62 THE POWER-FORGING OF CHAIN CABLES. 
after approval of the Navy Department, has been mine; but too much credit cannot be given 
to the author of this paper and the men named therein; also to the author of the paper of 
two years ago, Mr. J. E. Otterson, describing the earlier developments of this process, 
which he initiated. They have all worked together in true workmanlike spirit, perfecting 
details, insuring better results each year, and reducing costs. 
This process was begun under peculiarly unusual circumstances, but it has been in- 
creasingly successful. There is nothing patented or secretive about it, and any good smith 
can be readily trained to produce, at much less discomfort to himself than he now experi- 
ences, chain which is true to size and which meets all strength requirements, if the bar iron 
from which it is made conforms to its specifications and the proper tools are provided. 
In the development of our merchant marine large quantities of chain cable will be neces- 
sary; possibly this new naval method of making chain will aid in securing it more rapidly. 
If more detailed information is desired, I do not doubt that the Navy Department will permit 
personal observation of the methods used, and which are continually improving, because 
private shipyards have not been chary in furnishing detailed information concerning their 
methods of building ships by the so-called “Universal method.” 
The Boston yard is now successfully carrying out this shipbuilding system to an extent 
which is not yet fully appreciated, but it obtained its results from following private prac- 
tice. Shipbuilding is not a hidden art, and we, as a Society, exist to broaden it. 
I much regret that urgent work prevents my being with you today, and following up 
the discussion on this interesting portion of our work on ships. 
Navat Constructor F. G. Cosurn, U. S. Navy (Communicated) :—As suggested by 
Naval Constructor Baxter in his discussion, the new process is the product of many minds 
and no one person is responsible for it. One of the important factors was the support 
given by Captain (now Vice-Admiral) D. W. Coffman, U. S. Navy, then Commandant of 
the Navy Yard, and to whom Naval Constructor Baxter was responsible. It was largely 
due to Captain Coffman’s firmness and prompt decisions, in a very trying labor situation, 
that the new process got under way so promptly. 
THE PresipENT :—Is there any other discussion on this paper? 
If no one else desires to discuss the paper I will, on behalf of the Society, extend its 
thanks to the author. 
A number of shipbuilders and their associates have been called to Washington to dis- 
cuss the building of the new naval ships. That accounts for the absence of many of these 
members this morning, but I presume they will be here tomorrow. 
We have three papers yet to be read, and it is proposed to leave them for the after- 
noon session. When we adjourn, it will be for luncheon, to meet again at half past one 
o'clock. We will then take up the three papers, and following them will be an illustrated 
talk on submarines by Mr. E. H. Ewertz. That is expected about half past three. 
If there is nothing further to bring before the meeting at this time, a motion to adjourn 
will be in order. 
