The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1898-04-28
FIGHTING MACHINE.
Mr. Tesla Intends to Aid the United
States Government.

New York. April 2S.-Nicola Tesla has
perfected a fighting machine in which he
has perfect confidence. Edison is to be
heard from, and when he is it will be with
something that will be of immense service
to the country.
Regarding his invention, which is an
adaptation of his famous oscillator, Mr..
Tesla today said:
1.-The truth of the matter is that some
four or five years ago 1 discovered that
electrical vibrations produced by a novel
kind of apparatus which have since con-
siderably improved are propagated through
the earth and through the air, and from
experimental data 1 have calculated that
differences of electrical pressure, amount
ing TO about two volts. can be obtained at
a distance equal to the diameter of the
earth.
To effect this an expenditure of energy
of about 500 horse power is needed, al
though this estimate may not be quite
true, as there are a number of uncertain
quantities in the calculation.
Il intended to use the principle primar-
lily for the transmission of signals over
great distances, but soon saw that some
thing of greater Importance could be ac-
complished by its use.
For the transmission of signals minute
differences of pressure, amounting to
only small fraction of a volt, are suf-
ficient, so that if it were a question of
sending message across the Atlantic I
would with my apparatus undertake the
experiment with absolute confidence.
"A few years later experiments were
begun by others here and abroad to trans
init signals by the use of hertsian waves,
BILE of passing only through small dis
tances, unless the plan that 1 suggested
is adopted, when they may be transmit
ted Tor distances of many miles.
Now, since we are able to send signals
to a distance, evidently we may affect
number of these have suggested them
selves to me in the last few years, while
pursuing work in this direction. The
chief difference 1 find was that these cleo
trical pulSationS were uncertain, and I
away with that defect. The influence Of
atmospheric charges, which often render
any practical use. is particularly difficult
to overcome. The only way to insure the
action was to construct an apparatus on
Bile the production of waves of many hun
dred times greater intensity.
This is accomplished in an improved
form of my electrical oscillator BY it's
use We will now be able to accomplish
fore, and am looking in the nearest fu-
ture to many applications of the instru-
ment.
One in particular. which I have com
municated to few friends and competent
must 4ecllne 10 give any information on
the subject, except that it can be usefullY
defense and attack. I foresaw long ago
that. despite the strenuous efforts of the
bi en- 70 To- H1a t peace, war would
ergies upon perfecting these devices and
rendering them Immediately available.
This, in fact, is the only reason why
have not up to this time offered my serv-
ices as volunteer, which 1 would cer-
ta1niy have done under other circum-
already, formed definite plans
1t is known that Mr.. Tesla has discov-
cred that it is just as easy to blow up an
enemy's vessel by means of the oscillator
as it is to send a message by telephone
from one end of the city to the other
The question of distance between the en-
emys ship and the oScillator does not en-
ter into consideration.
The same force that can convey a mess
age, Mr.. Tesla thinks, will be able to blow
up the biggest batt1eship that has ever
been afioat
The only condition to the success of Mr.
Tesla, s operations is that he be correctly
posted as to the location of the vessel he
desires giving the quietus to.