The Utility of Torpedoes.

Oamaru Mail, Volume XVII, Issue 5204, 10 February 1892, Page 1

The Utility of Torpedoes.

11l :m artii'lo upon I,lie utility of torpedoes the Morning l'ost. of December UIhL argues thai these is a growing feeling that in these days of <|uiek-liriug guns, Hid torpedo, in the form in which it. has hitherto been used, should lie absent from tho armament. alike of Hii! 1 K;-m1 iiji ami of the cruiser. The journal points nut, it is certain t hat, many captains would refuse to allow the employment of torpedoes, every one of which, when ready for acti< in, is a dangerous mine in a ship's side. If the detonator were hit. by a shot, from a quick-firing Hie torpedo would explode, and probably cause the destruction of the ship. The dirigible torpedo, controlled by an operator, and guided by electricity, stands upon a different footing, and is adapted it must, be said, to the fulfilment of a different purpose. Hitherto the IJrennan, which lias given satisfactory evidences of its jiowers upon more than one occasion, has stood alone. New, however, it. has been joined by the Sinis-Kdison torpedo, which has come successfully through an oideal within the last; few days. It is unlikely, however, that diriuible torpedoes will ever liud a place in actions at, sea. Tho ISrennan, at any rate, requires a lixed station and a large plant, which is incompatible with its employment on board ship. The wires, too, by which such weapons are controlled would perpetually threaten danger to friend and foe alike by fouling the screws. On the other hand, it, is obvious that, a dirigible torpedo may be a most eflectivo weapon for coast or harbor defence, and that its value, which primarily depends upon a combination of range, speed, and power, is materially enhanced if the weapon is capable of being manipulated from a specially prepared vessel, which thus affords a moveable base. It. is from tho compound standpoint thus afforded that the claims of any aspirant to tho favor of our naval authorities will bo regarded.