The herald. [microfilm reel] (Los Angeles [Calif.]) 1893-1900, 1896-11-14
TROUBLES OF THE TEXAS
Prove Much More Serious Than at First
Supposed
If the Accident Had Happened at Sea
the Vessel Would Have Foundered.
Admiral Ramsay's Report.
Associated Press Special Wire


PHILADELPHIA, Nov 13.-The big
seagoing battleship Iowa returned this
evening from her builders trial trip off
the Delaware capes. The trial was es-
sentially an engineers trial to give the
ships builders an idea of the powers
of the engines and the way in which they
worked, and the speed developed was
secondary consideration of the trip.
Nevertheless, on a two hours burst of
speed the ship averaged 1927 knots at
the 112 revolutions of the screws. This
is .27 more than the contract speed Of
the vessel calls for, and that the Iowa is
capable of better time than this was
shown when she was occasionally spurt-
ed up to the II knot mark.
The run this morning was made under
forced draught but with ordinary coal,
and half the distance was in the face of
the rising northwest gale and quite
heavy sea.
1t is approximately shown that the
engines developed about 1000 horse
power, which is 1900 more than was de-
veloped by the engines of the Indiana
on that ships official trial.
No requirement of horse power Is ex.
acted in the ships contract, but she
must make speed of sixteen knots ON
her official trial. For every quarter
knot above this her builders will re-
ceive a premium of $4,000.
1t is expected that the ship will be
ready to go on her official trial trip
about the middle of February, and by
that time she will be so nearly complet-
ed that she can go into commission in
March.
THE TEXAS TROUBLES.
WASHINGTON Nov. 1S-The inquiry
proceeding at the New York Navy yard
behind closed doors, into the circum-
stances under which the Texas sank at
her dock recently, it is reported here,
has brought to light further startling
structural weakness in the ship. It was
noted here with surprise that the tele-
graphic reports of the sinking of the
Texas showed that one engine room
filled through the water tight doors clos
ing it off from the adjoining engine room.
This led to investigation, and it has
been found that the bulkheads separat-
ing the ship into supposedly water tight
compartments are so light that they
sprung under the pressure of the water
and caused great leaks. Although the
magazine is separated from the engine
rooms by continuous bulkhead with
out door openings, it was soon filled with
water, which ran around the edges and
through the seams of the metal. A naval
expert is authority for the statement
that if the Texas sea valve had broken
out at sea the vessel would surely have
foundered, owing to the failure of the
bulkheads and DOORS
RAMSAY'S REPORT.
WASHINGTON Nov. 13.-More than
~ per cent of the enlisted men in our
navy are now American citizens, and
more than So per cent of the apprentice
boys are American born according 20
the statement of Admiral Ramsay, chief
of the bureau of navigation, in his an
nual report. During the year S95 men
and 146 apprentices deserted by far the
greatest number of assertions being at
home ports.
The record for long distance cruising
is now carried by the old-time cruiser
Essex, which sailed 16,9OS miles during
the year. The Newark came next with
14765 miles to her credit, and singularly
enough the third place is held by the
Monterey, never designed as cruising
vessel, which steamed 1875 miles.
The report of the superintendent Of
the naval academy which is appended to
Admiral Ramsay's report contained the
usual recommendation as to the provis-
ion of two sailing vessels for training
cadets in seamanship. He endeavors 20
meet the argument that such training
in the use of sails is out of date by the
contention that it nevertheless educates
the nerves and brain and inculcates the
habit of command. He also has en-
deavored to stimulate the interest of
the cadets in marine sports in sailing
and rowing to divert their attention from
football, baseball and such games, which
he regards as unfit for sailors
One of the most important recommen-
dations is that post graduate course If
training be adopted at the naval acad-
envy to place the institution on footing
with foreign naval schools. 1t is also
recommended that the entrance age of
cadets be reduced to fifteen years, that
the course of studies be reduced from
six to four years, and that after a three
years cruise the cadets be required TO
take the post graduate course.