THE HINDENBURG.

Evening Star, Issue 15914, 21 September 1915, Page 6

THE HINDENBURG.

There is a certain significance (writes ‘The* Times’s ’ naval correspondent) iu the report from Berlin that a abattle-criser was launched at Wilhelmshavcn on August 1,1 and, by order of the Emperor, was named l the Hnideuburg. I It is stated that the Hindenburg is the I substitute for the Hertha, and that she be-' longs to the 1913 programme. If so, she was laid down at Wilhelmshaven in June of that year. In ordinary circumstances this vessel should not have been on tho stocks for more than two years. Tho average time for all the German Dreadnoughts is only a little over 15 months. The delay which is manifest may be due to one of two causes. Either there is a deficiency of workmen, and men have been taken from this vessel to bo i put on repairs or the construction of submarines ; or she has been rearmed. Originally, it was intended that this vessel! should carry eight 12in guns. It seomsi moro than probable, however, that she is being given guns of Isin calibre, and that •here wo have tho explanation of tho late dale at which shs has been put afloat. As to the disclosure of her launch, it may be that this was permitted solely to honor the military hero whoso name she bears and so to hearten the German people. Two other battle-cruisers have been completed during tho past year, however, the Dcrfflinger and Lutzow, both carrying as their heavy armament eight 12in guns. Tho only two battlecruisers known to be building were the 1 Ersatz-Hcrtha and 1 the Ersatz-Victoria Luise, both of which are likely to have 15in guns, i if not heavier pieces.