The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-10-22

previously existing. That this should be
particularly the case with submarine YES
sells there is every reason to believe, and
there can be little doubt that to the first
! nation in the field with the new type will
accrue not only the advantages which will
come from the possession of efficient YES
sells of this type. but the additional ad-
vantage in saving in cost which will re-
suit from an early understanding OF the
new type and the notifications which its
introduction will force in existing types.
Concerning SuperpoSed Turrcts.
The following reference is made 10 the
settlement Of the long disputed question
of superpcscd turrets:
The decision finally come to in the ar
rangement Of the batteries of the new
battleships vas compromise between
opinions The merits and dement's IF
the superpcsed turret have been under
discussion for come years. The compile
tion CT the first battleslip TO which the
system has been applied. and the trials TO
which they have been subjected. have
demonstrated only the mechani al prac-
ticability of the system Of mounting it
has been recognized from the coIRLenCs-
ment Of the discussion that there are
SUCH grave disadvantages in this sys e Il
of mounting, as, impossibility CT indie
posed turrets; great concentration CT
weight upon roller path and supports CT
such turrcts: dependence Of four import
ant guns upon one controlling apparatus;
diSarrangcnient of training CT three guns
by firing of the fourth. and possibility II
complete disahlemen mt Of four important
guns, or, say, 50 per cent CT the heavy
battery. by nishap affecting the turret.
There is nothing in the experience with
l., I-N-
inS either to show how they may be re-
moved or to determine the extent Of their
effect upon the vessels in wEic0 tn sys-
TEN is employed The decision in tle case
OF The recent vessels has teen reached in
practically the same way as the decision
relative to the first vessels to which IL,
system was applied. and is based upon
the same presentation of arguments pro
and cen. although the navy now pcssessej
the means of determining. PRACTICABLE. at
any rate portion. of the prints at issue.
The bureau believes the arrangement
of battery Of vessels of war 10 be mat
ter of the very greatest Importance.
While seriously opposed to the system of
superposed turrets on grounds which it
believes to be vital 1t holds itself free
from any prejudice which could not be re-
moved by practical tests which the means
now at hand make possible and which the
Importance Of the matter MAKES impera-
tive in order to limit policy Of compro-
mise CT opinions based upon theoretical
rather than practical considerations
Where Wrrxh;ps Should BE Built.
The question Of building vessels ia navy
yards is touched upon as follows:
1t has been the history of all the iron
and steel navies in existence today that
the building of the vessels was at first
entirely confded to private industry, and
that the existence of the nucleus of
steel feet made it necessary that the
Governments who were their owners
should themselves provide for repairing
these vessels; and that. having provided
the necessary plant for this purpose the |
provision for the maintenance of the
equally Necessary though vastly more diff |
fcult thing TO attain, viz, efficent working |
organization and adequate efficient per- |
sonnet, forced them to undertake in their |
navy yards portion Of the new building |
work.
While, under existing conditions. in |
the case of the first vessels built in our |
navy yards it may he expected that the |
cost will not be greatly different from
may even be somewhat greater than for
the same work executed by contract in the |
private shipyards. the bureau believes \
that such course once entered upon |
would demonstrate its desirability and |
practioability IN an increased efficiency |
ard economy in naval administration, re- |
garded as a whole. without interference
with a judicious policy of such Government !
encouragement of the shipbuilding in
dustry as will keep the greatest number
of establishments in position to Under
take and execute promptly any naval worl,
which may be required