New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1897-01-21
NAVAL BUREAUS AT ODDS.
CONTROVERSY OVER TURRETS BETWEEN
CHIEFS OF ORDNANCE AND CON
STRI-CTION

Washington. Jan 20 (SpeciaD.-Offcial differences
have sprung up between the heads Of two bureaus
OF the Navy Department which promise 10 be OF
more than usual interest. The bureaus involved in
the controversy are those of Ordnance and Con-
Eruction. The subjects under discussion are nava!
turrets. their design construction and manipula-
ton The matter is now before Secretary Herbert
for decision but is probable that the bureaus con-
cerned will he called upon for further statements
before ruling is made. For some time there has
been more or less friction between the two bureaus.
and Mr.. Herbert recently issued regulations defn-
ing the duties of each in relation 10 the design.
location and construction of turrets In settling
the present controversy the Secretary Will have 10
consider again questions which he previously had
before him. also the important point as TO which Is
the best form of turret 10 put on batte-ships and
what is the most efficient means of working them.
The discussion on which Mr. Herbert Is 10 sit in
Judgment was begun by Captain Sampson, Chief Of
the Bureau of Ordnance. one point was raised IN
connection with the consideration of the plans for
the battle-ships Illinois. Alabama and Wisconsin.
the construction OF which authorized AT the
last session OF Congress. For all other recently de-
signed battleships partly oTalshaped turrets with
inclined sides are provided for. For the three new
ships Captain Sampson proposes turrets more
nearly circular in shape. having vertical sides. He
says that In battle-ship yet built in this country
is there sufiic for a guns Some o:
the sailors have stand outside the turrets when
the being worked. He would have the
inside space larger and says that by building the
sides of turrets vertical this will be accomplished.
When the sides are inclined. Captain Sampson says.
that part Of the turres near the outer edge is to-
low to enable men to stand erect Space lost in this
form Of turret is unavoidable. but it would be pro-
vided in the proposed form.
Chief Constructor Hichborn has replied to Cap
tain SIMPSONS arguments in a letter TO Secretary
Herbert He says that In the first place. the
Bureau of Ordnance has not, under naval regula-
fleship turrets. this subject coming under the ox-
elusive jurisdiction of the Bureau Of Construction.
He also says that the question of the form Of tur-
rets for the Illinois. Alabama and Wisconsin has
been considered by of the Nays ablest ex-
perts. and that. in accordance with their recon-
mendations plans have been prepared to place on
those vessels turrets of type which Is generally
regarded as the best, all things considered 1t Is
proposed he says. TO put in the ships turrets hav-
ing a generally oval shape. with inclined tops in
front and the sides. At the rear the plans pro-
vide for vertical sides with a view TO increased
space where it is needed. Chief Constructor HIGH
born's letter is emphatic on the point that upon
his bureau. not that of Ordnance. devoves the duty
Of preparing designs for and constructing turrets
He is of the opinion that the particular plans
drawn up for the three new vessels satisfactorily
meet the requirements Of modern effective battle
ships.
The other controversy between the two bureaus
relates to the matter of motive power for the eight
proved plans of the vessel call for both steam and
hydraulic power 10 work me urIefs fn
stalled on the armored cruiser Brooklyn works
satisfactorily. and for military reasons Is superior
10 steam and hydraulic appliances that the plans
OF the Iowa he changed. and electricity be adopted
as the power TO turn her eight-inch battery. He
goes so far TO say that. if the construction OF
the vessel has proceeded 10 the stage where parts
OF the approved steam and hydraulic system nave
been installed the ship. the same he removed
and electricity substituted. even considering the
fact that the change will be expensive. Captain
Sampson is TO command the Iowa when she Is
ready for aea. 49,,
Answering Captain SIMPSONS recommendations,
Chief Constructor Hichborn has informed Secre-
tary Herbert that many of the parts OF me iowa
turret machinery are now in place. ard that 10 re-
move them and put in their place another system
will not only involve a big expense to the Govern
ment but delay the completion OF the ship. &c
sides there Is grave doubt. SAYS the Chief on
sructor. II electricity is superior 70 steam ana ny
draulic power In such cases. He refers 10 Inc
experiments the Brooklyn. but says that these
have been conducted under favorable. not service.
conditions and that while electricity may appear
IN harbor tests to meet all requirements, under 9s
heavy rolling and pitching at sea II may be found
a failure as a practical and economical system.