Waterbury evening Democrat., 1906-05-05
QUEEN OF INLAND SEAS
Lake Ship to Excel Anything
 Plying on Fresh Water.
MANY INNOVATIONS INTRODUCED
Novel Feature of Monster Vessel Will Be Private Verandas Leading From the ParlOrs-Passenger Elc- vators, Open Fireplaces and Pri- vate Telephones In Every Room.

vate Telephones In Every Room.
 Graceful lines will be coupled with size and carrying capacity in the new sidewheel steamer for the Detroit and Cleveland Navigation company, says special dispatch from Chicago to the Cincinnati Commercial Tribune.
 The contract for the construction of the vessel will be awarded shortly, and then the work of assembling the mate rial for the largest passenger steamer on fresh water will begin. Estimated cost of the monster steamer has been placed at $1,25o,OOO, and she is to be ready for the season of 1907.
 Many innovations are to make their appearance with the new boat. These include passenger elevators, open fire places and private telephones in every room. But perhaps the most novel fea- ture will be the private yerandas lead ing from the parlors. These parlors give to the occupants of the rooms the same degree of privacy as would be obtained in the most ornate home, as passengers cannot find room to prone made past the parlors. Thus the early riser who usually clumps by your room with the first streak of dawn Is cruelty deprived of the satisfaction of disturb ing the slumbers of those who like to take nap in the morning.
 But it is with bridal couples that the thoughtfulness of Designer Frank E. Kirby in providing the verandas is ex- pected to make the most striking i'm pression. Think of the bliss of unin- terrupted spooning after the ceremony and the running of rice gantlet at the hands of countless friends"
 People who are seeking cool nights slumber, after hot day in the city. are also certain to appreciate these verandas. as they may take up their bed and lay themselves down to slum- bers out of doors, if they so elect.
 There will be complete sprinkler system throughout the vessel. the first of its kind installed on a passenger steamer Communication between yes sel and shore will be maintained by wireless telegraph. .
 The "steadying tank" with a capac- ity of hundred tons of water. is also a decided feature. This will be placed amidships, and will prevent rocking and rolling in heavy sea. With the exception of the Mackinaw ferries, no other boat on the lakes is equipped with the steadying tanks. They are found on warships and hold them quiet in a gun fire. A stroll of mile will be included in walk around the boat. starting at gangway and returning to the same point.
 Some idea of the carrying capacity of the steamer may be gained from the statement that no carloads of freight can be slowed on her decks, while her passenger excursion limit will be 4.500 persons.
 The amount of material needed to construct and equip such a ship is of interest. In the building of the double hull. for there is water bottom, 4,000,- 900 pounds of steel plate, angles. beams and rivets will be used, 100000 rivets alone being required. Of wood. 1,600, 900 feet of oak, pine. mahogany and other varieties will be needed. The joiner work will take 3,400 pounds of nails. while two and one-half miles of steam heating pipes will be placed.
 In the equipment of the fresh water monster will be found 4.500 life pre- servers. ten lifeboats and ten life rafts; at night 1t will dazzle the eye with 1000 electric lights.
 Among the furnishings of the steam CT will be $500 yards of carpet for the saloons and staterooms. 3.400 pieces of silver service, 6.5O0 pieces of crockery and 2,0o0 pieces of glassware. The berths will be made comfortable with o.0O0 mattresses. 1000 sheets. 4O00 pill lowcases. 2,0O0 blankets and 5000 tow els. Three thousand napkins round out the equipment
 No name has yet been definitely cho- sen for the new vessel. which is the crowning achievement thus far of the career of Naval Architect Frank E. Kirby.
 The big ship will be 400 feet long. 54 feet beam and % feet over the guards and @ feet depth of hold and will be propelled by three cylinder compound engines of 1000 indicated horsepower, turning feathering propeller wheels. The steamer will be supplied with eight cylindrical boilers.