men on board, most of whom have never
before cruised in monitor, have become
somewhat familiar with her behavior at
sea. If, in the judgment of Captain
Wallace, it is advisab BILE to make port be-
fore leaving the coast his instructions do
not prevent his stopping at Norfolk or
Port Royal. 1t is expected, however.
that the ship will proceed to st. Thomas
without stopping. 1t was said at the
Navy Department today that the mont
tors bunkers hold 300 tons of coal. She
can carry on deck further supply of 100
tons Her most economical steaming is
at the rate of eight knots an hour,
although she can, when pushed and
with favorable winds and sea, make ten
knots Steaming at eight knots. she
would costume thirty tons of coal day.
At this rate she could keep going about
nine days and travel nearly l, 500 knots.
St. Thomas is likely to be the ships
first port. 1t is distant from New York
/, 420 miles. In case of head winds and
unfavorable seas the vessel would go into
some northern port. At st. Thomas the
government has about 1000 tons OF coal,
and it is probable that Captain Wallace
will make for that harbor. unless the
elements are strong against him. The
trip from ST. Thomas to Rio can be made
by easy stages, stops being necessary
only to coal ship and obtain fresh pro-
visions for the officers and crew. From
st. Thomas the ship will likely go to St.
Lucia, distance of 400 miles, From
that port the course would be laid to
weather will probably be encountered
and the run to the next harbor, Per-
nam buco, 1900 miles from Para. should
be made under favorable conditions.
Rio is only 1890 miles south of Pernam-
buco. This is the course which naval
officials expect Captain Wallace to take.
The total length is $50 miles. Steam
ing at the rate of eight knots an hour,
the Miantonomoh should cover it in
about thirty-five days, including stop
pages for coal. The vessel has twice
crossed the Atlantic, and on both oc-
casions the trips have been longer by
about, 400 miles than any she would have
to make between ports on her way to
Rio.
Captain Wallace's orders direct him to
report his arrival to the Navy Depart
ment at every port which he touches.
This precaution is taken, not through
any doubt of the ability Of the vessel to
complete the cruise, but in order that
the ships commander may be in frequent
communication with the naval authori-
ties, and receive such modified instruc-
tions as the turn in Brazilian affairs may
make necessary. In sense, the moni-
tors cruise is an experiment, but Secre-
tary Herbert has the opinion Of experts
that it is perfectly feasible one.
Although designed for harbor defence
primarily, the vessel is staunch sea
boat, and she is expected to make good
showing on her coming cruise. The only
defect which she has been found to have
is in her steering qualities. This has
been remedied by widening her rudder,
and, according to reports received at the
Navy Department from her commander,
she now steers like pilot boat"