132 COAUNG WARSHIPS FROM COIvLIERS IN HARBOR. 



hatches might in this way be reached, but to do this a high point of suspen- 

 sion is required for the double blocks secured above the collier 'shatch. This 

 is practicable on the colliers Vestal and Prometheus. 



Another modification discovered by Shurtleff was in delivering coal from 

 the Vestal's hatch No. 7 (which at the time was well filled with coal) to a 

 point on the battleship opposite hatch No. 6, which at the time was empty. 

 The outboard boom of No. 7 hatch and the inboard boom of No. 6 were 

 employed to support the pulleys for swinging the bucket; the swinging 

 rope then passed on a diagonal line over hatch No. 7 and delivered coal to 

 a position on the battleship opposite hatch No. 6. 



YARD AND STAY. 



All of these colliers can employ the "Yard and Stay" method if desired. 

 With the "Yard and Stay" it is impossible to use clamshell buckets. On 

 these colliers the superiority of the Marine Transfer over the "Yard and 

 Stay" for handling coal bags has been established. The Marine Transfer 

 should always be used when bags are handled because the practise the men 

 get may be availed of in operating with clamshell buckets. In the first 

 instance three ropes are employed and in the latter four; otherwise the 

 systems are the same. 



The "Yard and Stay" method is effective if operated slowly. To 

 operate it rapidly results in confusion and danger. With the superior con- 

 trol of the load with the Marine Transfer, higher speeds both of hoisting and 

 swinging are permissible. A load every twenty seconds has been accom- 

 plished. The swinging ropes of the Marine Transfer are up clear of the 

 hatch coamings and do not chafe. With the "Yard and Stay" one rope is 

 sure to chafe over the hatch coamings. Winchmen who have learned the use 

 of the Marine Transfer prefer it to the "Yard and Stay." This is the experi- 

 ence on these colliers. Another advantage in employing it is that the clam- 

 shell may be added or removed with but a few moments' delay if circum- 

 stances so demand. 



LABOR CONDITIONS. 



These five colliers were completely equipped with the Marine Transfer 

 before one was placed in commission. Then it was discovered that common, 

 doUar-a-day seamen were expected to operate the winches. Some show 

 an aptitude for operating these winches where others do not. Some are 

 only too anxious to learn to operate the Marine Transfer, for when they 

 have mastered the art, which they have learned at the expense of the 



