The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1901-03-13
The New Fighting Machine May Set
Pace for BattIeships,
NAVAL COMMANDER ON BOARD.
All Hands Much Pleased With the Test.
Made, and Her Builders Are Delighted
at Her Qualities, Both as to Ma
chiuery and Construction-Th
Official Trial May Be
Expected Soon.
Especial Dispatch to The Tins,

>
NEWPORT NEWS. VA, March 1a,-
The United States battleship Illinois, the
sixth ship built for the navy by the New
port News Shipbuilding and Dry Dock
Company, went out on her builders trial
trip to-day, leaving the shipyard at {
o'cicck and returning before 8, being the
shortest builders trial ever made out of
this port This was due to the admirable
conduct of the Illinois during the run,
making it unnecessary to make exhaus-
tive tests.
All who were aboard during the trip
praised the Illinois in no unmistaken
terms. and the representatives of her
builders aboard were congratulated on
the success of their sixth ship for the
new navy
A GREAT SHIP
Everything points to magnificent run
on the official trial. which will take place
within the next sixty days. it is believed.
and the company officials are looking
forward to a new speed record for battle
ships.
The final preparations were made fer
the trip last night. and promptly at the
appointed hour this morning the big
fighter got under way taking the chan
mel under her own steam and proceeding
to Old Point. where she headed for Capes
Henry and Charles.
The run from Newport News TO Old
Point consumed just an hour, and fol-.
the entire distance the battleship re-
ceived noisy ovation from the many
steam vessels in the harbor and Hamp-
ton Roads. Cape Henry Was passed about
10 o'clock. Up to this time no tests had
been made. but those in charge saw
enough of the workings or the machinery
and boilers to satisfy them that they
had great ship.
AS soon as deeper water was reached.
though it was never deeper than twelve
fathomS, which is unfavorabie for trial
trips. the tests of the steering gear were
made and al proved entirely satisfac-
tory.
AT GOOD SPEED.
When about twenty-five miles down the
coast the Illinois was turned about and
headed for the Capes again. moderate
forced draught being used for two hours.
A speed of 49, knots was developed with
ease at one time, and it is possible this
was made with a defective log, as there
was a blade missing when 1t was hauled
irl- To attain this speed only loi revolu-
tions were required.
No attempt was made to force the ship
either for speed or revolutions, as the
officials OF the company were satisfied 1t
was unnecessary, especially as the ships
bottom was very foul and the run was
made in Shoal water
THE RUN HOME.
The run home made in good time.
and better pleased body OF men than
that which left the shle this evening
never went out on a trial trip. General
Superiutendent Post. Captain Converse.
xho will command the Illinois. and other
,ficers aboard. all expressed theit. ue-
light at the Illinois qualities. both as 10
machinery and construction.
Only some polishing up remains TO be
done and the official announcement of the
date for the official trial may be eS-
pected in ii few days. The ship is un-
usually well advanced for the builders
trail being nearer completion than the
| Kearsarge and Kentucky.