The American Catholic Historical Researches (Volume 8; V. 29) (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1912. Excerpt: ... Historical Researches New Series, Vol. VIII. JANUARY, 1912 No. 1 QUARTBRLY--Twenty-ninth Volume TWO DOLLARS A YEAR Entered as Second-Class Publication at Parkesburg, Pa. REPRINT OF A LETTER BY REV. LUKE V. McCABE, D.D., SHOWING THE TRUE CAUSE OF THE DESTRUCTION OF THE "MAINE," FEBRUARY 15, 1898. PREFATORY NOTE. Ovekbrook, June 28, 1911. Dear Mr. Griffin: I am pleased to learn from your note that you wish to republish my old article on the "Maine," and willingly comply with your request for a copy. I think it well, however, to-prefix a little prefatory note in order to make my view more generally intelligible. It should be remembered that the "Maine" was originally designed and built for a cruiser. It was only after her construction was nearly complete that she was changed into a battleship. Afterwards when she was finished according to the new designs, it was found that they did not work out as expected; and a part of her armament had to be moved further back in order to balance the weight of her powerful ram and keep her head above water. The mechanical principle involved in this operation is well exemplified in the familiar play of see-saw. The greater weight on each end, and the farther apart, the greater the strain, and consequent danger of breaking, of the board or pole. In the case of the "Maine," the greater downward pressure in the bow and towards the centre and rear, in conjunction with the upward pressure of the water acting as a support or fulcrum in the space intervening caused a tension and strain greater than had been calculated for. This strain she proved herself strong enough to withstand successfully for over two years;, but it was all the time weakening her power of resistance and finally produced the catastrophe. This was due, theref...