New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1897-08-21

n, .,,,.1 Tho performances Of the Man
tonomoh in crossing the Atlantic ocean III i'''
and of the other monitor vessels AT SEA sincc
have proved the seaworthiness OF TINS type p"'
full confidence does not yet exist IHough H'ch
ing in many of the comforts usually Io'''u III
other classes Of ships. the monitor type can Nv
made an agreeable habitatlon for ofiicers anu
men. and what Is of more Importance IL GU"
he made entirely seaworthy.
Mr. Bennett presents several features or error
in ftting on the monitors. and from actual eX-
periencc suggests remedies for them one farlt
noin,ed ont APPLIES TO all ships defects in ma
chincry disclosed in actual cruising service
which should have been found on the steam
trials. lie says:
The dock trial required after a ship is com
missioned Is intended means of discovering
rauI,s hrt II is conducted In such a manner %
TO be Inadequate. | have taken part i'm dock
trials of many vessels. and in every case orders
have been issued limiting the power exerted, In
order that the dock he not injured by the strain
of the ha,v,ers or undermined by the wash OF
the propelors. Result is that only part "f the
boiler power is used and generally at low press
IRE: the engine speed Is slow and usually linn
tied to one engine at a time while the duration
of the trial is brief because il interferes with
the work of getting stores and equipping me
ship Instead of bringing the weak points into
prominence. this practice is really means OF
hiding them. The preliminary trial should be
made in free route. should he Of twelve hours
duration at least. and full power should De OK
erted part OF the time.
Mr. Bennett proves the force Of his argument
bv citing experiences on the trial trip of the
Amphtriic. Further on he notes other ana
serious defects Of construction. defects that
caused much suffering and resulted in many
of the engineers force breaking down. 1t was
impossible for a man to go upon the gratngs.
behind the upper parts Of the boilers, where the
PRINCIPAL steam valves were placed, without be-
coming almost roasted. The official Board that
reported upon the temperatures OF the vessel
got N This place only by Introducing Their
momctcr on the end Of a long pole. and it
showed temperature of 2O2 degrees. The
s,lpcrstruct1re. which contained the quarters for
the captain and other officers, was directly above
TN" engine and boiler spaces with n light wood
en- floor laid over the iron deck. and at sea, with
the doors closed. this habation was compared
to a frying-pan on hot stoved The smoke
pipe passed through the centre Of the officers
quarters. and It's vigorous radiation contributed
to the general discomfort. But all Of these
faults can be rcmedicd. as Mr. Bennett himself
admits.
While the work on coast defenccs is in prog
rcss or contemplation this may include the
proposed revolving steel turret on Romer Shoal,
az the entrance Of New-York's harbor-the mon
iior type of vessel should receive consideration.
for it is recognized that portable steel turrct
Is certainly better than one fixed AT one point.
Many officers of the Navy have strongly assert
ed that one or two of the twin-turreted mon
t0rS would be- better for the defence OF New
York IIarbOr than the biggest fixed turret that
could be built. for their operations would not be
limited 10 Il region within gunshot of the Romcr
Shoal or other selected spot. Mr.. Bennett de-
mOnStratcs this aS Il fact. and adds that the
monitors might be stationed rs harbordefcnce
ships At the principal ScapOrts. and a. the same
time take part in such squadron eyolutions rs
might bc arranged He closes his paper with
this assertion: NO other type of war-vc>scl IS
so essentially American or essential 10 the
maintenance of our defensive Naval policy"