Greenbrier independent. [volume] (Lewisburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1859-1980, 1896-11-19
THE TORPEDO BOAT.

THE TORPEDO BOAT.
Orc morning as Jack Dclafcld
was brcakiaatjig uu board the Cruis-
er Idaho telegram was handed
him which he calmly proceeded to
open, but after ylanCing over it's
contents tho placid serenity Of his
COuntCnanUG gIVO way to u look Of
excitement. Jumping up, he shouted
to his luaiyr mGssmates, who bad not
yet emerged from their statorooms,
Boys, tho war is on -
In n second heads were thrust
out, some of the pOssossors even
vontuTing into the wardroom con-
sidcrably moro en- dishabille than
custom or regulations permitted.
But Dolatield's telegram was of so
much interest and importance that
such trifling COnvontionalitieS were
forgotten, and his curious brother
officers crowded round him, clamor-
ing loudly for tho nows.
Listen, said the lieutenant; I'll
read it to you:
WASHINGTON, Oct. 20, 49,.
"To Lieutenant John Delafield, u. S. N, u. S.
:. Idaho, san Francisco Harbor:
Regard yourself detached from Idaho Pro-
coed Immediately TO the Mare Island navy yard.
Take command Of tho Bainbrdgo and pre-
paro for active service at earliest possible mo-
mcnt Commandment ordered to place at your
disposal every available means to hasten work.
"uULBURT, Secretary.
What do you fellows think of
that?" said Jack.
Lucky dog"
wish were in your place"
They all seemed pleased at Della
fields stroke of luck. Fortune was
truly smiling on him, for he had
been selected for this hazardous and
important duty out of half hun
dred other officers of his own rank,
each one as eager as himself to COM
mand the little craft. the Balm bridge,
OF which wonders were expected.
He had boon chosen by the score
tary of the navy and had received
his preparatory orders, which were
to the effect that he would be re-
tanned on board the Idaho until hos
tilities wero imminent, when he
would be given his new command.
Meanwhile the work of fitting her
for sea had been pushed at the navy
yard with all dispatch. The Balm
bridge was the first of our new semi
submarine, magnetic torpedo boats,
those marvels of American ingenuity
and skill.
Jack started for the navy yard at
once, and on arriving reported to the
commandant, Admiral Dana, who
told him in his bluff, kindly way to
go ahead and fit out his craft as rap
idly as possible, taking whatever
was necessary for her equipment
without the usual formalities, add
ing oheerily, 1--WE can attend to all
that after you come back, Delafield. "
AS he stands there before the ad-
miral, receiving his instructions, let
us glance at the officer upon whom
perhaps will hang the result of the
battle very SOON to be fought outside
the Heads. Tall, erect and finely
formed. Lieutenant Delafield i'm
presses one instantly as man of no
mean physical strength. His face
gives evidence of courage, firmness
and great will power-just tho at
tributes, in fact, which should most
properly belong to the man ordered
to command an unknown quantity
like tho cambridge, yet to be tried
by the test of actual battle. When
he leaves the Office of the admiral,
his elastic step and easy carriage
show that his task has not overbur-
dened him with anxiety, but, on the
contrary, indicate confidence in him
self and assurance of his ability to
carry Che work before him to q sue
cessful issue.
On his way down to tho wharf
where the Bainbridge lay he passed
groups of officers eagerly discussing
the latest news. All had some friend
ly CT oongratulatory remark for him :;
but, scarcely stopping to reply, he
hurried on board his now command.
The Bainbridge was one of the latest
additions to our feet, and while it
was anticipated that she would ao-
oomplish great things the only real
test had come sooner than any one
would have prophesied. Workmen
were swarming over her in such num-
bers that she resembled a human
beehive. Hor length was probably
in the neigh borhood of $50 feet, but
her narrow beam and sharply slop-
ing sides made her appear like a
needle floating on the water. She
was painted an olive green, to So
cure invisibility at night. The most
prominent objects in sight on her
deck were n low coming tower and
two elongated matches, ono forward
and one aft. These were for the
disappearing magnetic torpedo guns
and were arranged 10 protect the
torpedoes until thoy were needed,
at which time tho guns wore Gle
waited by electricity, trained on the
enemy and fired, the whole opera
tion requiring but few seconds.