Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1902-12-02
OF TOBIN BRONZE.
Defender Will Be So Constructed
Owners Confer With Builders.

Bristol, r. l.. Dec. THAT Tobey
bronze will be the material from which
the cup defence sloop now in course OF
construction at the boat shops here has
been definitely decided upOn,~and the i'm
portant information was given out as the
result OF a conference between &. Oliver
Iselin and the designer, Nat Herreshon.
A number of sheets of the metal have ar
rived here from AnSonla, Ct, ana the ma
chinistS are engaged in cutting them into
plates % a size suitable for use On the
sides of the craft.
A test of the relative strength of the
bronze and nickel steel proved the latter
to he very much stronger, as well as con-
siderably lighter. But the merits of the
bronze as compared with the steel are
thought to be unqueStioned, chiefly ne
cause Of the excellent polish which the
metal takes and its superior qualities IL
withstand corosion from salt wafer.
The lead keel was, Saturday. laid bare.
perfect condition regards form and
outline. The great mass of lead, weigh
ing about 100 tons was not to have beel,
uncovered until Monday, but ii was found
Ia have cooled sufficiently since the corr
pletiun oi the casting operation on We'd
uesday TO allow of the removal Of tie
mold.
Preparations are nearly completed for
the actual beginning OF work on the up
per portion Of the craft. and II is be
licVcd that before many days there VIII
rise from the lead mine the frames
which are to support the plates. The
nickel steel frames are already beinf;
bent In The blacksmith shop and the
bronze keel places are completed and
assembled in the south snUp.
August Belmont came over from New
York, Saturday. and held conversation
with the designer in reference to place
for fitting out the Constitution for the
coming year. All Of the arrangements
were not definitely decided upon and
further conferences Will be held on the
subject. MIR. Belmont was accompanied
by Capt GTiaS Rhodes. who was skipper
of the Constitution i'm 1901 and who has
been appointed to the command of that
craft sailing master for next season,
and Capt. Terry another skipper. well
known ON this coast in yachting circles.
Mr.. Herreshoff talked with all three
over the plans for bringing out the Con
stitution. next year. after which the pa
ty looked over the SparS, sails and other
fittings in order To learn what is needed
when the craft is brought here. Capt.
Terry is To serve on board the ConStitti-
ton in an advisory capacity, next year.
with Capt Rhodes.
The Constitution will he brought mere
from New London In a few weeks To be
fitted out and generally overhaued. The
craft is Ia have new suit of sails and
there wis some talk of giving her new
steel mast.
MIR. Belmost did not care to speak OF
his expectations in regard to the per
formances on the Constitution, next sea-
son. buj he referred To the matter of
having her in first-class sailing condition.
Mr.. Nat ierreshoff is again to become
superintendent of the boat shops in
place of tile regular superintendent. A.
\. Packard. who took that position. last
spring. Mr.. Packard has resigned to ne
come associated with W. Startling Bur
CESS in Boston in the work of naval ar
Chitecture.