The Evolution of the Torpedo

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXXIII, Issue 17, 27 April 1905, Page 30

The Evolution of the Torpedo

It is tirue that the original Wbitehead was a weapon that travelled on t/he surface of the water only, while the modern automobile torpedo is essentially a submarine engine. Many yeass, nevertheless, have now elapsed since the marvellous weapion, by steady evolution, became extraordinarily perfect and formidable, although it is b\ut right to add that its improvement has been continuous from first to last, and is not yet at a standstill. Strange to say, however, the significance of the autp mobile torpedo as a factor in naval warfare is only now beginning to receive adequate recognition. The weapon has always had its enthusiastic champiohs, of course, although until quite recently they haye been the few. while its detractors have been in the majority. According to some, the torpedto was little better than a bogey ; according to others, it was suitable for use only against vessels at anchor or vessels with incompetent, if not criminally careless, crews on boaTd : according to yet others, it could never be employed with advantage against sihips of the civilised and well-discip-line 3 races, especially if such ships chanced to be under way. It was admitted that the automobile torpedo had won successes during the civil war in Chili, during the revolutionary fighting in Brazil, 'and during the conflict between Japan and Chiina ; ' but,' said the wiseacres, ' wait until one of the leading naval Powers is concerned, and then you will see that altihough the torpedo may be all v^ry well against South Americans or Yellow Men, it won't work ag&frist civilised Europeans.' In slpitei of this sort of discouragement, which reached them from within the various services a»s well as from withbut, torpedo officers have never ceased to study and develop their favorite weapon. They increased its speed from ten or twelve lo upwards of