The times., 1899-10-18

The discussion of the design of the three
battleships authorized by Congress at its
! last session was continued yesterday at a
meeting of the Naval Board of Construc-
ton. Consideration was confined TO the
| character CT the main battery and turrets
of the new vessels. 1t was apparent from
| what was said at the meeting that the op-
position to the superimposed or two storied
turret is lessening. In fact, one OF the
members of the board, who had been here
| tofore opposed to this kind of turret came
out in its favor, and 1t was indicated that
the Ordnance Bureaus opposition was
changing.
The main argument of those who favored
| the two storied turret was that it would
enable the three battleships to have broad
side batteries second to none in the world
This argument was based on the SUPPOSE
tion that the vessels will each have two
12-inch guns and two S-inch guns in each
superimposed turret, two S-inch guns in
an ordinary turret on the starboard side
amidships. and two S-inch guns in a
turret on the port side directly OPP
posite. Under this arrangement, it was
pointed out, each vessel will be enabled to
pour broadside into an enemy from four
12-inch rifles and six S-Inch rifles, the
S-ineh guns in the turret amidships on the
side of the vessel farthest from the enemy
being the only ones that could not be used
in broadside firing.
No decision was reached as to whether
the three battleships shall be fitted with
superimposed turrets but there was some
fll cf
port News Dry Dock and Shipbuilding
Company TO allow the guns in the super
imposed turrets of the Kearsarge to be
tested before that vessel is turned over
by the company to the Government. Some
of the members wanted to see this test
made before voting on the proposition to
install double deck turrets on the three bat
tleships. When the question of making
this request comes up FOR action before
the board it is probable that there will be
opposition, on the ground that it would
cause delay in the completion of the Kear-
sarge, and could be used as an excuse by
the contractors if the ship was found TO
be deficient in any way, the firing OF such
heavy guns being likely to shake up the
vessel considerably.
The turrets of the Kearsarge are not in
condition for working, and two or three
weeks viii be required to fit them for the
experiment which members of the Board
of Construction desire 70 make.
1t is not probable every detail of the new
ships will be decided before next winter.
To design vessels of such cost and power
calls for the most careful consideration,
and, as ii is expected these vessels will
equal if not be the superior of any battle
ships built, it is intended that not a single
point in their design shall be passed on
until deliberately weighed Once de-
signed the ships will be constructed strict
ly on the plans, with no changes and devia-
tions, such as have caused much annoyance
heretofore.
The question of speed will lead to
controversy, the majority of the board
believing that eighteen knots is all that is
required of battieships while Admiral Mel
vile will advocate triple screws and twenty
knots. The speed of the vessels viii prob
ably not exceed eighteen knots, but this
may depend on the thickness of the armor.
1t will not be possible to call for bids for
these battleships until the -armor question
S settled