Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1896-11-19
COMMODORE MELVILLE ARGUMENT ENDED
His Annual Report Of the Operations of the
Naval Engineer Corps.

In his annual report to the Secretary of
the Navy, Engineer in-chief Melville gives
tables showing the results of the trials of
new vessels during the past year, and says
it gives him pleasure to note that in every
case the machinery worked to perfection,
not the slightest hitch of any kind having
occurred. Examination made subsequently
to the trial failed to disclose any derange-
ments or any injury to the machinery as
a result of the trial. The trial of the
Brooklyn is worthy of special mention, on
account Of the fact that she is the first
vessel tried that has been fitted with tall
smoke pipes. The results obtained on the
official trial give every promise that the
fitting of these tall pipes will be attended
with economy, and that the Brooklyn will
be able to steam continuously at a salts
factory speed without having to use her
forced-draft blowers.
Increased Appropriations Needed.
In general chapter in regard to the
engineering department of the navy, Com
modore Melville makes use of the following
vigorous language:
THE attention Of the department Is called
to the fact that our modern twin-screw
ships have from three to four times as
many moving parts as the engines in the
have multiplied from ten to twenty fold
entailing increased care and attention for
their preservation, and increased cost for
their repair and maintenance. The appro-
priation of this bureau for these purposes
has, for several years. been entirely too
small to do all work that should be per-
formed and still not create a deficiency,
and 1t has only been by the exercise of the
strictest economy, and by leaving undone
much work that would add to efficiency,
Accomplished O.
suit is that, during the last month Of the
fiscal year. work has to be almost entirely
stopped and the workmen at the various
navy yards suspended. The men seek en-
appropriation becomes available it is found
that the best mechanics have found other
employment and new set of men has to
be broken in, all Of which entails increase
of cost for the work. With a reasonable
increase in the amount of the appropria ton
for steam machinery, the best mechanics
could always be retained in the yards and
the result would in the end be attended
with economy.
Physical Strain on Engineers.
Il feel that 1t is only necessary to direct
your attention to the number of engineer
officers who have been retired during the
past year for physical incapacity, and to
the steadily increasing number of such
officers on the retired list, to demonstrate
that the physical strain to which the Off
GERS of the engineer corps are subjected
Is too great. In former annual reports
have given what l believe to be abundant
reasons for an increase in the number OF
officers of the corps. AS time goes on and
the number Of ships and their power in
crease, the necessity for such an increase
is intensified, and feel that would not
be doing my duty if did not again briefly
refer to the matter.
THE personal element is one which must
enter largely into the result of any naval
engagement, and If we had the most pow
erful and the swiftest navy af1oat, it would
be valueless to us in time of war If we
have not a sufficient number of trained
men to see that the machinery of this fleet
is in condition for action and to keep II
going in action. The guns will DE power
less without the machinery, and, other
thir gs being equal, that fleet will give the
best account Of itself which has the best
equipment of trained men in the engine
room as well as at the guns. To sacrifice
the one Is merely inviting disaster to the
whole, and no amount Of skill on deck car
compensate for the lack Of it below.
ut is one thing to design and build ma
chinery, but quite different thing to keeI
it in such condition that it may be ready
to respond to the calls that may be made
upon 1t under all conditions, and nava
machinery Is Of such character that II
Is only by the exercise of constant Wig.
lance and the greatest care that 1t can be
expected to be kept in readiness for such
calls. If the number of trained men Is not
sufficient for this purpose, the efficiency OF
the ship q whole is lowered, and the
money which has been expended on hel
construction to produce the very qualities
which were considered of paramount i'm
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