Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1897-02-10
MARSHES IN STORM.


The armor burdened and top-heavy
yarships of our day are yet to be test
ed in a great war, and in many condi-
lions of sea weather. AS yet, there
has been for them nothing much more
than dress-parading. And there are old
salts who made bold TO say that these
ships have been the cause Of the death
of more of their own men than of the
enemy's.
Certain II is that the worlds list of
disasters attending the manoeuvres Of
armored warships has been very long
and lamentable. Without unfairly de-
tracing from the merits of the naval
architecture of our day, II must be ad-
mitted that it is in its experimental
stage. Time will no doubt suggest de-
sirable improvements. for, as we have
said, the modern battleship and cruiser
are yet TO be tested in a really great war
not such a conflict as that between
Japan and China. but such one as
there would be if France and Germany,
or England and the United States were
TO match their strength.
We are led to think Of these things
by the narrow escape Admiral Bunces
squadron had en- route from Hampton
Roads to Charleston. The Indiana had
gotten no farther than Hatteras, when
her turrets began 10 work" so as to
excite the alarm of her commander
who solicited and obtained permission
from the Admiral to put back to port
1t turned out that the turrets had not
been Ioosened, as was supposed; and, ac-
cordingly, the Indiana has been ordered
10 rejoin the squadron at Charleston
But this incident goes to show that in
great storms these monster iron-clads
are not regarded as highly seaworthy.
The squadron ran into heavy storm
on its way to Charleston. and lost as
many men in killed and wounded as are
usually lost in a Cuban battle.
However we may console ourselves
with the reflection that the experience
acquired in handling these great ships
in that storm was valuable, and will
nrobabJy be turned TO good use in the
future.
OF course. the armored and turreted
warship has come TO stay, and the only
uuestion Is how much metal may be
carried by it without endangering its
sailing qualities. All this must be
learned by experience. So, too, shall
we have to wait for the future to de-
eide IL the modern naval architect has
built his ship with room enough TO al
low the officers and men to withstand
the shock, smoke. and noise Of the great
guns. and for the surgeons 70 take care
of those who may fall in action.
Captain Taylor, the commander Of the
Indiana, has been sharply criticised for
wishing to put into port when he
thought the turrets OF his ship were
loose; but il seems TO us that he took the
right course, and that his prudence
should be commended
II the squadron had been going upon
"a mission Of war, he would have been
justified in taking more risk: but, mas
much as the ships had no more impor-
tant mission than a moot blockade Of
Charleston harbor, we think Captain
Taylor did exactly what he should have
done.
Apprehension on the part of certain
ehip-builders that the Indiana incident
may decide some foreign governments
TO give orders for ships that they want
TO other than American builders ia at the
bottom Of some OF the criticisms levelled
at Captain Taylor. But Taylor had in
mind what might be the fate Of the $50
men on board. and, after taking the adj
vice Of expert subordinates. and signalling
Admiral Bunce, with the permission of
the latter, the Indiana dropped out OF
line and proceeded to Hampton Roads.
one newspaper account that we have
seen says that no sooner was the course
OF the Indiana changed than the turrets
ceased TO work; also. that this fact
was signalled to Admiral Bunce, without
elicltlng any answer from him. However,
this may have been. we think that Cap
tain Taylor has no reason TO be ashamed
OF having taken the humane view OF the
situation. rather than the commercial. or
ship-builders view.
We trust that the Indiana may safely
Tejoin the squadron at Charleston, ana
| ~ that lovely southern city nnd that