The star. (Reynoldsville, Pa.) 1892-1946, 1898-05-18
HOLLANDS EeNIAN RAN.
A Submarine boat with Curious His
tory Now Lying NegIected.


tory Now Lying Neglected.
The submarine torpedo boat with
which Mr.. Holland has been expert
menting about New York is not his
first venture in that line. Sixteen
years ago he built similar vessel
for several Irish patriots, headed by
James Reynolds of New Haven, Conn,
and the vessel was among the effects
of Mr.. Reynolds estate. For the last
thirteen years IL has lain neglected
under an old shed near Mill River,
New Haven, but its owners assert that
1t is still seaworthy. 1t is cigar
shaped affair, built of iron, thirty feet
long, and about six in depth at the
deepest part. II had no electrical
equipment, but was provided with
steam engines and propeller. All
the machinery was removed long ago.
The craft has always been known as
the Fenian ram. II is said that 1t
had several trials sixteen years ago
off the New Jersey coast, and Mr..
Reynolds during his lifetime was ac-
customed to declare that it had full
filed every expectation entertained of
it. He himself was on board during
one trip. The Fenian ram did not
submerge itself by diving, like the
new Holland boat, but sank. Expert
ments were made to test its effective
ness as ram, with encouraging re-
suits. Still attached to its bow is
sort of boring apparatus, intended to
penetrate hulls either of iron or wood.
II has no difficulty in staying sub
merged for five hours. 1t cost, ac-
cording to the statement of its present
keeper, about 10000, all of which
is believed to have been furnished by
the Feniau societies.
No one seems to know who is the
owner of this craft. II is at present
in charge of Capt. p. O'Connor, SON
in-law of James Reynolds. Mr.. Rey-
nolds, who brought it to New Haven
thirteen years ago, was an Irish
patriot of worldwide fame. 1t was
he who was principally instrumental
in arranging for the voyage of the
merchantman Catalpa, which sailed
from New Bedford in 1875 under the
command of Captain John Anthony,
and, after series of adventures, effected
the escape of the six prisoners at
Freemantle, Australia, condemned to
life imprisonment for their part in the
Fenian rising in 1866. They were
the hecompanions ofJohn Boyle o Reilly,
who made his own escape the year be.
fore. Mr.. Reynolds risked oil his
property in this venture, and was ever
afterward familiarly known as Catalpa
Jim. He died in New Haven last Au
gust. A few months previous to his
death a banquet was given in his
honor at the New Haven house.
1t is believed that Mr.. Hollands
first submarine boat was constructed
for Mr.. Reynolds and other Fenians
for use against the British govern
ment. At the time of her construc
ton several we'll know New Haver
men had gone to Ireland and beer
imprisoned on account of thei
activity against England. 1t is though
that Mr.. Reynolds nourished plans
for their rescue, and that his sub
marine ram was built in view OF hi
intended operations. 1t was neve
put to any practical use. New Havei
Irishmen have suggested in case tn
new Holland boat fulfilled the expec
tations entertained of it, that Mr.
Reynolds craft be presented to tn
government. With II few repairs an
changes they believe that the oil
Fenian ram might prove useful. New
York Sun.