The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1885-10-29

motion quickly withdraw itself. This
ram looks like the snout of q hog. 1t
is built of steel and has peculiar edges
of sharp surfaces, intended to facilitate
its operations.
On the top of the craft and in its CEN
ter is a small iron turret. surrounded
with little electric lights to aid in steer
ing. Between this turret and the
ram at the head is an aperture, at the
mouth of which is a dynamite gun, this
being hidden from view. Directly over
the gun and situated on the neck of the
vessel Is . sharp, thin piece of steel.
1t is intended to use this to cut hole
In small craft or other torpedo-boats
by rising suddenly from underneath
them and piercing a hole in them. The
inventor claims that he can destroy n
boat as easily as by darting along hor-
izontally and puncturing its side. The
rear of the boat is constructed like an
ordinary propeller. Its machinery is
in every sense double, there being two
screws and two engines, etc
After punching hole in the side or
the bottom of an enemy it is claimed
for the torpedo-boat that it can, after
retiring to such distance rs may be
desired. ''bob up sorenely" and fire
dynamite into the other vessel as often
as may be necessary. To discharge or
project dynamite. the boat merely
shows its turret for few seconds, and
never coming up at the same point
twice. it will be impossible to bear q
gun on to it successfully, even if it was
exposed in its entirety.
In the new vessel three features of
especial superiority are claimed. These
are accuracy of movement and certain
ty of destruction, safe concealment
from the view of the enemy when de-
sired. and an ability to move faster un-
der water, make greater distance with
out rising to the surface, and project
dynamite further than ever heretofore
demonstrated. 1t is also asserted that
the vessel may run under water and
out of sight for an indefinite period.
This is accomplished by the unique
character and capacity of the machine
which furnishes the air supply, the ex-
act construction of which the inventor
prefers to keep . secret The launch
ing of torpedoes SO that they may be
discharged automatically is also &C
complished by new secret process.
The most important feature of the YES
sci beside its capacity to run under
water indefinitely, is that from 300 to
500 pounds of dynamite may be pro-
jected from 500 yards to half q mile
with perfect accuracy. 1t is not essen
tial to show above water for the pur-
pose of firing shot, which may be
projected over the surface, of the sea
- L. 49, - N
not be observed over one hundred yards
distant ..s
A lone fisherman, who has known
of what is going on in Fort Lafayette,
expressed the opinion that the new
boat will fall over on her beam ends
when it is attempted to float her.
I'VE have anticipated that" re-
marked one of the gentlemen most in
terested.
Did you put lead on her keelP"
.No; but the boat will not turn
over, nor will it right on its beam
ends.'
How have you fixed her, thenP''
put in the inquisitive fisherman.
"Ah, that's our secret.
The fisherman remained uncertain
still, and will remain at safe distance
when the launch is tried.
Lieutenant Zalinski is very bright
man, and am certain he will not be
disappointed in the successful opera.
ton of the boat" said q gentleman
who is watching the experimental tes
with interest. 10 be sure, two at
tempts in Russia, where boat some
what similar to this one was put in the
water, resulted in its turning over anc
drowning the crew, but Zalinski ha:
taken precautions to obviate the possi
bility OF this sort of disaster, and If by
any unknown defect such an accident
should occur, there will be ample helI
at hand to save the two men who viii
test the craft. ~ T. Times