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1900] MARINE REVIEW. 13 is also a large space adjoining it, wired off for passengers' trunks and summer tourists' heavy baggage. There are two hydraulic freight ele- vators, which, although rather uncommon on ships, are not a new thing on the Goodrich line boats. This new vessel has a very large cargo hold with a watertight bulk- head at each end of it, and one in the middle of the hold with doors in it. In fact, her hull is well divided, there being no less 'than eight bulkheads and six of that number perfectly watertight. These bulkheads divide th hull into nine compartments. There is a large clear space all along mai deck forward of engine room, which is most suitable for handling and stowing package freight. IMPROVEMENTS. IN THE CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS. The steamer Christopher Columbus, which will, as usual, be operated as the day boat between Chicago and Milwaukee, will come out early in June. She will be greatly improved this season, as numerous alterations and additions have been made. About the most important change is found in the new toilet rooms for ladies and gentlemen, with entrances on opposite sides of the ship, port and 'starboard respectively. These spacious mirrored lavatories, with plenty of light and ventilation, are located aft on the promenade (or uppermost) deck and are easily accessi- ble at all times. Attendants are stationed in these places and in the barber shop adjoining, to look after the wants and comfort of passengers. The life boat deck above the promenade thas been built right aft to stern, which permits of a change in the location of life boats so as to afford a great deal more-sheltered space on that deck for lounging and for promenading. With this additional awning or boat deck, there will be a total sheltered outdoor area of 7,204 square feet, giving a seating capacity for 2,673 people. Passengers and excursion parties, who when traveling prefer to be outside and get the fresh lake breezes, can appreciate what these figures mean as compared with the usual alternative of having to crowd into a warm cabin or main saloon for a seat when tired promenadinig. Other minor alterations and improvements made on the Columbus are too nu- merous to mention. NAVAL AFFAIRS. The retirements of Rear Admiral McNair, ex-superintendent of the naval academy, and Rear Admiral John A. Howell, president of the naval examining board are expected to take place in a short time. Admiral Hiowell has already made application for retirement which will be acted upon in a very few days. Admiral McNair has for some time been in ill health and on that account will probably soon apply for retirement. He entered the service in 1853, just one year behind Admiral Dewey, to whom he is next in rank in the navy. During his forty-two years service he has been twenty years at sea and twenty-two years on shore. Since his detachment as superintendent of the naval academy in February last, the admiral has been on leave and would probably have been allowed to continue without orders until his regular retirement next January, but, as above stated, the condition of his health has caused his action in the matter. These two officers are next in rank to Admiral Dewey and their retirement will make Rear Admiral Kautz, commanding the Pacific sta- _ tion, the ranking rear admiral of the navy. Capt. Silas W. Terry has been appointed a rear admiral vice Rear Admiral Benjamin F. Day, resigned. KAISER MARIA THERESIA. The North German Lloyd Co. gave a breakfast recently in honor of the arrival of the company's latest steamship, the Kaiser Maria Theresia. The new steamer is both fast and comfortable. She is the fastest of the line with the exception of the Kaiser Wilhelm der Grosse. The ship is driven by triple expansion engines of 17,000 indicated horse power. The shafting is of nickel steel and the two three-bladed screws of bronze. Thirty-eight auxiliary engines furnish light for the new ship and the power for hoisting and miscellaneous purposes. The first cabin state- rooms, of which there are 118, are amidship, with a large dining room and two smaller rooms forward. The main dining room is decorated in light rococco forms, with walls and ceiling in green tones. The furnish- ings are red and the carpet ivory. The smaller dining rooms are decor- ated in light colors and are so arranged as to accommodate small par- ties that desire seclusion. Coe The North German Lloyd's service will shortly complete the circuit of the globe, its purchase of steamers for the Pacific having already been announced. KRUPP'S IMMENSE WORKS. In a report filed by Consul-General Guenther, at Frankfort, Germany, he says the total number of people now employed at the Krupp Iron Works is 41,750, of whom 25,133 are at Essen, 3,458 in the Gruson Steel Works of Magdeburg-Buckau, 2,726 in the ship yards at Kiel and 10,344 in various smelters and coal mines owned by Krupp. The firm owns a large number of iron ore mines, among them 'the Great Bilbao mine in Spain. A railroad owned 'by Krupp takes the ore from the mine to the seacoast, and from there a line of four Krupp steamships conveys it to Rotterdam. The foundation for these works was laid in 1810 by the grandfather of the present head of the concern. In 1892 the famous Gruson Steel Works were purchased, and three years ago ship building yards were started at Kiel, which, when completed, will give work to 7,000 men. Walter M. McFarland, twice assistant to Engineer-in-Chief George W. Melville of the United States navy and now acting vice president of the Westinghouse Electric & Manufacturing Co., has a very able article in the April number of the Engineering Magazine on "Limits to the Use of Forced Draft for Marine Boilers." We do not hear much nowadays about boilers being damaged and trial trips lost on account of the use of forced draft, but about ten years ago this was a complaint not at all uncommon. As Mr. McFarland explains. a part of the reason for the change is the increased use of water tube boilers, but it is nevertheless a fact that forced draft can be used within limits on any boiler with decided advantage. Mr. McFarland's article is first a brief history of forced draft and then a discussion of the limits of its use both for naval and mercantile vessels. THE DOUBLE-TURRET SYSTEM. The question as to whether the double turret is desirable or undesir- able is still being agitated in Washington, and doubtless will continue to be. The naval board of inspection, of which Rear Admiral Frederick Rodgers is president, has submitted an unanimous report to Assistant Secretary of the Navy Allen on the recent trial of the battleship Kear- sarge off the Virginia capes. Concerning the turret tests the board says: "During the afternoon of April 3, the four guris in the forward turret were fired simultaneously at 4,000 yards range, and three of the projectiles apparently fell in the same spot; one fell about 300 yards beyond, but in line. The four guns from the after turret also were fired simultaneously and in this case three projectiles fell in the same spot; one 8-inch pro- jectile fell to the right. During this test the blast from the 8-inch guns in superimposed turret did not inconvenience the people in the 13-inch turret. Careiul observation in the forward turret structure showed the following horizontal deflection of the upper portion of the turret support the measurements being taken at level of turret roller path and imme- diately in rear of guns, the fixed point of reference being on the armored barbette. Deflection due ito firing simultaneously two 13-inch guns and two 8-inch guns, 7-16 inch; deflection for one 13-inch gun, 5-32-inch; rotation of turrets under this condition, measurements being taken at roller path, 9 inches; deflection for one 8-inch gun, 1-16-inch; rotation of turret under this condition, very slight, but approximately 4-inch After these tests all of the guns of the main and secondary batteries were fired at extreme elevation and at level. No injury was done to the structure o ee ship or the gunmounts by these tests except breaking a glass and a olt. _. The board notes that on firing the automatic one-pounders in the military tops the vibration and jump to the mount was so great as to make any further firing of those guns dangerous. The board calls atten- tion to the fact that the vessel was taken from the contractors before she had been thoroughly completed and says that on this account the benefits intended to be attained by the government as the results of a final trial were not forthcoming. It is recommended that the first offici:1 trial of a vessel in future 'be not made until that vessel has been practically com- pleted in all particulars. In conclusion, the board reports that no weak- ness nor defect in the fittings or equipment due to defective workman- ship or materials, etc., appeared except the minor ones noted: that the machinery was in excellent condition and worked well. The speed at- tained with a mixture of slack and soft coal was 14.99 knots per hour. Rear Admiral Charles O' Neil, chief of ordnance, makes the following statement as to the Kearsarge's performance. "I did not suppose for a moment that the turret structure or the vessel would prove deficient in any respect, as both have been carefully and conscientiously worked out by the bureau of construction and repair, as have also the various mechan- ical difficulties which the scheme presented. It will be necessary, how- ever, to determine what will be the result of rapid and prolonged firing, and further tests under varying conditions of weather at sea are desirable. It may 'be said that it is shown that we may, if we choose, build battle- ships with respect to their turrets in this manner, but the vital question is, do we want to or is it desirable so to do? There will always be a difference of opinion on this point. The question, therefore, whether or not the system of superimposed turrets should be adopted for the new battleships is by no means easy of solution. It will have to be carefully considered and a consensus of opinion obtained from a number of people whose judgment in such matters represents the best talent in the navy." Rear Admiral Philip 'Hichborn, chief of the bureau of construction and repair, says that further tests are necessary. 'The test that occurred last week," he said, "demonstrated the structural strength of the super- imposed turret. The military efficiency to which this bureau has always taken exception has yet to be demonstrated. One of the disadvantages of the system, it seems to me, arises from the inability to train the guns upon different portions of the ship at the same time. It is a well known fact that in battle there are twenty misses to one hit. By using all four guns simultaneously, it is evident that a tremendous waste of ammunition will occur. Besides, the 13-inch guns are intended for use against the heavy armor and the 8-inch guns against the ends of the ship, the super- structure and other parts protected by light armor. The efficiency of the guns installed in superimposed turrets is less than if they were mounted in separate turrets; the superimposed turret is more vulnerable than inde- pendent turrets. If the 13-inch turret were disabled the 8-inch turret would also be thrown out of action, and under rapid-fire conditions the heat and gases in the superimposed turrets would become insufferable." NAVY WILL PURCHASE THE HOLLAND. The navy department has finally decided to purchase the submarine torpedo boat 'Holland. The sum fixed upon is $160,000 and will be paid for out of the last appropriation bill, which carried $320,000 for two sub- marine torpedo boats. For the last three years the utility of the Holland boat has been a subject of controversy in the department. The various boards appointed to inspect the boat have reported in favor of it, and Rear Admiral Hichborn has always stoutly maintained that it is a success, Ad- miral Dewey, too, spoke highly of the boat. The adverse influence was gradually dissipated, and now not only will the Holland be purchased but the navy will lend its influence to the passage of the bill recently intro- duced by Representative Cummings of New York to purchase several ves- sels of this type. The adoption of this boat by the United States navy marks an emphatic and far-reaching departure. Already the British gov- ernment is considering the subject. The first lord of the admiralty, George J. Goschen, recently stated to the house of commons that practi- cal suggestions to meet submarine attack would be valuable. A representative of the Nova Scotia Steel Co. was in Pittsburg a few days ago to secure bids on the construction of a large steel pier, storage pockets and 'a lateral railway to reach the mines of the company at Wabana, Bell island, Newfoundland. The Riter-Conley Manufacturing Co., which is filling a $6,000,000 contract for an affiliated concern, the Dominion Iron & Steel Co., is expected to take a large share of the work. The Pittsburg Commercial Gazette says that it is stated that the Nova Scotia company has contracted with steel concerns of the Pittsburg dis- trict to deliver 190,000 tons of ore this year.