The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-12-27
ENGLAND,s COAST DEFENsEs.
The Secrets of Her Explosive Mines
Are Carefully Guarded.
Tit-Rits

In event of war, no alien army could ap-
proach our shores without impering its
navy by encountering our explosive mines,
scores of which surround our coasts at all
places likely to be selected for attack by a
foreign foe. The Thames is also carefully
shielded in the vicinity of Blackwell. The
precise locality of these mines is, however.
for obvious reasons, kept a dark and in
scrutable mystery and the approaches to
them are so cleverly constructed and con-
cealed that no one, save an expert, would
suspect their real character.
An innocent-looking cellar at the base
ment of certain bridesmaids shop is the
entrance to one important mine; but even
the tradeSman himself is not aware that The
government rents his cellar, nor does he
ever surmise the true nature of the opera
lions carried on therein. The mines are
equipped with explosives of the most noteqt
kind and admirably connected with the Sc
cret chambers on shore by means of electric
wires.
Each mine is controlled by button, over
which is printed particulars relating to the
location and character of the mine. This
button is placed in the wall of the secret
chamber and covered by double door Sc
curely locked the outer door so closely re-
sembling the wall of the chamber that no
one but those in the secret could detect its
presence. The chambers are double locked
and approached by passages protected in
similar manner.
Every lock and key is specially made for
the government and is unlike any other.
Only few of the very highest officials are
allowed to use these keys, and they are
solemnly sworn to preserve their secret
TlSluly. NO persons apart from those eS-
pecially empowered may inspect or visit any
of the secret chambers a. any time except
by exple ss written permit" personally pro
exceedingly difficult to obtain, and, in fact,
is rarely ever granted.
Prior to such permit being issued the
officials assure themselves that Inc pos
SCISSOR of the document bears a blameless
character, is British born and has no I'LL
terror reasons for preferring his request.
This settled. he is sworn to secrecy, in the
most solemn manner. blindfolded, and con-
Quoted by a circuitous route to the secret
chamber, where he is permitted to use his
eyes, but not his tongue, no questions being
answered by the attending officials
Strange stories have been told of attempts
made by foreign spies TO penetrate the
privacy of these mysterious mines.
young lieutenant in the navy, whose
honorable character won the confidence OF
his superior officers some years since was
accorded the privilege of guarding one of
these secret mines. and intrusted with GER
tain information concerning its character.
Soon after his appointment he became en-
gagged to a charming young French lady,
Of whom he was desperately enamored. BY
some inexpicabe means his fiance got TO
hear of his appointment. and. by alternate
threats and persuasions, induced him TO take
her to see the secret mine under his care.
On the evening arranged, after extract
ing a solemn vow of secrecy from his lady
love, and getting her 10 don the dress of
naval officer for the occasion, he was about
to set out on his secret mission, when, 10
his surprise and alarm he and his compan-
ion were arrested by detectives. In some
mysterious manner the authorities had been