The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1891-04-29
IRON CLADs AND ToRPEDoEs.

The fate that has overtaken the Huasca and
the Blanco Encalado. il the last reports from
South America are true. is one that is certain
to attract very wide attention among all the
naval powers OF the world but especially in
the United States.
The Huasca and Blanco Encalado were
among the most famous armored vessels In
existence. being magnificent specimens OF the
war ship developed TO the highest degree OF
efficiency both in the point Of attack and de-
Tense. These vessels had been seized by the
Gillian insurgents. and their guns turned
upon the towns along the Gillian coast that
remained loyal to the established government.
In an unfortunate hour for themselves, they
ran upon torpedoes which had been placed
with a view to their destruction and if the
accounts be accurate, their demolition was
complete.
Two differences of vital importance are TO
be drawn from this event, and it is difficult to
say whether these influences are more inter-
esting to a country like England. which has
expended vast sums Of money in the con-
struction of armoured vessels, or to the
United States, which in comparison has
spent but small amount.
TO England and TO all countries in SINH
lar situation, the sinking Of the magnificent
Gillian ironclads by the use of the torpedo,
must carry dismay, for it would seem TO
prove that however ingeniously built, how
ever thoroughly guarded against the attack
by other vessels, the modern ironclad even IN
its most perfected form is far from being safe
from engines of destruction which III com
parison are small in size and inexpensive III
material.
The details of the sinking Of the Huasca
and the Blanco Encaado have not yet
reached Us. but as these vessels were under the
command of skilful and experienced officers,
and had every advantage Of the most thorough
equipment it is hardly probable that they
came to an end by carelessness and lack of
watchfulness on the part of those who con-
trolled their movements. Their destruction
was much more probably due exclusively to
the effectiveness Of the torpedo as a means OF
defense when judiciously and skilfully
handled.
The impression has for some time prevailed
in the United States that our cities on the sea
coast could be successfully protected against
bombardment by the use of the torpedo, and
the fate of the Huasca and Blanco Encalado
would appear to confirm it. The destruction
of these great iron-clads may be repeated in
every instance Of similar skillful employ
ment Of the torpedo when the occasion and
the circumstances demand it. II would be
bold captain who would run his amored YES
sci into the harbor Of New York, Boston, Bal
timore OF Norfolk if its waters were known TO
bristle with these terrible instruments which
have so recently revealed again their ade-
quateness for the purpose for which they are
designed
Ii is claimed that the iron-clads of the
European powers can lie out at a great distance
at sea. and hurl their bombs into the towns
devoted TO destruction. but even here 1t is 10y
no means certain that the torpedo boat cannot
do execution, even if the agitation Of deep
water. the vessels having to be heeled over,
does not diminish the ability of the long range
naval guns to inhict much damage. Whether
this is 50 or not. the sinking Of the Huasca and
the Blanco Encalado will strengthen the feel
ing Of the American people that they can de
fend their coasts whether they are in posses
ion 30 n Iorco and affacfiva navy or NOT