The Washington herald., 1910-08-30

and Invested OF technicaIlues, is 70 have
on each side Of the sunken Maine a wharf
above water. This wharf will be support
ed by piles built on caissons sunk 10 the
bottom of the harbor. Under the hull. at
intervals Of four feet, cables of varying
sizes will be run connecting the two sides
Of the wharf and caissons. The Jacks on
the two wharves above water will connect
with and operate the cables and gradually
swing the Maine free Of theNmud and UP
and up until she is above water
CaissOns VIII Not Sink.
Connected with the plan is a scheme
for preventing the caissOns from sinking
lower in the mud as the weight Of the
wreck becomes heavier and heavier in her
upward course. This will be accomplished
by using pneumatic caissons and pumping
the water out OF them so az 70 maintain
such an average OF pressure that the
caissons will be able 10 stand the weight
without going deeper into the mud
Mr. O'Rourke also suggested that a re-
pair ship Of the navy be used for the
progress the plant his company need for
he work. as he appropriation for he ex-
pense OF the operation is not considered
large enough. He made the proposal to
the President that if given the contract
he would go ahead on the job and wait
for the value Of his work 10 be appraised
by experts after he had succeeded. These
details will be taken up at the conference
in Washington in September.
Mr.. O'Rourke said he could think Of
nothing more appropriate than that the
Jacks for lifting the wreck should be
manned by a regiment Of the army. This
also will be considered by the War De-
partment.
Mr. O'Rourke also expressed his belief
that the Maine. when raised and given
necessary repairs. will be able 10 steam
10 New York under her own power.
The President had a cali this afternoon
from Juan Sumulong, a member OF the
Philippine commission. who is on his way
home from a trip 20 Europe
Discuss Department Economy.
Secretary Meyers visit was for a con-
ference on how the Navy Department
Will be effected by the expenditure OF ths
10000 appropriated by the last session
Of Congress TO promote economy and eff
cheney In the administrative work OF the
executive departments in Washington.
This proposed reform will effect princi-
pally the handling OF the government
clerks. the purchasing OF supplies. and
all ways Of saving money for the govern
ment in its routine work
Raising OF Maine Pushed.
The removal OF the wreck Of the battle
ship Maine from Havana Harbor and
the interment Of the bodies OF the Ameri-
can sailors confne in the bottom OF the
hull seems 10 be nearer realization than
ever before. The board Of army engineers
appointed by Gen. William H. Bixby TO
conduct the necessary investigation and
prepare plans for the raising OF the
wrecked battle ship IN accordance with
the Will Of the last Congress met IN its
first session yesterday
Col W NJ Black, engineer officer in
charge Of work In New York. is chair
man OF the board. His colleagues are
Col NJ. NJ. Patrick. engineer IN charge
OF the army construction work al NOT
folk, and Capt H. B. Ferguson, Of Mont
gOmery. Ala
At yesterdays session the board set
date for a visit 10 Havana Harbor, inspec-
ton OF the wreck by divers. and went over
the numerous plans submitted by private
individuals and corporations for raising
the wreck. The board will report from
time 10 time to the chief Of engineers as
10 its progress