The San Francisco call., 1895-12-23
MARE ISLAND LETTER.
Trial Trip OF the UnadiII a-Force
of Workmen Not Di-
TIT

II1lntST9C.
VALLEJO, CAL, Dec. 23.-The Navy
yard tug Unadilla, just completed at Mare
Island. went out on her trial trip Thurs
day last and much adverse criticism has
been made by those little able to Judge the
fact that she failed to develop more than
speed of nine knots, and some assert that
not even that speed was developed. High
officials at the yard assert, however, that
she is just as good as expected, so far as
speed is concerned. The coal used on the
trip was poor and evaporated rather than
emitted heat. The class of workmanship
in the tug is by experts said to be the best
shown in any tug built at a navy-yard or
in private shop. Being schooner-rigged,
she could run over 10 Honolulu or any
South American port, the only trouble
lorg trip. She stands we'll out of water
and to bring her down would be at the ex-
pense OF space for freight.
What is now wanted is plant composed
OF the latest improved ship building ma
chinery and then torpedo boat or even a
cruiser to build and the officers at the sta
ton and men employed on the Island
would demonstrate to the satisfaction of
the Navy Department that they are cap
the Unadilla and equally as good.
With the prospects of complications
with Great Britain no noticeable effect has
been felt at Mare Island, aud will not be
unless some unlooked-for order is received
to hasten work on the Mohican or Ranger.
A few job-orders have been issued to
have blocks, etc., made for the Mohican.
She will require new spars but no order
has yet been issued for them.
The Ranger will 90 out of comm ission
within the coming week, at which time
the Adams will go in commission. The
officers and crew from the former have
been ordered to the latter ship which is in
excellent condition. The coal and stores
will also be transferred from one ship to
the other without the necessity of going
into the storekeeper's hands.
The Monterey is ready for service, but
will not leave the island until after the
holidays unless present plans are changed.
Captain Kane is now on board of the
cruiser Boston, lying in San Pablo Bay, he
being president of the inspection board to
test her sea-going abilities. The board of
inspection consists of Captain T. III. Kane
OF the Monterey, Captain Charles E. Clark
of the Independence, Lieutenant f. f.
Green of the Ranger. Chief Engineer w.
b. Bayley of the Monterey, Ensign G.. f.
Bunage, Captain o. G. Bergman, U. S.
NJ. c., and Assistant Naval Constructor
Elliott Snow.
At the dock trial of the Boston the heads
of the various departments acted as the
inspection board, and reported that every
thing about the cruiser was in good con-
dition. The same result is expected to be
learned when the cruiser returns to the
navy-yard, which will be either tonight
Or Monday morning.
Work on the Monadnock is well along,
but much is yet to be done to her turrets
before they are made ready for her guns.
A number of officers on the coast are
already hoping to be assigned to her when
she is completed.
The flagship Philadelphia was expected
at the yard Saturday, but will probably
not come to the yard until after Christmas.
which will be duly observed by closing the
yard on that day. In the evening very
pleasan. time is expected to take place in
the sailloft, which is being decorated for
the Christmas tide festivities.
AS far as can be learned no material re-
ductlon in the force of workmen, which
now numbers $50, will be made; if any
thing the force Will be increased. Calkers
having finished on the Adams they will
commence to calk the decks of the Mo-
nadnock. The work OF dredging the
water front still goes on. the contract
being for the removal of 1000 cubic yards.