Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1911-05-21
OLD"FLop1DA
ANoTHER NcTnr

the observations OF the bureau concern
Ell and the Navy Department. 10 the ef-
feet that the armor plate ~ our ships -
not of sufficient resisting quality at bat
tie ranges when fred upon with proiec-
tiles of highly penetrative quality Tho
experiments We're the result OF influence
brought to hear by the inventors Of GER
tain types of high explosive shells. and
although the results what the De-
partment had previously believed would
be discovered. the firing proved never
theless of great value as a large number
of points were brought ont which could
otherwise not have been ascertained.
In addition. there has bean hut one
other ship used for experimental purposes
Tallahassee or old Florida The expert
ment in this instance consisted of firing
at the turret OF the Florida at short
range. and also ar the port plate OF ths
the effect OF a proiectile striking this
plate In action would be- on the turret
a Whole-Ihat is. whether the guns could
be operated. the range Instruments kept
intact and the personnel remain uninjur-
ed. The results of this experiment in
dicated that one impact on the port plate
of turret would not put IL out OF ac-
tion.
The Tallahassee was attached 10 the
North Atlantic squadron. and later used
as a practice ship for midshipmen during
the summer cruises. She is now used for
experimental purposes only.
Tests such as these have been and must
of necessity be expensive, and the United
States government has spent many thou
sand dollars in testing various explosives,
shells and other wartime contr!vances.
But in all instances those who have been
most closely concerned in the matter
state that the government las received
the full value of the money spent in the
knowledge obtained.
Besides the cases Of the ships lust cited
there was but one other This was in
1895 when Secretary of the Navy Charles
J. Bonaparte in his annual report to Con-
gress, suggested that the frigate Consu-
tuition, which was then in a deplorahle
condition and required repairs in order 10
keep her afoat much longer, he used for
experimental purposes.
IF for purely sentimental reasons, he
wrote lit be thought that this supposed
veteran Of our old wars be entitled to
warriors death, she might be used as
target for some OF the ships in our North
Atlantic feet and sunk by their fire"
He further recommended that a new
Constitution be built to perpetuate the
memory of old "Ironsides," but CO CON
structed that in all respects she would
compare favorably with the finest vessels
afloat
But highly as Secretary Bonaparte con-
sidered the honor Of her meeting war
rior'S DEATH" there We're those In New
England who looked upon the old Con-
situation next To the sacred cod, and
immediately AFTER this suggestion or his
had become known there was an organic
ed opposition begun in Massachusetts, At
the following session of Congress mon
ster petition, the result OF this opposi-
ton, was brought TO the Capitol. together
with model of the old Constitution. The
petition was headed by John ID. Long.
Secretary OF the Navy under President
Mckinley, and followed by the names OF
over 30,9O prominent officials and ciu
ZenS Of New England The petition was
SO long that when unroiled IL reached
from the Speakers desk TO the corridor.
In the report for the following year.
1906, Secretary Bonaparte referred to the
matter, and stated he still retained the
same opinion, despite the fact that thu
efforts of the opposition had prevented
action being taken, and gave an extended
explanation OF his repugnanee TO having
the relics Of the old ship sold. The old
Constitution still remains as she was, and
is now in Boston hay