Democratic Sentinel, Volume 13, Number 37, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 4 October 1889 — THE OLD NAVY AND THE NEW. [ARTICLE]

THE OLD NAVY AND THE NEW.

A Contrast That Shows Greatly to the Latter’s Advantage. An effective contrast, well illustrating the difference between the old navy and the now, is presented by the fact that while the Baltimore was getting ready for a trial run that developed her maximum of 20 1-5 knots, the Iroquois, which had been under repairs at Mare island, also had a triaK trip and made an average of 7 15-20 knots and a maximum of little over 8 knots with a favoring tide. The Iroquois was one of the vessels we were relying upon for overawing the Germans at Apia and a terward lor sanding up to Eehring sea to help the Hush to chase the sealers and to frighten the 16-knot armor-clad Swiltsure and her companions. We can afford to be.amused now at the relics of the old feet like the Iroquois, when at San Francisco is found the Charleston with her average of 18 2-5 knots and a maximum of knots made on her trial trip. The gunboat Petrel, which failed at first to develop the horse-power required, 1,100, is believed to be capable of that power now, and it is probable that she will be accepted by the department. Her builders, however, will have to par ss,<ioo penalties.