The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-04-06
EXAMPLE OF THE COMMODORE.
w. *. Vanderbilt May Give Uncle
Sam a Battle Ship.
New York Herald.

New York Herald.
William X. Vanderbilt. it was reported
yesterday, has decided, in the event OF war
with Spain, to present to the United StatAs
government war ship to cost 5000, 600.
This interesting information came to the
Herald from most responsible source, with
the explanation that Mr.. Vanderbilt, i'm
pressed with the justice of the Nations at
ttude in the present crisis, believed this to
be the most direct and practical manner in
which he could be of service TO his country.
Mr.. Vanderbilt, if his decision is as repre-
sented, has resolved to follow in the foot
steps of his grandfather. Commodore Cor
MENUS Vanderbilt, who during the civil war
presented to the federal government the
large steamship Vanderbilt, which was val
Ued AT 81, 900 600.
When / called at Mr. Vanderbilt's home
on Fifth avenue to inquire about his re-
ported decision IL was said that he had left
Yesterday for Hot Springs, Va, At his
formation as to the accuracy of the report
could be obtained.
ter said Mr.. Vanderbilt's secretary to me.
He has never mentioned such a plan to
me: He may have come to such a decision,
although l think 1t is doubtful Mr.. Van
derbilt is of a practical turn. and if he
should undertake to have war ship built
for the government it would take at least
three years before the vessel could be COM
pleted."
When Commodore Vanderbilt placed at
the disposal of President Lincoln the best
vessel in his extensive fleet the sidewheel
steamship was converted into a cruiser and
did highly valuable work during the war.
His first proposition was to sell TO the gov
eminent his entire fleet a. the govern
nents own valuation, and to include the
Vanderbilt free of cost Owing 10 dis
agreement with Mr.. Wells, then secretary
of the navy, this offer was Withdrawn.
When the whole Atlantic coast was
thrown into a panic however by the threat
ened attack of the Confederate vessel Mer-
rmac. Commodore Vanderbilt presented his
vessel to President Lincoln and the PreSi-
dent himself took possession Of her In
Hampton Roads ON May Y, 1862.
est vessel afioat in her day. She held the
record for the fastest trip TO Europe: She
was built in Simonsons shipyard, in Green
port, and was launched on December 10,
1850. Her extreme length was $50 feet her
beam 80 feet and her depth 30 feet. She reg
istered 500 tons gross and was equipped
with two engines of 100 horse power and
four tubular boilers. Her paddlewheels
were ~ feet in diameter.
When the vessel then became she prop
erty of the government all her upper works
were cut away and she was armed with
battery of twelve 9-inch Dahlgren guns. six
on each side, and two l00-pound PARROT
guns one each fore and aft. Her hull was
also made solid for fifty feet from the bow
to fit her for use as Il ram.
For some time after her equipment as a
war vessel the Vanderbilt employed In
watching for the Merrimac. She later went
In pursuit of the Alabama, hut never found
her although Ii she had Captain SemmeS,
of the Alabama has since declared her SUI
peror speed and armament would have de-
cided the battle in her favor She after
ward was employed to convoy the monitors
to the Pacific coast, and after the war she
became receiving ship in tae Mare Island
navy yard She was sold by the govern
ment in San Francisco IN 1872, and became
the famous sailing ship Three Brothers.
Commodore Vanderbilt patriotic act was