New-York tribune., 1898-10-29
NAVAL CONSTRUCTION.
chief CONSTRUCTOR HICHBORN's REPORT
ON THE WORK IN THE NAVY
FOB THE YEAR

Washington Oct % (SpeciaD-The energy and
nctivity OF the Naval Construction Bureau during
The year especially in the period when all the
regular warships well as the numerous auXili-
aries had 10 be speedily put on war footing gives
unusual interest to Chief Constructor Hchhorn g
annual report. we'll as that officers recommenda-
tions for the future. The extent of the work per
formed is indicated In part by the statement that
l2s vessels fitted out and converted for tight
ing purposes These included protected cruiser
l gunboat. Il cruisers torpodo-boat. ~ yachts q
tugs 70 GOLFERS. iceboa tank steamer. 10 reNe-
nue. cutters lighthouse tenders. Fish Commits
sion vessels supply ships. transports, ferry-
boats. / ambulance ship repair ship. 3 distilIhE
ships ! pilot boat, l refrigerator ship. water
barees ard special class vessel In addition 10 re-
pairs and conversions at Navy yards. the private
shipyards had been utilized extensively for similar
work under the bureau
a wear aso the Navy consisted OF lfl vessels IN
Guiding those under construction To-day the regn-
lar Navy has been increased 70 l@ vessels ana the
auxiliary navy includes l23 vessels, making an ag
gregatc Of 3l2.
Regarding the efficiency OF the warships Con-
etructor Hichborn says:
The behavior of all classes OF our naval vessels
throughout the various conditions of war under
which they served during the past months is
source OF qualification to the Bureau; In which The
veloped The many complicated and inteidependeht
considerations involved in the several cases I ,0
but afford opportunity for criticism from vaIl.
udrment In applying too little or too great weight
to any Of the many conditions referred TO- s,, ,,o
behavior Of the modern ship Of war In action lent
a very considerable amount OF uncertainty 10 I tne
sells In engagement with the enemy Athouen
nave nav engaged demorsfrated heir superiority SO
overwhelmingly as TO throw doubt upon the value
the behavior of all classes OF vessels both in action
and in general service on The blockade. appcaiS 70
have been such as thoroughly TO denonsIate ther t
integrity and their suitability for the service a} aqr
ter for congra tulation TO all concerned
FIREPRoOF wARsHIPs.
He SAYS concerning hreproof warshps:
The naval engagements of the last few months
have demonstrated so completely the necessity Ui
avoiding the use OF 9 ya ,at tbe bureau
feels that the course advocated by II 70 oC away N
naKe such WOODWORK as might be absolutely neces
sary nOn-inhammabe. has been justified by events;
on account Of be discomfort necessi,at;d in the |
living quarters by reducing wooaW%rH TO ] ]nood
has been frequently strong and at times amos. nos,
events have demonstrated that tIe "a auH ~, ,,
gained more than compensate Tor me cost ~ mon:
freproofed wood
The dependence Of warships upon drydocks.
which was demonstrated IN times Of peace. was
magnincd in to an extent that seriously
Inenaced the efficiency Of the most useful vessels
rarticularly the heavy battle-shps and armored
cruisers which from the time the oregon Ieft
Puge, Sound until hostilitles were suspended could
not be taken from the water. On this point Com
1nodore Tichborn says that the necessity for
fastening the construction Of docks appropriated
for during the last session or Congress Is strois!
evident.
MORE NAVY YARDS NEEDED.
Attention Is invited 10 tho importance Of properly
eouipping and maintaining the plants at the minor
naval stations along the coast Of the United States,
already established With the very great extent OF
coast line with the prospect Of additional OUT
living possessions and tie accompanying increased
Importance OF our foreign relations and Of the
Navy. these stations. separated as they are. may
6eyelop into considerable Importance at any time.
Had the consequences of the recent engagements
IN the West Indies been nearly so serious as there
was reason tC expect they might be, the stations
on the Southern and Gulf coasts would have been
REQUIRED for active repairs on vessels which 1t