The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1896-09-15
This is only a sample. y

The limit of cost fixed for each of the
three ships was 3d. 700, 900, including hull
and armoT. Word comes from Washington
that the armor can be supplied by the de
partment for less than 81, 100000. The
Union Iron Works was allowed a margin
of per cent above the lowest Eastern
bids to offset the difference in prices
between the Atlantic and Pacific Coast.
1t is a very important consideration to
the Government that there should be
maintained on the Pacific Coast at least
one great ship-building establishment
capable of constructing, equipping and
repairing vessels of the largest class. The
ability of the Union Iron Works to
promptly build ships unexcelled for speed
and workmanship and conforming in
every respect to the specifications of the
department has been amply demonstrated
in the construction of the Oregon, Olym-
pia, Monterey. San Francisco and Charles
ton. That another great success will be
scored in the building OF second battle
ship of vast proportions there can be no
doubt.
An idea of the formidable character of
the new battle-ship may be gained by a
study of these dimensions:
Length on load water line, 1853 feet; nodded
beam, 72 feet; mean draft in normal displace-
ment, % feet inches; normal displacement.
II 500 ions; total displacement, IL, 500 tons
total coal capacity, 1900 tons; horsepower,
10000; speed, Is knots per hour; belt armor.
1615 inches thick, z feet inches deep; trans
verse armor, IL inches; barbette armor, Is
inches; turrets, II inches; top of turrets 5l5
inches; protective deck. fiat, 23< inches; pro-
tective deck, slopes, inches
The battery will consist of four thirteen
inch rified guns, fourteen six-inch rapid
fire guns, six six-pounders, four one
Founders, four machine guns and one
field piece. The ship will carry 200
rounds of ammunition for the thirteen
inch rifles, 2600 rounds for the six-inch
rapid-fre guns, 10000 rounds for the six
Founders and 2400 rounds for the one
Founders. The ship will also carry four
broadside torpedoes and display four
searchlights.
Yesterday afternoon Irving NJ Scott
was the recipient of many congratulations
over the success achieved IN winning
another ship. 1t is regarded in one sense
as a victory for California. The building
of the formidable vessel will give employ
ment to an army of mechanics for two
years and perpetuate the activity which
has so long, reigned at the Union Iron
Works.
The time allotted for the construction
of the new battle-ships is three years, but
if the Government is reasonably prompt
in supplying material the Union Iron
Works will do the work required at that
plant within two years. The extensive ia
cilities at hand, and:the experience gained
particularly in the construction of the
Oregon, give assurance of ability to COM
plete the enterprise in due time.
Next Friday, at Washington, the Navy
Department will open bids for building
three torpedo catchers. 1t is required that
these boats shall each attain a speed of
thirty knots per hour. The Union Iron
Works IS prepared to enter this field of
competition, where the highest speed is
demanded. Bids for the speedy catchers
are ready to be handed in.