Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1906-08-17
Our New BattleshipS.

Our New Battleships
The Russio Japan war is said to have
led to some radical changes in the
contemplated arrangement of the two
new war ships, now under construc-
ton by Cramps and the New York
Shipbuilding Company, the South
Carolina and Michigan. Instead of
the intermediate battery Of 5.inch,
6-inch, finch and inch guns, which
are eliminated, there will be eight u
rets, instead of four guns in two turrels.
Small rapid-fre guns will be retained,
however, for repelling torpedo at
tacks. This seems TO he a modifca-
ton at least, If not a reversal of the
opinion expressed after the Santiago
engagement, which 80 effectively
wrecked Cervera's fleet, that the best
service was obtained from the eight
inch guns.
These vessels will be only $50 feet
long, but of greater breadth, doubtless
to better withstand the impact OF the
heavier guns. The beam amidships
will be so feet - inches. The forward
turret will be about 81 feet above the
water line; the second tower guns are
mounted to fire over the top of the
forward turret. The after turrets are
to be mounted similarly, though at an
elevation, in each case, eight feet lower
than the forward guns. The military
masts are distinct novelty, not being
placed on the longitudinal axis of the
ship, but diagonally, the forward mast
being moved over to the starboard and
the mainmast to the port, and advan-
tage is taken of this new position to
mount the boat cranes on the masts.
The casemate protection on these
new battleships has never been equaled
in our previous war vessels. Nearly all
the hard "work," such as revolution
Of the turrets, handling OF ammuni-
ton, and indeed most of the mechani.
cal operation of details, will be done
by electricity. Both are, of course, to
be fitted with the wireless telegraphic
service and all other modern devices
for perfection OF service.
THACKER Now Boss OF ODE GANG"
1T matters very little whether a man
is born lucky, has it forced upon him,
or has attained it by persistent we'll.
directed endesvor, the result is the
same, and the favored one wakes up
some fine morning to find himself IA
nous. Thus it is with T. J. Thacker,
the local boss" who from an humble
wOodman has become dictator to
party leaders, like Falknor, Winstan.
ley, Lord, Foster, Cavanaugh and 9TH
ers. But then, rabid sillictions re-
quire heroic remedies, and when
Thacker declared himself to be the
leader OF the Republican party, and,
by means of the Perkins press, it to be
his intention to take charge of the
Republican machine, Consideration
was bound to prevail, and no wonder
the ulcer bursts forth with a Pelee
flow. 1t seems quite sure that no
harmony" can prevail with Thacker
as boss, and SO some of the friends OF
Judge Dunbar who seek his re.nomi-
nation, have. agreed that Thacker be
eliminated" TO secure a united dele
CATION for the Judge in convention. as
we'll as harmony" in the party at the
polls. Judge Dunbar's retention is
"grease in the skillet" also for Capt
Reinhart who has held the position OF
Clerk OF the Supreme Court for 10! so
many years as to make it seem to be a
life necessity. Thscker may have q
heavy load to haul, bu. he has the ex.
perience, the inclination and dutch.
courage that never knows when he is
beaten to q finish.
| e-~
GOMPERs HAS AROUSED AN ACTIVE
CAMPAIGN.-The threat of Gompers.