Confusing speed results of American gunboats USS Helena according to the Dutch magazine Marineblad dated 1897-1898 No. 6

An item referred to the magazine Army and Naval Journal reporting that the experience with the American gunboat Helena (1) again showed the difference between trial speeds and service speeds. At the provisional speed was with a draught of around 9 feet her speed 15,4 miles. Underway from New York, USA towards Washington, USA was her speed just 8 miles despite steaming with maximum power. While in service is her draught more as 15 feet. During the trial was steamed with forced draft, during her voyage with natural draft. Official tidings stated that ships on their trials were to be ballasted in such a manner to imitate their normal service load line. Within the navy was again spoken about fictive speeds after the results with the Helena became known.

Note
1. Laid down by Newport News Shipbuilding Company, Newport News, Virginia, USA on 10 October 1894, launched on 30 January 1896, commissioned on 8 July 1897 and finally sold to be broken up on 7 July 1934.