New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1897-02-06
PRICE THREE CENTS.
THE INDIANA IN TROUBLE.
SHE LEAVES BUNCEs FLEET AND RE.
TURNS TO HAMPTON ROADS.

THE FORMER DIFFICULTY WITH HER TuRhETs
EEcuRs IN THE HEAVY SEAS OFF HAT
rERAs-rHE NAVY DEPARTMENTS FIX
PLANTATION OF THE NATTER.
Washington, Feb. 5-What may be Represent
ed TO foreign governments az an !gnominious
failure Of one OF the crack vessels OF the new
Navy to-day received an explanation which
naval officers OF experience regard as satisfac-
tory The return OF the pattle-ship Indiana TO
Hampton Roads to-day after having been At
sea with Admiral Bunces squadron scarcely
twenty-four hours. was due to the same turrets
which got loose In storm last fall. when cap
tain Evans commanded the ship In evolutions of
Long Island. On that occasion the big guns
projecting frorr, the turrets swung back and
forth across the decks az the ship heeled over
on her beam ends in the sea. and the gravest
fears were fe. tina. The magnificent vessel would
turn turtle" as the sailors express Il. and go
down with all hands. Captain Evans hove her
70 and dashed the guns temporarily. which ena-
bled him to reach port. and then several months
were spent at the Navy Yard in trying TO rem
edv the defect.
Captain Evans was succeeded in command by
Captain Taylor formerly of the War College.
and yesterday was Captain Taylors first ex-
per!ence FOR some time IN an armored ship
which has earned a reputation for wallowing,
and It IS understood that the long rollers fol-
lowing the recent heavy gale made themselves
felt on the ship when the fleet got off Hatteras.
II she had not been restricted 10 squadron for
nation, Captain Taylor might have headed his
course into tho seas, but as the New-York, with
her high freeboard and notable stability, was
setting the course and as tha Indiana could
not safely stay with The fleet she was permit
ted TO return. II her turre:s had broken loose
off Hattcras the ship might have been lost
The Navy Department gave out the follow
ing statement regarding the matter this after
noon:
The Indiana returned to-day TO Hamptoc
Roads. having made with the squadron.
When she went out this time she had with her
a new locking dcvice Tor her turrets lately put
at New-York, and which was intended -
remedy the trouble she had the last time she
put to sea in heavy weather This present de-
! vice has three times the strength OF the former
one. Very properly, the officers OF the ship have
! been cautious ard observant TO its workings,
| and she has returned TO the Roads for further
| inspection of 1t and possible readjustment. Her
| former trouble was occasoned 10 some extern,
by her rolling in the heavy sea which she then
encountered and 1t is possible she again met
unusually rough seas
when the Indiana and the Massachusetts,
| designed they had on. as is absolutely
necessary for them. bilge keeis. but very un-
fortunately all the locks UP TO the one just COM
| pleed at New-York were not Of sufficient capaci-
| ty 10 dock any Of these ships with bilge keels.
| Anticipating the construction and finishing
! Of the dock at NewYork. the Department some
| time ago ordered bilge keels 10 be made ready
7 for all OF these ships. and such keels vii! be
| placed In position soon as possible.
Great Britain had similar experience with
her battle ships before such keels were put In.
| and the Of the Resolution Is well known to
| the profession all over the world.
The Department expects to have the Indiana
| again at sea In few DAYS.