If a ship happens to pass directly over a torpedo, and
If the operator touches the firing key at exactly the right moment, and
If the connection between the electrical battery and the torpedo fuse is all right, and
If the fuse itself is in good condition, and
If the charge in the torpedo has not deteriorated, the torpedo may explode and blow up the ship.
Too many “ifs” to make this a reliable weapon, and one to be solely depended upon.
Torpedoes, or submarine mines, unless protected by batteries, to prevent the enemy from quietly picking them up, are of no use whatever except to cause delay.
It is the custom in modern wars for the victor to demand of the vanquished large war indemnities, so that the people who are whipped not only suffer great losses incident to war itself, but must pay the expenses both they and their conquerors have incurred, and the people have to pay this in the shape of taxes.
Now, no one believes we are going to be conquered, but this is how an enemy’s fleet off New York, for instance, will affect all the people in the United States.
They would send a shot or two in the vicinity of the city, from their position south of Long Island, just to show what they could do, and threaten to destroy the city if a tribute of anywhere from $100,000,000 to $200,000,000 is not forthcoming in twenty-four hours. It would be paid, as that amount does not anywhere near represent the value of property in New York City. The United States government would have to return this amount to the citizens who advanced it, for according to the constitution the government must provide for the common defense of the country. Then it would fall back on the taxpayers again, and they would have to pay it.