Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 36, Number 73, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 6 May 1904 — DEFECTS IN BIG GUNS. [ARTICLE]

DEFECTS IN BIG GUNS.

EXPLOSIONS ON BOARDTHE lOWA INVESTIGATED. The Naval Board Reports that Use of Smokeless Instead of Brown Powder Wat at Bottom of Trouble—Double Suicide in Toledo, Ohio. The naval board appointed to investigate the bursting of two eight-inch guns on the battleship lowa on Feb. 5 last, reported that “when the forgings of the guns were being machined at the gun factory defects developed. The forgings thereupon were rejected by the factory. On a protest by the manufacturing company, a board was ordered. The board recommended the rejection of certain of the forgings. On further protest of the manufacturers another board found the defects were not serious enough to cause rejection.” The guns were designed for use with brown powder, but smokeless powder was used instead. With the adoption of smokeless powder the muzzle velocity was increased from 2,100 to 2,300. In its conclusion the board finds that the eight-inch guns of the lowa were as strong as designed to be; that the fracture of these guns did not result from weakening from previous firing, from the premature bursting of shells in the bore, or from excessive pressures resulting from abnormal action of the powder charge. But the increase of muzzle velocity from 2,100 to 2,300, while at the same time the breech pressure was decreased, reduced the margin of safety along the chase too much. BASE BALL SEASON. Progress of Race for Pennants Now Going On. The clubs of the National League now stand thus: W. L. . W. L. New York... 9 2 Chicago 5 6 fit. Louis.... 7 5 Boston 5 7 Brooklyn .... 0 5 Pittsburg .... 5 7 Cincinnati ... 8 7 Philadelphia.. 2 8 The table below shows how matters Stand in the American League: W. L. W. L. Boston 10 2 New York.... 5 5 Philadelphia.. 6 4 St. Louis 5 5 Chicago 8 6 Cleveland M 4 0 Detroit ..... 0 6 Washington... 010 FOUND DEAD IN THEIR BED. Toledo Couple Believed to Have Purposely Turned on Gas. John W. Martin and wife were found dead in their bed in Toledo, Ohio, as a result of asphyxiation from illuminating gas. It is believed to be a case of double suicide, as Marfin the previous day was found short in his accounts in- the city water works office, where he had been employed for twelve years as bookkeeper. Both Martin and his wife were prominent in lodge circles and the man’s downfall is believed to have been caused by policy, racing bets and speculation beyond his means. THROWS CHILDREN INTAKE. Cleveland Mother Attempts Murder and Suicide, but Is Frustrated. Caroline Volkman tried to kill her three children and herself in Cleveland by drowning. White her husband was in church she took her children to Case avenue pier of Lake Erie and first threw the baby into the water. Then she pushed in the other two children and jumped In herself. A boy saw the act and called a policeman, who got all out of the water. The mother is locked up on an Insanity charge. Japs Win Big Land Fight. After five days of fighting, largely with artillery, the Japanese army under Gen. Kuroki forced a crossing of the Yalu, driving the Russians from their fortified position by an Infantry charge covering a frontage of four miles. The Japanese losses in the final struggle Sunday on the Yalu were about 700 killed and wounded and the Russian losses 800 killed and wounded. Rush to Canyon for Gold. Prospectors are rushing to the canyon of she Shoshone river, five miles west of Cody, Wyo., where it is reported tellurim ore assaying several hundred dollars in gold and silver has befcn discovered. All available ground for miles up and down the river from the scene of the reported discovery has been located. Opening of St. Louis Exposition. The Louisiana Purchase Exposition in fit Louis was opened with addresses by the officials in charge of the enterprise and by representatives of nation, State nnd city. The electric impulse which started the machinery was transmitted by President Roosevelt from the White House. Novelist Weds at Newport. Miss Elizabeth B. Grant, niece of Antonio Marian of Santa Barbara, Cal., and Newport, and Stewart Edward White, the novelist, were married in ‘ Trinity Church, Newport, R. I. Slain While Going to Fair. Eight persons were killed and sixteen Injured in a railroad wreck near Kimmswick, Mo., while on their way to attend the opining of the St. Louis world's fair. City Given Grant'ajfouse. Gen. IJ. S. Grant’s former residence in Galena, 111., was presented to that city by Gen. Frederick D. Grant nt the commemoration of the war hero’s birthday. Repeats His Sermon in Court. As evidence in the trial of an editor who criticised his sermon, the Rev. IL G. Mad ,eod repeated the sermon in court in Tekamah, Neb., nt tlie request of the Judge, to show that hi did not advocate saloons. • Morgan to Quit Bosineae. J. Pierpont Morgan is believed in flnanclal circle* w> be about to retire from the business World, his gradual relinquishment of tlw role of director in railway affaire being Interpreted as a preparation for hbfwlthdrawal I