The evening times. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1895-1902, 1901-09-17
RETURN OF THE RETVIZAN.
An Ovation for the New Russian Bat
tIeshin.

NleShip.
PHILADELPHIA. Sept 1.-THE Rus
sian Dattleship Retyizan returned 10 her
berth at Cramps shipyard yesterday
after have been given a most tu-
mUltuous greeting from all of the
passing craft aud the industrial
establishments alorg shore from the
capes TO the city. On the middle
smOkestack Of the three with which she
Is equipped were the figures Is telling
of the speed she had made on her unofH-
cial trial on board every one was happy
over the splendid performances Of the
ship. The representatives, Of the Russian
Government were more than pleased with
the new ship which viii shortly be turned
over TO them
They We're loud in their praises and
their enthusiasm means something be-
cause they are very eNacting in having a
perfectly strict compliance with the con-
tract conditions. Not one OF the officers
who represent the Autocrat Of all the
Russias would consent 20 be officially
quoted, but in their precise and very care
ful English they would. time and again,
give vent 10 their JOY in having such a
ship added 10 their navy. II is very sure
that their reports TO their Government
viii give the Retvizan the best OF recon-
mendatiOns
The ship was thoroughly tried out on
Sunday through having the Ereat twelve
inch guns compost g the main battery
fired over thirty times. making fortv-six
discharges In all, with fun service
charges. The guns are mounted IN pairs
IN turrets fore and aft ard the severity
Of the test may be understood when il
Is known that each pair was fired stimuli
tauvoUsly, which means that $40 pounds
OF nigh explosives, smOkeIess powder,
was detonated at the same moment.
projecting two shells. each weighing more
than so pounds. The guns were fired
from all degrees Of tLe traverse. or train.
Of the turrets. ard fIom the point blank
range TO the maximum elevation OF for
ty-nve degrees And they We're pointed
and fired from positions which will hard
IS ever be assumed except in the greatest
stress Of action Yet, in spite Of all the
hammerug away, the ship remained as
she WAS bound to DO. being a product Of
the Cramps yard. a thoroughly stauch
vessel Not a rivet or bolt was started
all OF the complex machinery worked as
smoothly after the firing as before
Being an entirely new ship. and the gun
mounts being uDtried. the Russian Off
GERS exercised proper caution. In using
the main battery for the first time no
men were allowed 10 remain in the tur-
rets. but after the gun mounts and the
turrcts proved their stability the officers
took the positions they would OCCUPY in
action. and while the mechanism Of the
Russian guns is such as to preclude any
thing like the rapid FIRE had by similar
American ordnance, they showed before
the end Of the tests their thorough con
nd-uce. and were making rapid strides ia
the rapidity Of the firing. There were
twelve shots discharged from each Of the
big guns. II was intended 10 Gre fourteen
from each, but the inspecting officers were
fully satisfied with what was accomplish
ed. OF course. the interior Of the ship
did not escape without some little dam
age being done, and yet II was so slight
such as some temporary bulkheads being
Jared out Of place and some crOckery-
ware being broken, that the effect Of the
gun fire was nil
Fer speed delighted everybody. with
q foul bottom and with ordinary ''uIu-Of-
the mine" coal she easily averaged eigh-
teen knots. which is her contract require
ment- When II comes 10 the official trial.
which will be held about six weeks from
now, she will have a bottom cleaned and
newly painted. good CCal viii be used.
she will be tried out in deep water of the
Down East coast, and it is very sure.
Judging by the past performances Of
Cramp built boats. that she VIII make at
least nineteen knots for twelve hours.
thus tab.lShing q record Tor ships OF her
class, both for speed and for sustaining
such great pace FOR such a time
As soon as the ship was moored al her
wharf yesterday men were put at work
removing all the impcdimcuIa Of the trial
trip and from now on hard work win be
put in 70 got her ia readiness for the Of
fetal test. There being no dock Of srlf-
feicnt capacity here 20 take her IN for
the purpose u having the bottom cleaned
and painted, she viii bC sent to the
Brooklyn Navy Yard. when she IS ready
for the final test. and there put in good
shape for great burst Of speed.