Modern ships of war

by Sir Edward J. Reed; Edward Simpson

The foregoing remarks on our new navy apply to unarmored cruisers, a class of ships which supply a want in time of peace, but cannot fulfil the purposes of war. At such a time the armored ship is recognized as indispensable, and there is every reason why the construction of armored vessels should proceed simultaneously with that of the unarmored cruisers. These are a more intricate problem for study, need much more time to build, and are required, while at peace, as a school of instruction in which to prepare for war. Our selection of armor has been much assisted by the investigations of others, and we are in a favorable condition to make a decision on this point; and the type of vessel best suited for a cruiser seems to be settled, by the uniform practice of foreign nations, in favor of the barbette.[51]

It must be remembered, however, that six months since we were not in a condition to proceed with the construction of armored vessels, depending on our own resources. We had to go abroad to purchase armor, or set ourselves to the task of establishing works where it could be manufactured. The establishment of these plants was the first thing needful, and until this was done it was impossible to make ourselves independent in this matter. The construction of our first unarmored cruisers introduced into the country the industry of rolling steel ship-plates; the construction of our new ordnance and armored ships has, in turn, introduced the new industries of casting and forging large masses of war material.

This subject, so far as it relates to ordnance, was referred to a mixed board of army and navy officers, known as the Gun Foundery Board; this, with the aid and counsel of some of the ablest and leading steel manufacturers in the United States, submitted to Congress a report which presented a solution of the problem, and demonstrated on what terms the steel manufacturers of the country could be induced to work in accord with the government. The Board had under consideration only the subject of founderies and factories for gun construction, but the casting and forging facilities required for guns could be applicable to armor; thus in providing means for the manufacture of one, the other purpose was equally subserved.

With material of domestic manufacture at hand, it will be the duty of the government to provide the navy with a fleet of ten armored cruisers of the most approved type. These vessels would form the outer line of defence of the coast during war, and should be of such force as to be able to contend with any second-class armored vessel of other nations. Some of them should be always in commission during times of peace, if only for instruction and practice purposes, and one should be assigned to each squadron abroad to carry the flag of the rear-admiral in command, to assert our position in the society of naval powers, able to give substantial “support to American policy in matters where foreign governments are concerned.”

The ability to contend with armored vessels of the first class must be reserved for another type of ships, which are styled “coast-defence vessels,” and without which our new navy will not be thoroughly equipped for contributing its full share to defence at home. In considering armored vessels, what was said before as to the character of compromise that obtains in vessels-of-war must be borne in mind. All desirable features cannot be concentrated in any one ship; the special duty for which the vessel is to be used controls the selection. The sea-going armored cruiser is expected to keep the sea for a lengthened period: she must have large coal endurance. She may be called on to sustain more than one engagement: her supply of ammunition must be large. Her speed must equal that of the fastest sea-going vessels of similar type to enable her to pursue an equal or to avoid a superior force: hence much space and displacement must be assigned to engines and boilers. Thus the amount of her armor and the weight of her battery are affected by these other demands, which are the more imperative.

In the case of coast-defence vessels the conditions are changed, enabling in them the full development of both offensive and defensive properties. These vessels are assigned to duty on the coast: they must be as fit to keep the sea as are the armored cruisers, and they must be able to fight their guns in all weathers that the armored cruiser can fight; but as they do not require the coal endurance nor the speed of the ship that is to keep the sea for lengthened periods, the weight saved in coal and machinery can be utilized in battery and armor. Such vessels constitute the main line of naval defence, as they can be made almost absolutely invulnerable and irresistible.

Under an act of a late Congress a board on “fortifications and other defences” was occupied in considering the defences of the coast, and there were recommended by this Board two classes of “ floating batteries” (so called), coast-defence vessels, and one class of low freeboard vessels for harbor defence. An examination of the designs of these vessels shows that they are replete with merit, and present some novel and valuable features. A justifiable limitation is put on the coal endurance and speed, though fair speed is secured; and altogether the plans prove there can be designed vessels of comparatively small dimensions, light draught, great handiness and manœuvring power, which can carry the heaviest guns, and be capable of contending on equal terms with the heaviest European battle-ships. The cut below represents the smaller of the type of coast-defence vessels.

LIGHT DRAUGHT COAST-DEFENCE VESSEL, WITH DECK PLAN.