The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1814-08-24

mcnts The answer is simple and plain. Mn
FULToE considers military marines or nayies
as the most horrible OF all systems of oppres-
sol. He considers the liberty of the seas as
the right of all Daions, and one of the most
important Of all events for the civilization Of
mankind Hence, military marines mus, be
destroyed, and the system for destroying
them could only be well introduced in the
countries where they existed"
NO. w
After Torpedo is constructed, the next
great object is to get it under the ship which
1t is intended TO destroy. For this purpose
the submarine boat was 6rst invented. But
Mr.. Fulton concludes that it may be effect
ed by more eligible means. He proposes
three methods TO be employed as circumstan-
ces may require.
The frs, is when ship is lying at anchor
in stream, or where strong current is run
ing. Two Of the Tofpedoes being lied,one
al each end Of line, one hundred and fifty
feet long,are 10 be rendered sufficiently buoy
ant by cork or pine, and set adrift at some
distance a.head Of the vessel. They are then
carried down by the current, and the middle
of the line being stopped by her cable, the
Torpedoes swing along the sides, and, by the
force of the stream, are carried under the
bottom. There the machinery OF the lock,
having been previously so graduated as that
the clock work should disengage the main
spring in given number OF minutes or sec
onds,the whole mass of gun-powder explodes,
and the vessel is blown 10 pieces"
This is the plan that has been proposed by
the illustrious inyentor Of the Torpedo. In
attempting its accomplishment conSidera-
bic degree Of Judgment is necessary. The
magnitude of the vessel must be taken into
Considerations on this will depend the length
of the line to be used, in order to bring the
machines under the most suitable part OF her
bottom. The above method was calculated
for those Torpedoes with copper offenders
and brass chambers. These would need the
aid of some buoyant substance to prevent
their sinking too low in the water, or sinking
Immediately before reaching the ship. But,
as we have already suggested these metals
are not absolutely requisite IN the constuc-
,ion OF Torpedo. Wood may be substitu'-
ed with equal advantage. In this case "cork
or pine" is not needed. On the contrary the
gravity Of the Torpedo may require to be in-
creased. In ascertalDing what quantity of
gravity 10 wanted 10 sink the Torpedo to a
proper depth, regard muse be had to the We
lociy Of the current for it is obvious that
this viii. effect the immc rsion very materially,
The employment of two Torpedoes might
be dispensed with. One Is sufiicient, if right
iy placed, 10 effcctuate to the destruction of
any ship. One end of the line might be con.
nected with some other body of a proper
weight, which would assist in bringing the
H..
the part of the ship desired.
The machine might, perhaps, be tethered
out by a line from small boat till it reached
the ship. In very dark night this might be
done with little danger OF being discovered.
But besides these methods of conveying
the Torpedo under ships, we think the sub
marine boat may be employed With great adj
vantage. BY means OF this il can be fixed 10
any part Of a ships bottom without much risk
of detection. We could wish 10 see this
mode frequently attempted, as i, inspires the
enemy with greater alarm than any other.
boa, was lately built at NewYork, called
the Turtle, for the purpose OF conveying the
Torpedo under ships. With the principles
of its formation we are but partially acquaint-
ed, yet one thing speaks highly in its tavor,it
has struck the enemy with, peculiar dread.
This boat having been unfortunately stranded
on Long Island, fell into the hands of the
English, and afforded .hem an opportunity OF
observing its structure, and the probability OF
its answering tho purpose designed, and they
certainly speak of 1t as the most terrible en-
gre ever sent against them. The plan upon
which il was built, as far as we have learned,
displays superior ingenuity, and does honor
TO the talents Of the constructors. The loss
was by mere accident, and therefore cannot
iniure the reputation, or lessen the utility OF
the machine. We have heard 1t reported
that more were building. This we devoutly
hope to be true. If Torpedoes are encour-
aged, and pursued with perseverance, they
will masc the enemy extremely cautious oil
approaching boats and coas,.ng vessels, aud
he great safe-guard to our maritime towns.