New-York tribune., 1896-12-07
MORE TROUBLE IN THE NAVY
CAPTAIN GLASS AND CONSTRUCTOR
BOWLES AT ODDS.
1T ALI. AROSE OVER THE RECENT DOCKING OF
THE TEXAs-CAPTAIN HIGGINSOS ALSO 1N-
VOLvED-sECRETARY HERBERT As
JUDGE AND PEACEMAKER
lBY TELEGRAPH TO THE TRIBvSE.l

[BY TELEGRAPH TO THE TRIBrNE.l
Washington. Dec. C-Captan Glass. Of the Texas
and Naval Constructor Bowfes. Of the New-Yo-k
Navy Yard have had official differences which the
Navy Department has had 10 consider. Secretary
Herbert has had this under advisemen. for
several days. A decision has been reached. bus 1t
is so closely kept secre; that only a hint OF the
conclusion has been given out. just now. when the
I English-desgned. American-built Texas-,hc adop-
ton of whose plans is TO be regarded ono OF
Secretary Whitneys most serious mistakes-is
under the public eye. almost everything connected
with that vessel attention. In view of the
fact that Captain Glass commands tie ship and
Constructor Bowles superlntended her construction
an official "spt' between the two Is worthy OF
more than passing notice. A singular fact Is that
Captain Glass formerly praised the Texas lie is
on record as having declared her mcdol ship for
steamins and hghting purposes. Now he condemns
her as faulty I'm many respects
Tho story Of the Glass .Bowlcs difference is novel.
II not exciting 1t relates to the recent docking OF
what is destined TO be known in the Navy as whit
ney's folly" The ship being escorted to the
dock by a tug. The tide was running rather strong.
TO prevent her swinging against the dock. haw-
ser had been placed her starboard bow. one end
Of which was fastened ashore Under her own
steam and with the assistance OF the tug. the ship
neared the mouth of the dock. Her position be-
came somewha. critical Captain Glass was on the
bridge, directing the movements of the vessel lie
Bowles attentive and cautious. Near by stood Cap
tain Higginson the captain of the Ncw-York Yard.
The little tug waa on the sarboard quarter OF the
battle-ship. struggling under her great tow. Up to
the time that the Texas's bow far forty
or fifty feet from the mouth Of the dock. no par
tcular apprehension felt by the officers ahoa:
or on the dock. AS her Prov came within twenty
feet of the opening Interest In her movements be-
came decided. About this time Constructor Bowes,
II appears sang out to Captain Glass TO cast OF
his tug
Just here came in an important question OF naval
etiquette and regulation Naval rules prescribe
that a vessel Of Is under the direction of her
commander until her bow enters drydock. Then
she comes under the Jurisdiction of the Naval Con-
structor. Mr.. Bowles II seems. supposed his sug-
geston had been heard on the Texas. and that the
tug had been cast loose. The suggestion was
either not heard or not needed. and the vessel
neared more closely the docks opening. Stiif
fastened to her starboard bow the shore haw-
ser and on her quarter was the tug. Captain
Glass the line and demanded that it be let 60
He spoke in decidedly firm language. In fact. he
comma nded that the hawser be cast of. But the
officials ashore believed that II the line went
adrif the ship, with the tide bearing her to port.
would strike on the opposite side. The hawser
was therefore held Oh TO. Seeing this Captain
Glass again spoke In stern tones; Getting no re-
gave up the command OF the ship Then. II APP
pea 6o eaps9 Tas sads ssGIa oeIsd and
Later Captain Glass made official complaint a ;
to Constructor Bowes's conduct. alleging that that
officer had taken upon himself responsibilities not
aut thorized the regulations and that he had In
tcrfercd with the authorities Of the captain OF the
ship. Then followed an inquiry by. Commodore
sl5ard.. commandant OF the \ew-York station.
This brought out statements from Captain Gless.
Constructor Bowles and Captain Higginson. The
captain Of the Texas said that he was in charge
Of the ship to the time tnat she was turned over
to have been obeyed. Mr.. Bowies asserted that
the hawser had TO be held that the tug could not
off. Captain Higgnson, only spoke of taking
charge Of the vessel and docking her.
Secretary Hcrberts action on the case. while
not known definitely. Is understood TO be q prac
tical compromise. Captain Glass technically
right up 10 the time that the command OF the ship
was turned over 10 the captain OF the yard. But
rs Constructor Bowles. In suggesting that the tug
De cast off. was merely advising not directing. he
was not to blame. 1t Is said that the Secretary
used by Captain Glass on the, occasion. Naval
officers say that there is considerable feeling be-
tween the captain Of the Texas and Mr.. Bowes.