Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1894-07-16
FASTEST OF ALL.
Minneapolis Makes 23.05 Knots On Trial and
Leads the World.

,ooKouT HILL. RocKPoRT, Mass. July
l5-The Atlantic ocean off Cape Ann re-
&c mb!ed huge millpond Saturday morn
ing, when the people began to gather on
the rugged shore to watch the start OIL
the United States cruiser Minneapolis on
her official trip A thick haze hung over
the water so that the range OF vision was
limited, and the pleasure boats as they
moved out from the landing were soon
lost in the binding mist.
About $50, however, the haze began 10
lift and the warships which had taken
their positions along the course soon aiter
daybreak, could be seen. The lwana,
stationed a: the start, and the New YORK
at the second buoy, off the salvages, lay
motionless as in sea of quicksilver
About 9:l5 the faint outlines OF the
Minneapolis could be discerned through
the haze. The wind suddenly shifting to
northeast shortly after acted like magic
on the fog and at 9;35 the new cruiser
could be plainly seen rushing onward like
a race horse.
The fleet of pleasure crafts set up
screeching as she neared them. and
when the noble ship finally swerved down
to the starting point the air was filled
with noise The watches of the specta-
tors made the time just 9:43:20 when her
Prov passed the start. The Iwana sa-
luted, and then the race for the New
York, stationed at the first buoy, distant
z 81 nautical miles, began.
She swept past the New York, the sec
ond stake boat, at $50. having covered
the distance in 6m. 40s.. or at the rate OF
90 O6 knots AS she ploughed through
bo 10 hal n
from her two huge smoke stacks and left
trail behind her for miles. From her
appearance in the water it was hard to
believe that she was making % knots. so
easily did she glide along.
Unlike her big consorts, the New York
and Columbia, she did not make so much
fuss going through the water, but cut 1t
like knife. She does not carry very
big bone, and what there is does not show
white until we'll abaft the beam. Her
three propellers leave a white snowy track
behind her. which trails out almost
straight
The Fern. o66 knots from the New
York, was passed at 1000, and then the
white racer quickly disappeared as the
mist settled down about her. The wind
freshened rapidly about 10:40, and, as it
blew from the northeast and against the
vessel, it threatened to effect her speed
materially, but by 1880 it began to die
out, and at noon only four-kot breeze
was noticeable off Cape Ann.
When the Minneapolis appeared in
sight on her return trip soon after
o'clock she was indistinct for some min
utes and then disappeared entirely from
view, shnt out by thunder storm. 1t
was 1870 before she shot into sight again
and cheer went up from the thousands
who lined the bluff shores of Cape Ann.
As the big cruiser neared the New York
she was half buried in foam, and behind
she was leaving bank of white water
200 feet in length. The New York sa-
luted grandly rs she glided by, and the
cheer from her whistles was taken up
md echoed by the pleasure fleet. From
The New York in the finish was like a
iriumphal procession. On each side were
scores of craft of all sizes apd descrip-
ions; aud each contributed tb the din.
One short dull whistle from the Mime
,polis as she went by the Irwana and all
vas over.
Over the first course the cruiser made an
verage of % Q knots, slower than the Co.
umbias average of % 80.
On the return trip, % 90 was made, and
he whole trip averaged 23.05, making the
Minneapolis the fastest war vessel atloat,
ind earning the Cramps bonus of $402,-
900.
At on time the cruiser showed %. 40
knot gait and on the return trip made one
lurt at 26.09, or over 30 miles.