Democratic Sentinel, Volume 19, Number 46, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 22 November 1895 — Steamships Steered by a Finger. [ARTICLE]

Steamships Steered by a Finger.

Marvelous progress has been made in marine architecture and equipment within the past few years There was a time when thewheelhouse of a big ocean steamer contained eight stalwart men, who, in rough weather, would find it almost a herculean task to manage the wheel. Nowadays the light touch of an infant’s hand upon the wheel is of sufficient power to turn a vessel completely round. Huge boats are now stoered by a steam apparatus, which is as quick and effective as the touch upon an ordinary electric button.