[J] 'Electricity and Magnetism,' by Professor F. Jenkins.
[K] See Appendix.
[L] As constructed by Mr. J. Mathieson, late R.E., at the Silvertown Telegraph Works, Essex.
CHAPTER V.
OFFENSIVE TORPEDO WARFARE.
THE term "Torpedo" is applicable more particularly to offensive submarine mines than to those employed for the purposes of defence, and therefore by torpedoes will be understood every kind of submarine explosive weapon designed to be used for active attack against vessels, &c., no matter how they may be manipulated.
Offensive Torpedo Warfare still in its Infancy.—Though during the seventeen or eighteen years that torpedoes have been considered as a legitimate mode of naval warfare there have occurred three big wars, in each of which submarine weapons, offensive and defensive, have played an important part, still the subject of offensive torpedo warfare must be even now considered as in its infancy, and therefore any opinions expressed as to the merits and demerits of the various apparatus in connection therewith can but be based on the theoretical capabilities of each torpedo, and on the results of experiments carried out with them during peace time, which latter as a rule are conducted under far too favourable conditions to be relied upon.
Their Use during the Civil War in America.—During the American civil war, the only offensive submarine weapon that was used was the outrigger or spar torpedo, which in those days was a crude and imperfect machine, and manœuvred from boats possessing all the features which a torpedo boat should not possess. Still under these unfavourable conditions ships were sunk by such means by both Federals and Confederates, proving that in future wars this mode of attack, favoured by the vast and important improvements that have lately been effected both in connection with the torpedoes and torpedo boats, should play a prominent part, and prove a most destructive mode of attack.
Their Use in the Franco-German and Russo-Turkish Wars.—In the Franco-German war of 1870-1, offensive torpedo warfare was not resorted to by either side, the French fleet being deterred from entering German waters by the submarine mines placed, or at least supposed to be placed, in position.