New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1899-11-01
THE KENTUCKY TRIED IL A STORM.
SUCCESSFUL TRIP OF THE NEW BATTLE
sIIP-TEsTED N GALE AND HEAVY SEA.

SUCCESSFUL TRIP OF THE NEW BATTLE
sHIP-TEsTED N GALE AND HEAVY SEA.
Fort Monroe. Va. oct 81 (SpeciaD-The
builders trial Of the first class battleship Ken
lucky. twin sister Of the Kearsarge was made
to-day in a driving storm. with the wind blow
Ing from twenty-five 10 forty miles an hour
from the northeast a fierce tide running inshore
and seas five and six fathoms high against the
bow. For a part Of the day It impossible
to see more than a few shpengths ahead
through the steady downpour Of rain. varied oc-
casonally with seet. with now and then a little
Sunshine sitting through the spray.
Under these remarkable and unusual circum-
stances. the battleshlp behaved in a splendid
manner showing remarkable seaworthiness and
steadiness and developing a speed Of 16 1-3
knots at one-half the forced draught that will
be used on her official trial and with bot
tom covered with n fourteen months growth Of
weeds, grass and barnacles. This, too in spite
OF the adverse meteorological conditions In all.
the ship went over a course Of about ninety
miles going out the Capes a distance Of about
ten miles. and making the trip back TO the
Capes three times. Her steering gear. anchors.
engines and other parts were subjected to severe
tests with results completely successful.
Captain Chester who will command the ship
when she goes into commission. was delighted
with her she is a great ship" he said, and
has behaved remarkably we'll. The day has
been an ideal for thorough test, and the
chip has stood the test Ideally She has de-
reloped speed which. under the circumstances.
IS greater than could have been anticipated.
and she will readily make 17iz knots on her Of
fetal trial. barring accidents"
superintendent Post expressed himself as en-
tirely satisfied with the vessels splendid per
Torrance.
Among those on board, in addition 10 Captain
Chester and Mr.. Post was Captain Harvey. Of
the Old Dominion Line who navigated the yes
sci. Lieutenant Commander Roher who VIII be
her executive officer. and Lieutenant Com
mander Merriam, Of the Kearsarge. The ship
was delayed two hours on the return trip oy lhe
fouling Of an anchor and had 70 lie over at
old Point for the night the weather being too
thick 70 get Der UP 70 Newport News. The
party was landed in A tugboat IN a storm or rain
and wind
ships departure for the Atlantic. the wind vas
blowing a gale rain was falling IN torrents and
a heavy fog hung over the harb0r and ne
Roads The ship had steam up and was ready
- start Il was decided % walt an hour or TWO
f0r better weather conditions. Al 80 oc4ock
the mist cleared away, but the rain was sui
falling and the winds velocity was still great
II was decided however. % make start ana at
: a. o'clock the big battieshp glided from the
ward 10 the channe. under her own steam. ana
headed In the direction ~ Hampton Roads at
cruising speed the officials q the yard deter
mined 70 make up for the time lost IN starting.
An hour later the Kentucky passed Old Point
and steamed out OF Hampton Roads 70 the
ocean TO make the speed run.