The record-union., 1893-06-01
Special to the REcoRD-UN MON.

Special to the RECoRD-UNIoN.
VALLEJO, May 3I.-The coast defense
vessel Monterey arrived at Mare Island
Navy Yard at o'clock this afternoon,
having been absent on her trial trip four
days and twelve hours. Immediately on
her arrival at the yard she resumed her
former berth alongside the quay wall,
where she is firmly moored, awaiting the
official verdict OF her judges, the Board
of Naval Inspectors who conducted the
trial.
From those on board the Monterey it
was learned that the trial trip, though
comparatively short, was entirely satis-
factory, demonstrating beyond dispute
the serviceable worth and qualities of the
vessel.
As soon as the vessel was moored the
Board of Naval Inspectors went direct to
their shore quarters, where Captain How
isOn, President of the board, was seen by
a representative of the Associated Press.
To a question as to the success of the trip
the Captain replied:
I'VE left Mare Island Saturday last to
give the Monterey fair and impartial
trial. HIS W U nave uOu0 anu lOuuQ ubT
to be in every respect all that is or was
required of vessel of her class. While
outside we experienced rather heavy
weather, but the Monterey proved her
self to be an admirably steady seaboat,
despite all stories that have been circu-
lated to the contrary.
"On our way down the coast we tested
her boilers thoroughly, putting the ship
under full steam for a four-hours' run,
and Notwithstanding the foul condition
of the hull, she made in the head sea
twelve and eight-tenths knots. The sea
was very heavy, but Notwithstanding
this she was comparatively steady.
while out of Pigeon Point we made
test of her guns, with highly salts
factory result. 1t was thought that some
difficulty would be experienced, and
every precaution was taken. 1t was
needless, however, for everything was
found to be perfection. The effect of the
concussion was not as severe as had been
anticipated, being scarcely more severe or
acute than that experienced from an
eight-ineh gun. The report was deafen-
ing, while the shrek was the most terri
OF the guns, her speed was kept up to
ascertain the effect, which was unnotice-
able during the entire trip.
The Monterey's machinery was sub
jected to a severe test, as was the mechan-
ism Of the guns and turrets, which
worked with exactness and precision.
The boilers, about which so much has
been said, proved equal to every test,
which was, to say the least, equal to the
former trial, if not more so. No diff
Guilty was experienced in maneuvering
the huge mass of steel. Everything
worked like charm.
During a portion of her trial trip it
was found necessary to keep all the
matches down forward, and keep the
doors OF the superstructure closed, owing
TO heavy seas washing over the decks. In
short, the Monterey has proven a success
in every particular, and capable of hold
ing her own as sea boat"
other members of the board were in-
terviewed and all expressed themselves
as did Captain Howison. 1t was learned.
however, that seasickness prevailed
among the crew to great extent, many
of whom having never been to sea be-
fore.
The Monterey. upon her arrival at the
navy yard to-day, caused an accident
which will cost the Government several
hundred dollars. While passing the
navy yard ferry slip in going along side
the quay wall she showed into the ferry
boat Ellen, carrying away the rudder and
port cf the PROV of the ferryboat, while
the awning stanchions, boat davits and
fixtures on the port side of the man-of-
war were torn from their fastenings.
Captain Kempff was on the bridge, and
the Monterey was headed clear of the
ferryboat, which extends many feet out
OF the slip, but when directly opposite
the slip the Monterey seemed to be car
ried by the current over to the slip. crush
ing into the Ellen. The latter at the time
had a large number of navy yard EN-
ployes on board, and when the collision
occurred n stampede was made for place
of safety.
Greater damage was averted by the
prompt action of Captain Kompff, who
ordered full speed on, thereby relieving q
greater amount of force. The Monterey
had a wrecked appearance, but the debris
was promptly cleared away, leaving only
the holes where the huge steel bolts had
been wrenched out. The damage to the
Ellen is comparatively slight.
The report of the Naval Board of In.
spectors will be forwarded to Washington
Immediately. Until reply is received
the Monterey Will remain in the hands Of
the board.