Secret of England’s Humiliation.

Opunake Times, Volume I, Issue 29, 9 October 1894, Page 4

Secret of England’s Humiliation.

A little • London society journal which, after the manner of its class, is over anxious to “ thrill “ its readers, recently came out with a discovery calculated, no doubt in its own estimation, to answer this purpose in the most complete fashion. It purported to have found the reason why England has been submitting for the last four vears to the humiliating demands of France, and the writer explained himself as follows : “ It has been known to the Intelligence Department of the Admiralty ;br quite five years that France has been experimenting with submarine boats of a make quite superior to that constructed by Nordenfeldt, which waa i proved failure. In 1880 information vas placed in the hands of our authorities of the gravest character. It was, for instance, alleged that a submarine torpedo boat, which had ■’eeu christened the “ Gymuote,” built f steel and cigar-shaped then lay in Cherbourg harbor, Laving successfully cruised round tbe Isle of Wight, under the very keels of some of our unconscious men-of-war.

It is not explained how this startling ; iece of information came to the writer’s knowledge, and it must be onfesscd that the absence of any iQthoritative confirmation of the statement strains our credulity. The writer himself, however is apparently convinced of the truth of his remarks, and he further adds that the deadly nvention had been offered to Great Britain and refused, or at anyrate the usual procrastination had disgusted the mventor. It is further stated that very effort was made by the Admiralty so learn the secret from the French, but without avail. The reward of t'loo,ooo offered to anyone who would • btain the plans for the Gymnote was ;ever claimed, though it is not surprising to learn that such a magnificent i<nbe induced numbers of vain attempts •.") be made. The harbors of Brest and Cherbourg were more closely protected Cian over and Lord Charlesßeresford’s suggestion that “ one or two British ■ aen-of-war should dash i u to Cherbourg mexpectedly and seize the Gymnote, t iking the chance of being destroyed,” was, it appears, not acted upon for various reasons. The fact that the uggestion was no i put into force, even knitting that it would have led to a loclaration of war by France, is vidently regretted by this fire eating ilarmist.