The Birmingham age-herald., 1907-07-17
NO cARELEssNEss INVOLVED.
Thorough Inspection Lately Made of
 the Georgia.

Washington, July 16.-It Is said at the navy department that it Is extremely inl- probable that the accident aboard the bat l tleship Georgia resulted from any care 1 lessness or lack of precauton on the part of the personnel of the ship. A short time ago a thorough inspection was made of every detail of the gas ordnance by Commander Schoheld. one Of the most ex- pert of the ordnance officers of the navy. This inspection included every one of tho guns, the details of the turret mechanism the workings of the ammunition hosts In the superlmposed turrets. though they are more complicated than others. It was found that the ships company was very efficient at all points and 1t was certain that they were following closely the firing regulations in every essential detail.
 Cause of Explosion.
 In the absence of any other plausible explanation the theory advanced by the Georgia's officers when they came ashore at Boston that the powder charge was fired accidentally by a clot of soot which came floating down from smokeppe and settled by chance into the open scuttle on top of the turret. alightlng directly on the 50-pound bag of smokeless powder in the hands of the loader at the breech of the gun Is given consideration. It Is pointed out that the powder is enclosed by tnln serge Stullt WHICH IS IdAhel li- fammable. In fact, lt is necessary for It to be soft to be entirely consumed in the bore of the gun after the charge is fired. otherwise bits of burning cloth might ac- eidentally explode the next charge of pow der introduced before the breech of the gun could be closed Such accidents have occurred in the past, so the bags are pur- posely made thin and iufammable. In answer to an inquiry as to whether it is customary to leave the scuttle on top of the turret open while target prac- tice Is going on, 1t was said at tho de- partment that this Is almost necessary. owing to the high temperature in the turret while the guns are consuming rap idly great quantities of smokeless power, with it's enormous heat generating power. The opening also affords an easy means of communication for orders and fur ther consideration is the beneficial effect upon the nerves of the gunners, of the knowledge that an avenue of escape Is always open to them in case of ar &C., cident in the turret.
 Wait for Finding.
 When asked what additional precau- tion could be suggested as the result of this last accident the officials of the department confessed themselves at a loss at present; they stated that there was nothing to do but await the finding of the board of examination which had been convened and with the data then in hand to endeavor to fram some change in methods that will eliminate this last source of danger
 The following telegram from President Roosevelt at Oyster Bay regarding the accident was received at the navy depart ment this afternoon:
 am inexpressibly shocked and grieved at the dreadful accident on the Georgia and the death of the gallant officers and men. wish full particulars at the earliest possible date. Let me know the con dition of the wounded men. Repeat this to the captain of the Georgia"
 Svnnpathy for Yamamoto