The evening times. [volume] (Grand Forks, N.D.) 1906-1914, 1906-03-23
electric wires reach out to save the

electric wires reach out to save the
ship.
A ship 10 divided into watertight
compartments with bulkhead doors
permitting intercourse between them.
If the ships hull Is punctured, water
ruIhes in. II the doors are shut, only
the compartment nearest the puncture
will be flooded. The vessel will still
float When the Victoria was struck
her doors were open. The men were
too excited to close them. II the
doors of ship are automatically
closed in time of need, the vessel is
unsuitable. That's What the new plan
comes about as near to securing as
human ingenuity allows.
Hydraulic and pneumatic doors
were tried by our navy department,
but they proved dangerous and in-
practicable. Then Rear Admiral and
Naval Constructor Bowles. now presi-
dent of the Fore River shipyards. con-
ceived-the idea Of operating the doors
by electricity. An electric system was
then developed and has been installed
on l6 of the newest ships. But still
there were defects. The doors were
too delicate and intricate, many naval
officers thought. The scheme must be
made simple. and, if possible, lighter.
The bureau Of construction and re-
pair imposed most severe tests TO.
any new system of automatic doors.
The tests of the new plan have, just
been completed, and it is believed that
the two new vessels will, accordingly,
be the safest warships afloat.
This is but one Of the numerous i'm
provements which will go on the new
ships Safety, safety Of the ship and
of the men in her, is primary re-
quirements. Besides, the long arm"
bulkhead doors, always under perfect
control by means Of electricity, greater
safety is the inspiration Of dozens Of
improvements that are going into our
new warships. One Of these improve
ments is sprinkling device for the
magazines; another is an electrical de-
vice for controlling the firing of the
boilers.
Quite the most ingenious of minor
improvements is the portable steering
apparatus lately patented, especially
for use aboard warshlps. Cripple the
steering apparatus and the ship. is at
the mercy Of the elements or human
enemies. This portable steering ap-
paratus, it is claimed, will make 1t
possible to direct the ship from any
one of half dozen stations by means
Of electrical connections there located,
and all communicating with the steer
ing room, the most carefully protect
ed part of a warship. The near future
is likely to see the warship with
armored ,smokestacks and better pro-
lection than the coming tower now
affords for the commander of war yes.
sells in action.
At the moment the never-ending
competition between shell and armor
is slightly in favor Of the shell,
fact due to the new explosive, dunnite.
the secret Of which las been obtained
by Our government from the inventor
Turbines probably will mark the next
step in warship propulsion.
These are only the most striking OF
new appliances and devices and i'm
provements aboard the twentieth CEN
fury warship. There are others, such
as more perfect range finders, better
arrangements for handling ammun1-
ton and improved accommodations for
the comfort of the blue jacket in peace,
and his care when injured in war.
Safer and more numerous hospital stu
tons are provided for in the new
ships now being planned. Vertically,
upon the naval designer.