Polynesian. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu], Hawaii) 1844-1864, 1852-10-23

4
complete success of the experimental cruise of the
French ship of the line "Charlemagne" has ex.
cited great interest in Europe, and must produce
radical revolution in naval architecture. That
vessel, originally constructed for sails alone, has
since received screw propelling apparatus
which was introduced with little difficulty, and
without lmpalring either her symmetry or strength
1t is an engine of four hundred and fifty horse
power, and occupies so little space that it does
not In any way interfere with the usual internal
arrangements of a man-of-war. The screw, when
sails are employed, is arranged in such manner
that 1t may be entirely drawn out of the water,
as not to impede the movement of the vessel.
| learn from the officers of the Charlepagne
that the trial trip, which embraced voyage to the
Dardanelles and back to Toulon, via Naples, Mes
slna, Malta, the PiraussSmyrna, etc., and occu-
pied some two months, surpassed all expectations.
The average run, under steam exclusively, was
nine knots an hour, which is certainly astonishing,
considering the bulk of this great mass, and the
fact that she carries eighty heavy guns. The
Charlemagne, however, is not the first vessel of
the kind in the French navy.
The Pomona, frigate of the third class, launch
ed in 1915, was hauled up in 1913, and furnished
with screw machinery. Her increased utility and
space settled the question of the superior economy
and advantages OF uniting steam with canvass
The Monticello, line of battle shlp and the Aus
tcritz, ship of the line, are both undergoing
transformation; while the Napoleon, carrying one
hundred and twenty guns, and now ready for sea-
has been built originally to carry screw and SAIL
The English government, every ready to take cog
nlzance OF the improvements of the age, and jeal-
Gus OF Its maritime power, has also adapted the
screw to several of its fngates and line of battle
SHIPS and among the latter to the Prince Albert,
whose formidable battery of one hundred and
twenty guns may now be driven to any quarter, in
defiance 1t hn 70 of rlt
ten knots an hour
The rapid growth of the French navy and its
increased efficiency, deserves consideration in the
United States, particularly from those of your
statesmen who think it the duty of the United
States to take into its own hands the management
of European affairs and the settlement Of the COM
plIcated questions which battle both soveregns
and subjects on this side of the water. The CON
dition of the French marine may be understood
from the fact that the appropriation for the current
year puts IN commission one hundred and twenty
vessels, OF which seventy-one are steamers, this
portion of the force being nearly twelve times the
number of steamers belonging to the United States
navy. This most extraordinary disparity, one
would think ought to force itself upon the consd-
Grafton of Congress, if it be animated by proper
regard to the commercial interests of the country,
and our political dignity and influence abroad.
The solution of the practicability of the appli-
cation of propeers to armed sailing ships, and
their adoption in the British and French navies,
renders it absolutely necessary that American
vessels should be provided also with this addi-
tional motive power. A conflict between a
French and American seventy-four, the former
using both steam and canvass, and vessel only
the latter, would be most unequal struggle-l
The advantage of choosing his position would lie
altogether with the Frenchman, and while he!
could battle the efforts of his adversary to bring
him under his guns, he would be able to rake his |
decks at will, Gad attack him On every side. How |
would il be possible also for frigate to escape
such line of battle-ship, or, when sighted by a |
hostile squadron to distance her persuers, if aided
by propellers? Such vessels, beseging fortress
Or town, wheeling as on pivot and pouring their
sixty gun broadsides from any point, entirely in-
dependent of wind and tide, would be the most
engines of war brought into action.
If the lower tier of ports Of the Pennsylvania
we're closed up, and screw engine adjusted to
her now comparatively useless hull, she might be
sent to the Mediterranean, where ship of her
size and armament IS more than anywhere else
desirable as fitting representative of a powerful
nation, +. J. M.