The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1895-03-12
TRIAL 1RIP or 4 CRUISER.
A Scene in the Engine and Machine Rooms
on the First Run.

The engines roar the pumps move back
ard forth with a sharp click a. each
stroke, the air-pumps shrek and pun,
and the engineers force rush about in
what seems at first hopeless confusion,
but which soon takes on a lock OF sys-
tenn Every man has his duty 10 do, and
does it well. The engines require close
and careful attention, as enough might
happen in a moment to ruin all. The
slightest carelessness or inattentlon
might have the most serious results.
Occasionally, though. no amount Of care
can prevent a b, airing or cross-head from
heating particularly II the machinery
is new. has not sufficiently worn itself
to perform its duties, and is being run
at high rate OF speed. To provide for
this contingency there is always arranged
d convenient system of Pipes, from which
cold water can be directed at a moments
notice uIon whichever part of the ma
chinery shows signs OF heating. In adj
ditIon 20 This there are many couplings
where hose can be connected for use IN
reaching the more inaccessible and rapid
~ moving parts. At such a time excite
ment runs high in the engine-rooms.
The engines are probably working at
almost full power and moving rapidly,
so If the heating part cannot be cooled
sufficiently they viii have 10 be shut
down. and the run be lost. The rush and
roar Of the machinery, the tremble OF the
ship as she is forced ahead by the i'm
nense hOrse-poD er transmitted by each
shaft, the hurry OF the engineers force,
each one of whom has constant and i'm
portant duties 10 perform, all add 10 the
excitement Water pours in torrents on
the heated parts, and as II strikes the
flying engines is thrown in all directions
The engine-room floor swims with Oil
and water, and the oil thus thrown upon
the cold-water pipes congeals and COM
pletely covers them, looking like snow
upon the trees after a heavy storm
Lucky now are the men who wear oil
skin suits, for nothing else Will keep out
the flying water: those who are not so
prepared are drenched in an instant,
and though by the thermometer the
temperature may be Tar from COOL there
is a chill in the icy water and soaked
garments and discomfort in the oil and
salt in ones eyes that are far from
pleasant. But let US step into the fire.
room a moment and note the difference.
AS we go through the air-lock, with its
double doors, one of which must be closed
before the other is opened. TO prevent loss
of air-pressure in the flre-room, the roar
of the engines changes 10 rhythmic
and steady beat. mutfied and deadened
into an almost SOOTHING SClHu. Inc Hie-
room, as we step in from the light out
side. seems dark and shadowy, and
dusky figures OF men pass here and there
across the light from the open ash-plts
In the bulkhead opposite us Is a small
door. and through this shovelful after
shoyelful of coal is thrown by men IN the
bunkers beyond: from there II is thrown
in a pile against the bulkhead directly
I'm front Of the boilers, from whence II n
passed into the furnaces as occasion rel
auircs. The fireman's task is no easy
one. and IL requires considerable skill
10 fire a boiler properly, keeping the fuel
well and evenly distributed over the
CRATES. The ''water-tenders' have To
keen watchful eye upon the water
ruages. for fear OF allowing the swater In
r. boiIers 10 get too low. thereby
causing an explosion. The huge furnaces
fairly deyour coal; and when. for the pur-
nose of feeding In more. the furnace
doors are opened Throwing red glare