214 LAUNCHING OF SHIPS IN RESTRICTED WATERS. 



friction hawsers to the ship, whereas, in the previous launchings of the Kanawha, Maumee 

 and Cuyama, wire rope hawsers were used. This change was made in the interest of econ- 

 omy in view of the chains being on hand; in the Hght, however, of the defects that devel- 

 oped in the chains, it would have been preferable to have used wire hawsers, and had this 

 been the case, full working effect of all the brakes would undoubtedly have been obtained. 

 In the preliminary consideration of the launching of the battleship Montana (expected 

 launching weight about 30,000 tons), which follows the California, the idea of using chains 

 has been abandoned and vifire rope hawsers will be used, thus eliminating the uncertainty of 

 chains. 



The President : — This is another instance of a paper recording most valuable data, 

 but not lending itself easily to discussion. It is, however, none the less valuable, and shows 

 clearly the painstaking care of its authors. I know that you will desire that the thanks of 

 the Society be extended tO' the authors for their very admirable presentation of facts. 



The next paper on the program is entitled "The Propelling Machinery of the U. S. S. 

 Leviathan," by Mr. E. H. B. Anderson, Member. 



Mr. Anderson presented the paper. 



