New-York tribune., 1891-05-04
TORPEDOES IN NAVAL VARFARE.,
RENEWED INTEREST IN THEM CAUSED BY THE
GILLIAN OPERATIONS.


GILLIAN OPERATIONS.
Washington, May . (special).-The reports OF the
destruction wrought by torpedoes In the naval opera
tions Of the Gillian Government against the IN
surgents have arrested the attention Of the Naval
authorities Of the United States, we'll as OF otner
countries. The Of automobile torpedoes In actua
warfare has been limited that their practical Vaue
weapon of offence as been matter OF consider
able doubt and speculation. 1t is hoped and expecca
that complete details Of the recent occurrences III
Chllan waters will form substantial contribution 10
the meagre knowledge now possessed by naval powers
Of the efficiency of torpedocs in actual offensive opera
tions
The Naval authorities of the United States some
time AGO became convinced that the Whitehead torpedo,
which is in Chilli is the best one as yet hho"h
and they are disposed TO congratulate themselves upon
the fact that 100 OF these orpcdoes are now Ill pro-
manufacture in the United states for the use
Of Navy II is expected that some OF these TOR
pedoes will be ready for delivery to the Government
August, and that after that date they can De sup
piled as fast needed While the United states navy
in the Gushing Of the swtftest torpedo boats
anoat it has not yet torpedo which can be hred ana
that smart vessel therefore, would be virtually use
less in case of war. The cruisers also are pro-
vlded with torpedo appliances; in that respect all
| they lack is the torpedoes themselves.
There Is strong reason to believe that WITHIN year
one or more automobile torpedoes of American IN
venton and manufacture will be so far perfecte1 that
they be depended for practical and ehecve re-
suits. The Brennan torpedo. upon which the Brlhsh
| Admiralty has spent much time and money IS well
known to the Ordnance officers of the United states
| Navy, and IS regarded as valuable ana ehecuVe
weapon. It IS slore7 torpedo and corresponds In
type with the Patrick torpedo which has undergone
satisfactory tests and been adopted for purposes OF In
| strncton in Navy.
In accordance with clause In the Naval Appro
pration act approved June 3d. 1890, bids were ihVea
for swift torpedo cruiser Of about $50 tons, designed
for a speed OF not less than twenty-three Knots an
hour and plans and specifications FOR such VeSsel
were prepared by and under the supervision OF Chet
Constructor Wilson. No bids were receNel, because
the amount authorized TO be expended by Congress was
utterly inadequate pay for such vessel IL Is eSt
mated that the cost the engines and machinery alone
would exceed the amount authorized 10 be expended
| on the entire vessel, which was S3ooooo. ihat a
swift tOrpedO cruiser Of the Kind authorized wouu DC
| useful indeed a necessary. adjunct or the Navy IN
| case Of war there can be doubt, ana III Is 10 De
hoped that the Incoming Congress viii appropriate t9
amount needed 70 build such vessel. Inc tOrp;do
cruiser IL should remembered Is designed 10 be aDo
TO engage and destroy the torpedo boats oil an enemy
as well as 10 Keep the sea and her own t0rpedOes III
attacking hostile vessels. The plans ana spechcatOns
now on hand would enable The Department 10 lhvlie
bids forthwith If Congress shonld so direct or shouid
increase the appropriation 70 the needed amount