The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-08-08
ARMoR PLATE FOR wARsHIps.
Bids for n Big Contract to he opened
by Naval Omciuix TODAY

Bids will be opened at the Navy Denart-
ment today for armor plate for the new
battleships and cruisers authorized bv
Congress during the last two sessions.
1t is estimated that no less than
s3O00O,G00 is involved in the contract.
which, to be completed within the time
limits. must be divided among several
firms. The fact that over 1000 tons Of
forged steel. hardened by the latest i'm
proved processes, are 10 be purchased at
one time indicates to what an amazing
extent American sea power has developed
and how formidable a programme OF naval
increase has been undertaken. This ar
NOR includes tie heavy plates for eight
battleships and three armored cruisers and
thinner plates Tor three lighter cruisers
Two Arms have hitherto monopolizeti the
armor business. and it is doubtful II there
are any others capable OF supplying the
heaviest and highest grade OF plates re-
CURED for the great battleships and armor-
ed cruisers. Several smaller firms which
previously have not been classed as COM
petent to manufacture any class of armor
are to enter the competition. however, and
the Navy Department expects that some
OF these may secure awards for the lighter
variety of plates. Congress practically en-
powered the Secretary to purchase armor
1t is therefore confidently believed that all
the bids will be of a nature that will per-
NIT contracts to be made for the whole
amount now needed for ships soon to be
under construction as well as those build
ing.
No problem OF naval development has
given the Government more perplexity
than that Of armor. For four years Con-
gress at each session has squabbled over
ha rf1fd nd m
while battleships have so advanced that
their completion was delayed for want Of
armor plate. The fight was ended. how
ever. last spring. and the appeal of Secre-
tary Long that he be authorized to pay a
fair and equitable price at last prevailed.
In addition to 81, 1000 tons of improved
face-hardened armor that is to be purchas-
ed $4,000 tons of face-hardened armor
treated by another process. and 1,500 tons
OF the best nickel steel armor, not face
hardened, arS also to be contracted for.
The general features of the armor for
three battleships will be az follows:
partial main or water-liae belt, feet
8 inches in width, having a maximum
thickness of IL inches at the upper edge,
taPering to 1-2 inches at the bottom for
distance Of about 1870 feet. thsn reducing
gradually to inches at the bow: upper
ai.t lower casemate amor. each 7 feet
inches in width and inches in thickness.
protecting the vessels sides above the
main belt and connected at the end by d.
asonal casemate armor 6 inches thick: two
barbettes for the turrets u and inches in
lickness; two turrets with Pinch post
plates and 11-inch side and rear plates;
coming tower. 10 inches and signal tower,
inches in thickness; in all about 2.4SO
tons for each vessel.
The general features of the armor re-
of fvo Haff inc h.
similar in character to that described the
quantity per ship being somewhat greater.
however, but presenting no greater diffi-
culties of manufacture.
There are six armored cruisers. each ar
mored generally as follows. A main or
water line belt about $50 feet long, feet
6 inches wide, and to inches In thick |
ness; a taper belt about $50 feet in length, |
Z feet inches wide and 8 I-2 inches in /
thickness: upper and lower casemate ar I
NOR about 2S2 feet in length and inches .
in thickness; transverse easement armor I
inches in thickness; 6-inch gun protection, /
. inches in thickness; coming tower, 8 +
inches in thickness; signal tower, inches I
thick; two S-ineh gun turrets, 1-2 and /
inches in thickness; two S-inch barbettes |
for turrets, inches in thickness; armor /
tubes and the necessary armor bolts and /
nuts.
The armor for three protected cruisers |
will consist OF comparatively thin armor
for gun protection, coming towers, COM
municaticu tubes, etc