New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1895-10-27
FOREIGN NAVAL NOTES.

The report that the Japanese Government had do
cided to give the for several new war yes-
sells to British shpbuiders Is proved to be pre-
mature The only reason for not closing the con-
tracts with Cramp & Sons was that the firm was
not abe 10 furnish the big guns and other arna-
nent for them. There Is talk now or giving con-
tracts TO the Union Iron Works OF san Francisco.
It is probable that hat nrm VIII get all 0f
the ships to build ore OF the leading newspapers
OF Japan the Jill Shmpo" has urged the Jap
anese Government to give the contracts TO Ameri-
can shipbuiders and in support Of its position has
published several articles giving history OF Amerl-
can shpbuidIng before and since the civil war;
with descriptions OF the vessels OF the present Navy
II also presents statistics showing that Japan has
commercial ADVANTAGES Win ,he t n.tea 0'a'es
These statistics Of Japan show that in the last
ten years Japan has sod OF her products to
the United States than she has sold 10 all Europe
combined In round numbers the value OF Japans
exports OF the .ast ten years 70 the United States
was s264A7237 to Europe. s2i7745.2oi During this
same period Japan purchased from the United states
products TO the OF So sos and from Europe
ss3s s66 0Ol. The United States purchased one-haf
OF the raw silk exported from Japan. ,wo-thrds OF
all the manufactured silk and four-ffths Of al the
tea The japanese newspaper alluded 70 urges that
il is not only the duty OF Japan to reciprocate with
the country which makes so large an exhibit OF
commercial trade in favor OF the Empire, but that
the Japanese can make no mistake In contracting
with American shipoulders who turn out such SUI
perior vesse.s.
The new Russian torpedo destroyer Sokol which
was launched only a few weeks ago has made a
speed which has awakened intense interest in
naval clrc.es. She made four separate speed tra.s
and the lowest speed 2.77 knots. The
records OF the other trials give her speed
rs knots 1856 knots and 30 2S knots The maxi
mum speed realized with 49, revolutions, and
If
The Sokol is built entirely OF nicke steel and dis,
Is feet inches.
The Russian Navy has just had added to II an
armed transport and surveying ship. the samoyed
OF 1865 tons and speed Of l2i: knots on seven
hours trial.
The British Admiralty has concluded TO launch
the new hrst-class battle-shp Victorious October
10 She has been built at the Chatham Dockyard.
and Ike OF the other battle-shps ordered.
is intended to have speed Of 1875 knots with
natural draught. 1t is thought doubtful. however
that she will be able when in commission to make
more than an average OF Is knots
The British torpedo-boat destroyer Ferret. which
gave so much promise a few north. ago when she
made a speed OF 7s2 knots. and has since been in
commission az an instruction beat. has been found
TO be In need OF extensive repairs and alterations
The contractors will have bear most OF this extra
expense. II beng rendered necessary by faulty
workmanship.
The French Admiralty has concluded TO begin the
work OF cons truction OF second-class cruiser
at once Bordeaux. She viii be named the Admiral
pro!et. and is to be delivered complete anu ready
for her tria.s on September .. 1898.
The Spanish naval authorities have issued decree
that the one-pounder Hotchklss revolving cannon
shall be superseded by the One-pounder Maxim
automatic machine guns This applies 10 those now
In use. : wei. as al future armament Smokeless
powder VIII be the only powder used for these guns.
The Chinese Government recently had two tor
pedo-boats built at Stettin Germany. and they are
on their way ~ China under the German fag.