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18 | oo THE MarRINE REVIEW "In the same manner the defensive and offensive power of the projected ships of the Amalfi class was harmonized with a form of hull of such high efficiency that it would have been possible to obtain a speed of 23 knots and probably more; but the statement that the problem could not have been solved with a displacement of much less or much greater tonnage than that projected, is not to be taken as insisting that the solution must be interpreted in a too absolute manner, assert: ing that the speed of 23 knots could not be efficiently obtained save with a displacement of from 8,000 to 9,000 tons, for this would be inexact. If now the question be put: Is it possible for such and such a naval architect to design a special form of hull having a displacement of 17,000 tons, and with which we can realize a very high speed--24 knots, for example? "Without doubt," will answer all practical naval construc- tors. If we go further, and ask: Is it possible for him at the same time to arm stich a vessel with twelve pieces of 12 in.? 'Without doubt,' will answer but a certain number of such experienced men. But if we go still further, and demand finally: Is it also possible for him to protect such a ship with 12 in. armor? "Without doubt," will answer only one here and there who may: have already made researches in that direction. And as the solving of such a problem necessitates many and many a calculation, and no amount of discussion or argument on the matter could in any way be conclusive unless based on definite plans and figures, these lines might well conclude here. But, in deference to the courteous inquiry of Admiral Hop- kins, this brief article must not be allowed to close in a man- ner so indefinite. I would therefore say frankly at once that the designs for such a vessel have already been worked out, and that its con- struction seems quite feasible and attainable. Following up the progressive scale of displacements from 8,000 to 12,000, and then on to 17,000 tons, a new King Edward VII has been designed, 52114 ft. (159 metres) in length, with a beam of 82 ft. (25 metres), and mean draught of 274-5 ft. (8.5 metres) ; with the water line protected with 12-in. plates, and the bat- tery similarly armored; having two turrets at the ends, each armed with a pair of 12-in. guns, and two central side turrets high up (similar to the two with 8-in. guns in the Vittorio Emanuele III), also armed each with two pieces of 12-in., and four turrets at the four angles of the upper part of the bat- tery, having each one I2-in. gun. This vessel has no ports whatever in her armor; she car- ries no secondary armament at all, but only the usual pieces of small calibre for defense against torpedo attack. The speed to be realized, as proved by the tank trials, is 24 knots. FREE TRADE ECONOMICS CORRECTED Editor Marine Review.--About the disposition of the admin- istration to purchase abroad supplies for the Panama canal, and to buy two steamers for the route via the Isthmus, I would like to say a few words on the principle involved. The papers have it today that "the war department announced that it would give the preference to American markets where there was no wide divergence in price." While this is differ- ent from giving it out that supplies--vessels included--would be bought in the "cheapest" market, the principle is the, same. It is further said that "the administration has read with amusement" that either the president or Secretary Taft, in- tends to back down from their unpatriotic position--for the reason, no doubt, that they think they are right. But are they right? Is it a sound proposition, that the administration is at liberty to buy supplies abroad without the authority of law, or under the stress of necessity? It is not only the dictates of patriotism, that it is not warranted in its position, but it is the fact, that the course proposed violates the rights of every citizen whose trade is involved in furnish- ing the supplies in question, and the two steamers wanted. It is no favor at all that is asked of the administration to buy in the American market. Our friends, the manufacturers, and our friends, the ship builders of the United States, only demand their rights when they insist that it is their business to furnish the government with supplies and vessels OL al kinds. It could only be a privilege that foreigners may take the place of citizens and furnish anything whatever for the consumption of the United States government. The right forever abides with the men whose lives, fortunes and happi- ness 'are at the call of government on occasion. Before the Revolution George Washington, then loyal to the king of Great Britain, sent for his best suits of clothing to England. After he became president and had come to hold allegiance to the people of the United States, he quit patronizing British tailors: Phere is: not'a biographer of Jefferson that does not tell of his patronage of the clothmakers and tailors of his own countrymen. Is it imagined that this conduct was dictated by a disposition to play to the galleries? to court the applause of the "mob"? Nay, my friends, but it was intended to teach a wholesome lesson of ethical philosophy--the right of the people of America to the patronage of the people and the government of America. There is not a locality in our country where the right of the people of the place is not recognized as to furnishing supplies for consumption at that place, say to build a private or public work, or to employ labor on the same. For instance, the admirable state house at Denver, Colo., is entirely of material from the quarries and building resources of the state. It was the right of citizens to furnish it--no thanks to the build- ing committee for favors. No contractor has a right to bring in foreigners to take the places of our citizens, in executing a piece of work. A law of congress will not permit ship builders, say Cramp & Sons, of Philadelphia, to import from the Clyde the labor for building the steamers wanted for the Panama line; and because they cannot furnish steamers as cheaply as Clyde builders, then the administration will revenge itself by contracting with the Scotch! This is a nice piece of ethics, verily !--an affront to the American people. It is free trade run wild. It is the proposition of men much miseducated. Why, the veriest tyro in a labor union should be able to under- stand so simple a thing as, that it is the sacred rights of a people of any country to do the work for the government of that country. WiLLt1AM W. BatES. GROUNDING OF SCHOONER MASON INVESTIGATED The United States lake survey steamer Search has com- pleted an investigation of the grounding early in May of the schooner R. P. Mason, in Green Bay above Cedar River, Mich., on a reef alleged to extend one-half mile farther from shore than shown by the lake survey chart north end of Green Bay. From fishermen it was learned that the schooner struck the outer end of the rock reef about five miles northeast of Cedar river, and which extends easterly from the point just south of the mouth of Little Cedar river. The schooner is said to have been among boulders with only about 3 ft. depth over them, and it would appear that she grounded in about the position of the rocks designated on the chart of north end of Green Bay, boulders 3 to 4 ft. under water being found on this point of the reef. A careful resurvey in the vicinity shows that the lake survey charts are very accurate both as to the location and extent of this reef. There is deep water just outside and nothing further was found on which the Mason could possibly have struck.