The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1898-04-11
HOLLANDS FENIAN RAM.
A Submarine Boat With a Curious
History Now Lying st New Haven.


A Submarine Boat With Curious
History Now Lying st New Haven.
The submarine torpedo boat with which
Mr.. holland las been experimenting
about New York IL not mis- nrst venture
In that line. sixtsen years ago be built
. similar vessel for several Irish patriots.
headed by James Reynolds Of New Haven,
anu the vessel was among the effects o.
Mr.. Reynolds estate. For the last 13
years 1t has lain neglected under AN old
shed near Mil River, In that city. but
Its owners assert that IL Is still seaworthy
it's cigar shaped affair, built OF iron.
30 feet long, and about 8 In depth at the
deepest part. IL has no electrical equip
ment, but was provided with steam
engines and propeller. All the machiu-
cry VAS removed long sgo.
The craft has always bven known as
the Eepian ram. 1t 10 said That IL had
several trials 10 years ago OF the New
Jersey coast and Mr.. Reynolds during
his lifetime Was accustomed TO declare
that Ii had folfiiIed every expectation en-
tertained OF It. He himself was on board
during one trip. The Fenisn ram did
not submerge itself by divine. Hke the
new Holland boat, but sank. Experiments
were made to test its effectiveuess as
ram. with encouraging resuIts Still
attached to its bow is sort OF boring ap-
paratus. intended to penetrate huis
either Of iron or wood. 1t had no diff
Guilty In staying submerged for five
hours 1t cost. according to the state
ment of its present kesrer, about $40 600
all Of which Is believed to have been fur
nished by the FeDian societies.
No one seems to know who IL the owner
of this craft. 1t is at present In charge
Of Capt II. O'Connor, SON in-iaw OF
James Revnplds. Mr.. Reynolds, who
brought IL to New Haven 13 years ago.
was an irish patriot Of world wide fame.
II was he who was principally instru-
mental In arranging for the voyage OF
the merchantmen Cataipa, which sailei
from New Bedford In 1875 under the
commend Of Capt. John Anthony. and after
o series Of adventures effected the escape
OF the six prisoners AT Fresmanrle.
Australia, condemned to life imprison-
ment for their part In the Fcnian rising
In 1856. They were the companions OF
John BOYLE O'Reilly. who made his own
escape the year before. Mr. Reynolds
risked all mis- property in this venture
and was ever sfterwari familiarly know n
as Cataipa Jim. He died In New Haven
last August. A few months previous to
his death banquet was given In bis
honor at the New Haven House.
1t il telieyed that Mr.. Hollands first
submarine boat was constructed for Mr..
Reynolds and other Feniaus for use
against the British government At tie
time of her construction several we'll
known New Haven men bad gone to Ire.
land and been imprisoned on account Of
their activity against England. 1t is
thought that Mr.. Reynolds noarisbed
plans for their rescue, and that his sub
marina ram was built In view OF his in.
tended operations. 1t was never put to
any practical use. New Haven Irishmeu
have suggested. In case the new Aoll,n
boat fulfilled vie cxJ Citations entertained
OF H. tnat Mr.. eynolds' craft be pre-
SCI tsd TO the goyei nment With few
repairs and changes they baliase that e
rli Fenian ram might prove useful in
tie event OF a SJanish wsr. he sun.