New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1897-02-07
HER TCRRETS NOT LOOSE.
THE INDIANA AS sTANCH AS ANY BAT
TLE-sHIP IN THE WORLD.
THERE WAS A SLIGHT PLAY OF THE NEW LOCK
ING DEVICES AND SHE RETURNED AS a
MATTER OF EXCESSIVE PRECAU-
TION-CAPTAIN TAYIOR'S

OFFICIAL REPORT.

OFFICIAL. REPORT.
Washington, Feb. G.-Captain Henry c.
Taylors detailed report on the performance or
the battle-ship Indiana in heavy weather OH
Hatteras, which caused him to leave Admirai
Bunce's squadron and seek safety in Hampton
Roads. reached the Navy Department late TINS
afternoon. 1t appears that the four Sinch gun
turrets. weighing about $50 tons EACH under
the strain of the vessels rolling were found to
move laterally one-eighth OF an inch with the
ships motion, and that the two 13-inch-gun tur-
rets, weighing about 800 tons each. moved later
ally one-quarter of an inch under the same in
flueEces
One Of the latter turrets. when Captain
Fighting Bob" Evans took the ship into q
storm last fall revolved bodily through
greater portion Of its arc but In the breeze OF the
day before yesterday they did not get loose
from the extra fastenings that had been APP
piled during the winters stay at the New-forK
Navy Yard.
The infntesimal lateral movement, which the
naval officials attribute to the necessary neXi-
bility OF the vessel alarmed the ships officers.
who signallcd to Admiral Bunce and secured
his permission to seek the nearest haven
From the character OF the storm encountered
off Hatteras officials deduce the opinion 'hat
the vessel exhibited stanchness In remarKaoie
degree, and they assert that no stlner pa'''e-
ship OF such weight as the indiana IS possesseu
by any Navy.
The Navy Department has decided to with
hold the official report from publication, but
Assistant Secretary McAdoo gave out the fol-
lowing statement:
THE report Of Captain Taylor with reference
to the behavior Of the Indiana has just been re-
cejved The officers Of the ship, az appears from
,,i,.., fhn
locking devices of the turrets when the snip Maa
subjected TO heavy rolling. were exceeuihSIs
cautious and ObServant as TO the ac'on vi 'ho
improved devices put on at New ork % l'l o."
the report states the new device did not give way
in any part nor develop any permanent delorn-
itv but when the ship rolled rather heaNls III
the trough of the there was a slight play III
the device observaIt. the whole movement ho'
exceeding a quarter OF an inch. which was con-
6ned amos. entirely to the forward thrteen-lncn
turret II Is quite probable that nau 'heIe NJ ~.
been any unfavorabe experience with the oiu
devices this would not have been observed ms
very slight movement of the turrets was reauns
checked by setting up the bolts. which are very
heavy being four inches in diameter, ana iaI III
EXCESS of those formerly used. There was heavy
swell running, into the trough or Whlcn tne sl',p
was thrown. owing to her course. ana Cap'a a.
Tavlor Informed Admiral Bruce by signal Oh tne
fact that this slight movement OF the turrets was
obsorvant and that ne feared under continuous
rolling il might Increase ana carry away '"'
locking device , ,..u.oor
After some messages had passed pe.". .,
.bem the Indiana was directed to return 10 the
Roads She had no trouble on the way back ana
indeed Il is certain that were she free-hahueu
and not subject TO squadron restrictions as 70
movements she could navigate In any klhu oi
Goa or weather so far the report shows. the
lacking device is In good condition. but con-
structor Stahl. OF the norfolk laru mas zee"
ordered TO inspect and report on the same.