The Naval Renovation Program was negotiated and enacted in December 1904 and envisioned acquisition of large number of vessels, including a dozen destroyers.

She was powered by 2 triple expansion reciprocating steam engines, driving two shafts, which developed a total of 7,014 indicated horsepower (5,230 kW) and gave a maximum design speed of 27 knots (50 km/h; 31 mph).

[6] The vessel carried a maximum of 140 long tons (140 t) of coal that gave her a range of about 3,692 nautical miles (6,838 km; 4,249 mi) at 14 knots (26 km/h; 16 mph).

During a continuous three hour run with a 100 ton load, the ship exceeded her contract speed of 27 knots.

On November 19, 1908, while leaving the Yarrow yard for Greenock Pará collided with a hopper barge.