New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1893-09-18
ARMY AND NAVY NOTES.
THE GUNBOAT CASTINGS REMARKABLE
SPEED
RESULTS OF HER TRIAL SURPRISE NAVAL EA
PEETS-THE NEW MAGAZINE GUN-Thf'
TEN YEARS SERVICE LAW.

1EN YEARS. SERVICE LAW
Washington Sept IT (speciaD.-Pubished &C
counts Of the remarkable speed made by the gun
boat Castine her trial trip in Long Island Sounu
have been confirmed by official advices received ny
the Navy Department from Rear-Admral Walker
senior member OF the board which inspected the
vessel during her trials According to Aumirdi
walkers information. the Castine made recoru
OF 1862 knots per hour not counting tidal corree
lions which may reduce the speed TO only frac-
ton over sixteen knots There is little or no
Doubt that despite all allowances corrections the
ships speed will finally be at least sixteen KhotS
nor hour The results of the trial remarkable
and have caused no little surprise in naval circles
They make the little l,050-ton vessels record inc
host in the matter Of increased speed over contract
reouirements ever attained by domestic or foreign
built ships Thirteen knots only were demanded OF
tho castine's contractors, and had she made tnat
speed the Government would have accepted her. AS
u IS she has exceeded requirements by at least
three knots and her builders the Bath Iron Worhs'
will receive bonus OF over $4,000. the premiums OF
speed being 5000 Tor each quarter ol d hho' III ~
cess Of thirteen.
Relatiyev the performances of the Castne were
moro satisfactory than those Of the New-fork, 10
which Of all the vessels of the Navy the palm io'
speed now belongs. Compared with her SISTER
ship the Alachias. the CASTINGS record Is paruc
uarly striking. The Machias made 15.i2 KNOTS OH
her official trial. and the Bath Iron Works secured
had previously exceeded this premium Even Ill
the case Of English ships where steam Is otteh
bottled up before the vessels are put on the course
this excess in speed has not been equalled.
Secretary Herbert has formally approved the rec
concentrations Of the Board of Naval Experts OF
which Commander Converse was president 'hat
the calibre of the proposed magazine guns for
the NAVY and marine corps shall be 81 OF an lnch
The recommendations OF the board had previously
been approved by Commodore Sampson chiei VI
the Bureau of Ordnance. 1t only remains ior the
experts to adopt gun Of this calibre having 'he
necessary elements Of strength. simplicity anu
weight Efforts to this end will begin at once as
the needs Of the Navy will permit of little delay AT
nrescnt the naval service is armed with the 10
calibrc gun which has been cast aside by the mh-
tary powers OF Europe. by several OF the repuphcS
OF South America and by China and Japan ON IN
modorc Sampson has already begun the prepare
ton of "A circular To inventors inNithS th.,n ~
submit small arms or test by poapq 0u re- he
acceptable ana GSrsoSae tbaf american inventors
only Will be- permitted compete. In adopting
the cabre pa as the standard for the Navy. the
ooarh esrrif TnS e The PRACTICAL idea that
the Army and Navy should have the same callDr, =
in small arms. to make possible an interchahse 81
ammunition. seriously considered by the board,
but in its opinion the advantages to be derived from
adopting reduced calibre were decisive .A,
Officers OF the Army viii be glad to hear that
there is a reasonable certainty 81 securing al an
early day the repeal OF the OBNOXIOUS yen y tanss
service law The Injurious effects of this law multi
ply from day day. and the desire To see IL
expunged from the statute books grows more ear
nest. General Schoneld who opposed the
passage OF the act when II was hrst considered IN
Congress. will urge its repeal IN ms iorthconlns
annual report Under its provisions a private can
not re-enst after having served term OF zen
Years He must take his discharge and go into some
other pursuit. However well qualified Dy special
fitness for the military service. ana regardless OF
his own desires in the matter the soldier must
quit his profession after ten years.
Senator Wathall and Representative outhwate
chairrn.n Of .hc Senate and House Committees on
Military Affairs. stated Yesterday that no oppo-
siion to the repeal OF the Proctor law would be
made I'm Congress. provided II was found that the
reported evil effects arising from the enforcement
of the law we'll grounded. 1t l. said that
senator Proctor. who framed and urged the pas
sage OF the bill In question IS favorable, ~ least
to such "A mobilization OF it's provisions az Will
give greater latitude to the military authorities IN
The matter Of retaining desirable men. The original
idea that the ten year clause would bring more
I Of the people" into the ranks. and at the same
time distribute throughout the country number
/ Of who had military service. This has
been the result but In carrying The idea into effect
the Army. whose interests should be- deemed chief
In importance. has been seriously injured.