New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1916-02-13

Otherwise the rust remains unclaimed;
paint is Clipped everywhere, and the
contrast with the trim looking craft
of peace time is overwhelming
Most sought after ships In the
navy" remarks the lieutenant. why!
Because there Is always something do
ing aboard. Never know what's going
TO happen next Nice and comfortable,
electric cooking, two camp beds
and a gramaphone. What more could
you want"
Lying next door is a ship that was
once a great cruiser. Now 1t has been
converted into a parent ship for de-
stroyers. Everything they require Is
there awaiting them, and when they
come In they are rehtted at rate cal
culated 70 mako any dockyard envi-
GUS There isn't much noise. but the
atmosphere is one OF concentrated
hustle.
Our next visit was 10 three or the
latest class of destroyers-the VI class.
There were some elderly gentlemen
who didn't appreciate that walk from
the quay across bare, rain-swept
plank. with clear drop Of twenty feet
into the chocolate colored water below.
I'm fact. one or two preferred inspecting
sheds where villsnous looking tor
pedoes, are stored. But the adventure
was worth the risk.
The VI class is the last word in de-
stroyers. Officially their speed Is
thirty-fve knots. but if pressed well,
they can do considerably more. And
their armament is such that they are
ready, as already proved in the present
war, 10 take on any ordinary light
cruiser.
He was very breezy young captain
who showed US over. II was his first
command special promotion had come
his way on account OF great gallantry
in the Helgoland battle-and he was
more than proud OF his ship. With
almost boyish pride he and his three
very youthful looking subordinates
showed us not only their guns and
engines but also their own cosey quar-
ters. There was bath they were spe-
cially proud Of All that seemed neces-
sary TO complete their happiness was
the chance of another go at the enemy.
The captain told US what made him
laugh most in the last "scrap."
1--WE were just swinging out one OF
l. ~ I
man tying one large and one small
doll to the end
"What the dickens are you up to?
| asked.
ITS ell right. sir" he replied.
"These are Big and Little Willie. Just
about to give hem their medicine"
Weird Craft a Shepherd.
Further out 70 sea was a weird look
ing craft that puzzled even the naval
experts. Il was a type Of warship that
nobody had even read about. Certain
~. no one was allowed to go aboard. An
officer explained the mystery. II was
one Of the very latest type Of ships
built since the war began. Its tech
nical name is "fotlla leader" and It's
parents were a light cruiser and de-
strover. Il combines the fighting
power Of the first with the speed OF
The other. Its function is TO shepherd
he feet Of destroyers when they go
ato action.
A motor launch, ono Of the type that
carries out invaluable scouting work.
took US out around the bay at a speed
veil over 20 knots. The weather was
comparatively calm, but even then II
yas necessary 70 hang on 20 anything
available TO keep ones feet. 1t was
impossible TO avoid wondering what il
nust be like on board when the North
sea is behaving just as badly ms only
knows how One can't after all en-
.irely blame the discretion Of the Ger