Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1904-10-03
Bolt in the Ways.

'On september Il, while the diver was
sweeping the underwater portion OF tho
ways on the Connecticut there was found q
bolt about rs inches in diameter, which was
located about mid-width of the starboard
underwater way and about half way be-
tween the intersection of the ways with low
water and the end. This bolt was driven
irto the ways and projected up about six
inches, making obstruction which would
| have caused serious injury during the
launch and might have entirely prevented
These ways had previously been inspect
&c by the diver, at which time no such bolt
was found. Following the discovery of this
tolt the naval constructor, as authorized
by the commandant, stationed additional
shipkeepers during the day, and at night
stationed four armed shipkeepers around
the ways, and made provision for having
light under and around the Connecticut at
all times, and officers of this department
We're constantly on duty in this connection
day and night and made periodical inspec-
tions between the hours of sunset and SUM-
rise and never less than three times each
night.
"On Wednesday, the 2Sth of September.
the quarterman shipfitter in charge of the
Connecticut, the quarterman riveter and
the leadingman riveter in charge of test
ing gang, made a thorough and complete
inspection of each watertight compart-
ment on the vessel and after these COM
cover was closed down and fastened. The
result of these inspections reported
and everything was at that time secure
and in good condition. After the launch
on the 29th it was found that compart-
ment B-SS the port after boiler room
reserve feed tank) was making water. The
pumps were started and the water was
kept under control 1t was finally decided
to permit the compartment to be entirely
full, close all air pipes and drain valves.
and let the compartment remain full dur
ing the night of the 29th This was ac-
cordingiy done, and the compartment was
inspected after Il full, and the inner
bottom and bounding frames and longi-
tudinals were seen to be absolutely tight,
and no damage resulted to the ship.
Hole Found in the Sides.
"On the morning of the 30th of September
the pump was started. the compartment
was pumped down and the quarterman riv-
eter went into the compartment when the
water was about . inches of the bottom and
discovered that a three-quarter inch hole
mad been drilled through the outside shell
plate between frames sixty-one and sixty
two, cupboard of the third watertight longf-
tudinal and about three inches from the
edge OF the shell lap. The location chosen
for drilling this hole was over the packing
on the sliding ways, where it would have
been impossible to detect it's presence from
the outside. The location of the hole for
working purposes being absolutely useless,
indicates that it was done maiiciously. An
examination of the compartment and hole
by Assistant Naval Constructor Robinson
of this department indicates that the hole
drilled from the inside. This hole has
been safely plugged and the manhole
cover fastened down and can safely remain
In this condition until such time as the ves-
sci is put in dock.
1.-THE Official records of this department
show that compartment B-SS was tested on
the oath of March at a water pressure head
of 81 feet AZ inches, and was absolutely
tight. This was done in the presence of an
officer of this department. The outside
plating in wake of the entire cradle was
also carefully inspected before the cradle
was built in place and was then In perfect
condition.
I'm view of these malicious acts. which
involved danger to the ship and possb loss
of life of the men employed thereon, 1t 10
respectfully recommended that tie ship be
brightly illuminated beth day and night;
that special watchmen of mechanical ability
be employed, and that all employees the
ship be informed of these malicious acts, In
order that each one of them may feel that
il is his duty to guard against their recur-
renee
Very respectfully.
(Signed) "WM. j. BAXTER,
Naval Constructor"
Admiral Rodgers Recommendation.
Rear Admiral Rodgers. commandant of
the New York yard. indorsed this report
as follows:
Respectfully forwarded to the bureau OF