A submarine mine much wanted on active service, is one that can be carried on board ships, capable of being fitted for use at a moment's notice, and of being easily and rapidly placed in position by the ordinary boats of a man-of-war. It should be a self-acting electrical mine, with the circuit closing apparatus enclosed in the torpedo case, and capable of carrying about 100 lbs. of guncotton. This form of mine would be found extremely useful to secure the entrance to a harbour, etc., where ships might happen to be anchored for the night, or which might have been wrested from the enemy, etc.
They should be capable of being placed in position and picked up again, in the shortest possible space of time.
Offensive Torpedoes.—Coming to the question of offensive torpedoes there still seems to be a great difference of opinion as to the real value of the Whitehead fish torpedo, and this point will never be finally settled until that weapon has been more thoroughly tested on actual service; from a specially built torpedo boat, by which is meant a Thornycroft or Yarrow craft, the spar torpedo would seem to be the most effective weapon. Torpedo vessels for the special purpose of experimenting with the Whitehead torpedo have been built by England, America, and several continental governments, so that we may soon hope to get some more decided opinion as to the utility of that weapon. When manipulated from the shore, or large ships, the Lay torpedo boat, if only its speed be increased will prove an exceedingly effective submarine weapon, for the purposes of offence, active defence, or clearing harbours, etc., of mines, in fact, it may be more truly said of this weapon, than of the Whitehead, "that it can do everything but speak." Captain Harvey has greatly improved his towing torpedo, but it is still a somewhat complicated and difficult weapon to manipulate by ordinary persons, that is, those not specially trained for the work.
Drifting torpedoes under certain circumstances should prove invaluable, but little or no improvement has been effected in this direction. Submarine boats have also remained in statu quo, though for the purpose of clearing an enemy's harbour of mines, it seems impossible to devise any better method.
Electric lights are now universally adopted for use on board ship, and will play a very important part in the defence of ships against torpedo attacks in future wars. Glancing back on what has been effected in the matter of improving the system of torpedo warfare in all its branches during the last few years, with the exception of the vast improvements in the form and construction of steam torpedo boats, their engines, etc., very little has been done, owing principally to the want of that practical knowledge which unfortunately can only be gained from their employment in actual war.
The late Turco-Russian war afforded a splendid opportunity for applying the crucial test of actual service to both the offensive and defensive branches of torpedo warfare, yet little or no light was thrown on the somewhat shadowy subject of submarine warfare. The present struggle between Peru and Chili may furnish some experience, but it will not be very satisfactory, as hardly any knowledge of manipulating torpedoes is possessed by either side.
FOOTNOTES:
[A] C. D. Colden's "Life of Fulton."
[B] C. D. Colden's "Life of Fulton."
[C] C. D. Colden's "Life of Fulton."