The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1908-03-04
Fighting Naval Officer
Would Keep Shutters Open;
Hinder Rapidly in Battle
TilIman's Blood Leaps
With Joy at Martial
Words of Witness.
Admiral CoWleS Praises
Bravery of the Mis-
Souri'S tackles.

Senator Tillman met a man after his
own heart today at the hearing Of the
Senate Naval Committee, which - in
vestigating the merits Of the Reuterdahl
charges Of defects in American battle
ships.
Several witnesses discussed at great
length technical construction of battle
ships, armOT-belt lines. etc. but il re-
manned for Lieut.. Com. Cleland Davis.
the last witness. TO arouse the admira-
tion of the Senator from South Caro-
lima
IF I We're going into battle" said the
commander 81 would tie up the shut
tiers IN the ammunition hoist so / could
work faster and fire fast and get to
the enemy first"
Tillman's Blood Up.
Il 4 do the same thing myself" ex-
claimed Senator Tiuman in admiration.
I'D tie up the shutters, TOO. If 1 saw a
good chance 10 beat the other fellow
ia get in the hrsl shot, II l could and
get a lot more in before he could come
back at me just as any other Anglo
saxon would"
or Just as anyone else would re-
marked Senator Hale, chairman, by way
pHcauons that might result from Mr..
Illman's restriction of glorious bravery
10 The AnglO-SaXon race.
Lieutenant Commander Davis WAS evil
IDENTIFY impatient with anything that
would hinder rapid firing
Shutters In the HOSTS are an IN
cunlbrance,'f he exclaimed. The shut
tiers decrease the rate OF firing. Ia &C
ton / would take them on The only
thing to be gained by the use or shut
is n arFa-r he N In
ling room. You must remember the
old saying in war time.
90 Don't protect men TO save lives;
protect them 10 keep them In good night
ing trim
Brave Jackies Saved Missouri.
Rear Admiral Cowles. chief Of the Blu
reau of Equipment, was the first wit
ness called by the Senate Committee to-
day. He described in e graphic manner
the accident on The ba.tleship Missouri
which he commanded, when over thirty
men were killed during target practice.
ard he told Of the bravery exhibited by
each and every man under his COM
mand. This bravery, COOlneSs. and de-
votion TO duty, the rear admiral said,
without thought OF themselves. saved
the ship from destruction.
He called particular attention to two
men IN the magazine or the snip, VINO,
instead Of running for safety, blocked
on the fire which was eating It's way
into the compartment where the am
munitton was stored.
TurTet Crew Dared Death.
The accident. the rear admiral said
was undoubtedly caused by a bareback
from the twelve-inch gun. He then de-
scribed the accident in detail and as a
tribute TO his crew said that in three
weeks he had another crew in the fatal
turret breaking the records made by
the crew which met its death at target
practice.
Senator Hale asked if anything had
been done to inspire confidence in the
rev gun crew. Rear Admiral COwles |
replied that the only change made was /
30 permit the gases TO leave the bore of /
the gun the time for which was de- /
Quoted. He added.
You can't handle powder fast with |
sur accident
You've got TO hit the other fellow
before he hits you, IS that the tdea?' /
asked Senator Tillman.
Yes sir" responded the admiral with 4
smile. Hit the other fellow as quick 4
j. ana as many times as you can be- |
fore he can get to you"
admiral COwles said that after the /
accident shutters were Installed in bat /
'e5hips 10 AFFORD protection to the men 1
CONTINUED on Ninth PageO