The system is in theory comparatively simple, being that of towing a paraffine model of 10 feet in length in a covered tank about 300 feet long, and measuring the resistance at different speeds. The models being made of paraffine and being shaped by machinery are very cheap, but the dynamometrical apparatus is costly, being of exceeding delicacy and in all respects automatic.

The English Admiralty have had such experimental works in operation since 1874, and the comparatively few publications of the investigations made by the eminent Messrs. Froude are of inestimable value to naval architects.

The system is of such economical value that Messrs. Wm. Denny & Bros., ship-builders, of Dumbarton, Scotland, have established similar works for their sole use.

The sloop of war Hartford is likely to be condemned, because the cost of her repairs exceeds the 20 per cent. limit, unless the act passed by the House of Representatives authorizing her repairs becomes a law. She was built at the Boston navy-yard in 1858, and is now at the navy-yard, Mare Island. She is a screw steamer of about 2,900 tons displacement, 225 feet long, 44 feet wide, and draws 18 feet 6 inches of water. I made a personal examination of this vessel about a year ago and found that her live-oak frames above and below water are sound. I am of the opinion that she can be repaired within the amount, $175,000, called for by the Board of Survey. She would then be valuable for service as a cruiser for several years. Her past record as Admiral Farragut's flag-ship, victorious in battle both over iron clads and forts, not only endears her to the American people, but when she has outlived her usefulness as a cruiser she should be preserved as a receiving-ship as a monument of her past achievements.

Appended hereto, marked E, is a list of the vessels which have been repaired at the different navy-yards during the fiscal year 1887-'88; also a statement, marked F, of the expenditures under the different appropriations during the year.

The adaptability of the monitor to the coast defense leads me to call again your attention to the single-turreted monitors in the possession of the United States. They are now a considerable expense to the Navy, as they must be taken care of, and not being in proper repair they are of but little use to the country in their present condition.

Appended hereto, marked G is a list of the vessels of the Navy, divided into groups under the heads of "Armored vessels," "Steel and iron armored vessels," "Wooden steam-vessels," Sailing vessels," and "Tugs."

66

All the tugs now belonging to the Navy, as will be seen from the appended tables of tngs, are old, most of them being relics of the late war; they are unhandy and unsuited to the needs of our navy-yards, and require expensive repairs from year to year.

There should be built, for use in towing and other purposes at the navy-yards, 6 tugs of about 200 tons displacement.

Appended hereto, marked H, is a statement of the condition of the various vessels now building for the Navy, under contract, up to October 1, 1888.

To give effect to the clause in the act of August 3, 1886, appropriat ing $150,000 for the purchase of tools for ship-building plaut, boards were appointed to decide upon the character and location of tools in the construction department of the navy-yards at New York and Norfolk, $75,000 being allotted to each yard. These tools are now being

delivered, and we shall soon be in possession of two yards well equipped for building steel and iron vessels of war of every size and type.

The navy-yard, Mare Island, being the only oue on the Pacific coast, is now being fitted with a complete outfit of modern ship-building tools. The climate is such that it is perfectly practicable to conduct shipbuilding without the shelter of ship-houses, which are expensive, both in first cost and repairs, and do not favor rapidity of construction or excellency of workmanship, on account of the darkness.

The temperature in winter is never cold, nor in summer is it warm enough to make outside labor uncomfortable.

Plans are now being prepared for the location of the necessary plant. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

THEODORE D. WILSON,
Chief Constructor, U. S. Navy,
Chief of Burea

Hon. W. C. WHITNEY,

Secretary of the Navy.

Estimates of appropriations required for the service of the fiscal year ending June 30, 1890, by the Bureau of Construction and Repair.

Detailed objects of expenditure, and explanations.

Estimated amount which will be

required for

Amount appropriated for the

each detailed current fiscal object of year ending June 30, 1889. expenditure.

Chief clerk (appropriated)

A-SALARIES.

One draughtsman (appropriated).
One assistant draughtsman (appropriated).
One assistant draughtsman (appropriated)
One clerk of class four (appropriated).
One clerk of class three (appro riated).
One clerk of class two (appropriated)
One clerk of class one (appropriated)
One assistant messenger (appropriated)
One laborer (appropriated)
One chief draughtsman (submitted)

(The largely increased amount of work of a professional nature com-
ing into the draughting-room, in connection with building our new Navy,
clearly demonstrates the necessity for a chief draughtsman, who can be
held responsible for the proper performance of the duties of the other
draughtsmen. I earnestly request that the Bureau be allowed a chief
draughtsman.)
B-CONSTRUCTION AND REPAIR of vessels.

Preservation and completion of vessels on the stocks and in ordinary; purchase of materials and stores of all kinds, and patented articles; for steam steerers, pneumatic steerers, steam capstans, steam wiud lasses, and other steam auxiliaries; labor in navy-yards and on foreign stations; purchase of machinery and tools for use in shops; wear, tear, and repair of vessels afloat, and for general care, increase and protection of the Navy in the line of construction and repair; incidental expenses, such as advertising, freight, foreign postage, telegrams, photographing, books, plans, stationery, and instruments for draughting-room (appropriated)

C-CIVIL ESTABLISHMENT.

At the navy-yard, Portsmouth, N. H. (appropriated):
One clerk to naval constructor....

Two writers, at $1,017.25 each

At the navy-yard, Boston, Mass. (appropriated):
One clerk to the naval constructor

At the navy-yard, Brooklyn, N. Y. (appropria.ed) :
One clerk to naval constructor.

Three writers, at $1,017.25 each

At navy-yard, League Island, Pa. (appropriated):
One clerk to naval constructor.

At navy-yard, Washington, D. C. (appropriated):
One clerk to naval constructor.

At navy-yard, Norfolk, Va. (appropriated):
One clerk to naval constructor..

Two writers, at $1,017.25 each

At navy-yard, Pensacola, Fla. (appropriated):
One writer

At navy yard, Mare Island, Cal. (appropriated):

One clerk to naval constructor.

Two writers, at $1,017.25 each..

D.

Improvement of the plant at the navy-yard, New York:

Additional tools, other than those heretofore authorized, required to further improve the condition of the yard for building and repair. ing iron and steel ships (appropriated)....

50,000.00

Construction of experimental tank for use in the determination of the resistance and other qualities of ships by means of models (submitted)

60,000.00

Improvement of the plant at the navy-yard, New York:

Improvement of plant at the navy-yard, Norfolk, Va:

Additional tools, other than those heretofore authorized, required to further improve the condition of the yard for building and repair. ing iron and steel ships (appropriated)

INCREASE OF THE NAVY.

On account of hulls and outfits of new ships heretofore authorized by
Congress (appropriated)

50,000.00

3,540, 000. 00

$19,972. 50

E.-Vessels repaired at the different navy-yards and stations during the fiscal year 1887-'88.

Vessels remaining under repairs June 30, 1888.

Kearsarge, Portsmouth, Constitution.

Atlanta, Catalpa, Cohasset, Despatch, Nina, Pensacola, Richmond,

F.-Amounts expended under the different appropriations during the fiscal year 1887-'88.

Expended for labor at navy-yards and stations.

Expended for the purchase of materials, tools for yards, advertising, foreign postage, books, telegrams, instruments

for drawing room, etc..

Expended on account of transfers..

Expended on account of foreign stations..

Balance on hand July 1, 1888.

Due appropriation "increase of the Navy," vessels and monitors, act August 3, 18-6, on account of preparatory work done for building the armored cruiser Maine

18, 863.59 77,210.34