The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1897-09-20
BATTLE SHIP INDIANA
INJURIES RECEIVED AT HALIFAX
NOT OF A SERIOUS NATURE.
Capt. Henry TayIOr's Report ON the
Docking of the Big War Ship-EfH-
cheney of Vessel Not Affected.

WASHINGTON. Sept. 19.-Acting Secre-
tary Roosevelt as an answer to recently
published reports that the battle ship In
diana was injured while in the Halifax dry
dock, has made public the following re-
port received from Capt. Henry Taylor
commanding the vessel, made shortly after
the docking:
II respectfully report that the Indiana
got under way yesterday morning at 6:i5
and proceeded up the harbor to the Halifax
craving dock and entered the slip at Z.
At noon the dock being half pumped out,
1 ordered an inspection of the double bot
toms in order to detect strain as the blocks
took the weight. The dock was dry ar
o clock and no evidence OF strain was dis
covered. At $50 it was observed that some
buckling had occurred in the double bot
toms under the forward thirteen-inch tur-
ret and adjacent thereto. The additional
snoring which was being placed in position
was placed forward and the double bottom
watched closely to discover if this buckling
increased. Careful measurement was made
for this purpose under the direction OF Ma
val Constructor Bowles and continued DUR
ing the night. No increase being discov-
cred decided, after consultation with Mr.
Bowles that it was not necessary to let the
water in to float the ship.
1.-THE principal reason assigned for the
strain is the fact that some of the Keel
blocks are upon rock foundation and others
are not, thus causing a slight inequality Of
support Mr. Bowles informs me that he
does not anticipate any present repairs be-
ing necessary on account of the buckllnS
The buckling is confined to the floor space
adjacent to the vertical keel. The maxi
mum of ~ inches occurs at Frame %, de-
creasing forward to Frame Y, where it
ceases and aft Of Frame 80. where it ceases
again-three frames abaft frame 81 snow
ing very slight DETECTION"
In connection with the report MIR. RooSe-
welt states that the slight buckl1ng or the
Indiana'S bottom was OF no consequences
as was indicated by the fact that the snip
took her place in the squadron immediate
ly after leaving dock and maneuNered as
Satisfactorily as could be desired. Mr.
Roosevelt has just received this letter from
one of the captains of the squadron:
II have just been on board the INDIANA
and asked about the reports that she was
damaged at Halifax. When the Columpld
was locked at Southampton and the same
hue and cry was raised British naval OIL
GERS not only laughed at 1T, but thoulnt ner
captain hardly treated because OF the IN
curry made and called what happened 10
the Columbia common occurrence 70
them And they said to me: when you nave
had the experience of docking more modern
vessels YOU will find the same condltlOn OF
affairs AS for the Indiana, no leak or
strain of any kind is observed aha neille .
affected in the slightest degree. IN tHs
same way about the great gun. nrd
that what has happened is merely what the
bureau of Ordnance has anticipated
slight pitting due to the character and
quantity of explosives used and the gun mas
not been injured i'll the slightest degree.