1895. One of
the important events was the adding to the commissioned fleet of the
coast-defence monitor "Amphitrite," whose keel was laid in 1874. The
work of remodelling her was begun in 1889, under the appropriation
made by Congress in 1887. The "Amphitrite" is in some respects an
old-fashioned type of vessel, but is nevertheless capable of important
service. Her displacement is 3,990 tons. Her armor and armament are
heavy, although not so powerful as that of the battle-ships. Her main
advantage, as with all of the monitors, is that she presents a
comparatively small target for the enemy's fire.

[Illustration: United States Battle-Ship "Indiana."]

Adopting the spirit of Secretary Herbert's recommendations in his
report of 1894, Congress, in 1895, authorized the construction of two
coast-line battle-ships of most formidable equipment and power,
their cost not to exceed $4,000,000 each. Further provision was made
for the building of twelve torpedo-boats. An interesting feature of
the bill was the stipulation that one of the battle-ships shall bear
the historic name "Kearsarge," after the famous old man-of-war that
was wrecked in 1894 on Roncador Reef. According to the plans of the
new ships, they resemble in a general way the "Indiana," although they
are longer and broader and have a greater displacement, and their
batteries are more powerful. A new feature in the arrangement of the
guns was decided upon. The vessels will carry two turrets of two
stories each. Many objections to this plan were advanced, but it was
said that all are outweighed by the opportunity which the turrets give
of concentrating an enormous quantity of shot on a given point. An
estimate has been made that the "Kearsarge" will carry enough
ammunition to kill or disable a million persons, and that she will be
able to discharge it all within a period of five hours. Accommodations
will be provided for five hundred and twenty officers and men. The
"Kearsarge" and her sister ship, which will be called the "Kentucky,"
will carry heavier armor and guns and a greater quantity of the latter
than any foreign battle-ship in existence or in course of
construction.

The ram "Katahdin" was rejected by the government in 1895, because,
upon her official trials, she did not fulfil the speed requirements.
She made 16.011 knots, while the contract called for 17 knots.
Congress was asked to purchase the vessel, and finally did so.

The armored cruiser "Brooklyn