MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS OF 
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Michael works will produce the same results which have been reached by 
Krupp. 
“ In the meanwhile to possess ourselves of capital steel ordnance"of large 
calibre for service against iron-clad vessels, there is projected a 9-in. steel 
gun, weighing 230 lbs. to fire a charge of 35 lbs. (Euss), with an elongated 
cast-iron projectile. Such a gun has been ordered of Krupp, on the condition 
that if, with the alterations proposed by him, the guns prove serviceable, 
he is to have an order for fourteen more of 9* and 10*75 in. calibre, these 
latter to fire with a charge of 50 lbs. (45 lbs. Eng.) 
“ Exclusive of these guns the special attention of the ordnance department 
is given to cast-iron guns of large calibre cast on the American principle, on 
a hollow core as well as to guns fastened with hoops or twisted round with 
wire. Hooped guns of the largest calibre, i.e. 120-prs. have been ordered 
at the Olonetz works on the Ural. Trials on an extensive scale are still 
being carried on with these: with the view of promoting the trials still 
further, iron hoops for eight guns of the following calibres have been 
ordered at Paris, 12, 24, 60, and 120-prs., for throwing shells; while at the 
same time, orders have been issued to Belgium, and to the Kama Volkinsk 
works, for rings to bind 24-pr. cast-iron ordnance. 
f ' f Captain Blakely has received an order from the Eussian Government for 
ordnance of a large calibre, the choice of the metal and the method of 
manufacturing the guns themselves being left to his own judgment. In the 
meanwhile, anticipating the introduction of strengthened guns into our 
artillery, it is intended to found a special technical establishment, and to 
endeavour to secure the services of this gentleman in preparing the 
manufacture of steel guns, and in strengthening steel and cast-iron ordnance. 
“ As we have arrived at the conclusion that our guns must be made prin¬ 
cipally of cast steel, our greatest desire consequently is to increase our steel 
works. The question of cast steel in its application to coast defences, bears 
the same significance now as did that, at first, of rifling small arms. 
“The Ordnance Committee have called the particular attention of our 
Government to our situation with regard to cast steel. 
“ It has firstly been proposed by our ordnance department, to extend the 
Prince Michael works by erecting twice as many furnaces as there are now 
(sixteen), and a steam hammer equal to Krupp^s. 
“ Secondly, a well-known foreign manufacturer of Berger steel guns is 
found willing to establish at his own cost, near St Petersburg, a large factory 
for making steel ordnance, whilst an order has been given him for four guns 
of 4 and 12-pr. calibres. 
“ Thirdly, an officer experienced in metallurgy has been sent abroad to study 
the Bessemer and other cheap systems of steel manufacture, with a view to 
their application at our own works. 
“ Fourthly, the largest manufacturers of the Ural have been requested to 
follow up the Bessemer system of making steel cannon, a promise being 
passed that in the event of their success, influence should be exerted to 
procure them orders; in consequence of this DemidofFs heirs have agreed to 
commence the casting of iron on the Bessemer principle. 
“In addition to all these very important measures relative to rifled 
cannon, numerous others have been decided upon, or are being experimented. 
The questions more prominently concerned with these are on solidified 
