Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1900-06-09
IN THE DOCK.

successful on final trial, their construction
| will probably be continued at the rate of
| five or six a year, and thus all improve
ments suggested by the continuous series
I of experiments will be gradually embodied
| in the little vessels as fast they are
| launched. Admiral Hichborn is in favor of
giving US first-class submarine navy, su-
perior even to that of France. Il do not
think they have any comparison with the
Holland in any other navy" is his tribute
to the boat already purchased by Uncle
Sam. Our authorities have taken due pre-
| caution against adopting any submarine
boats inferior to the French craft. Our ma
val attache at Paris has cautiously follow
ed the progress of the French experiments
and has submitted to the Navy Depart
| ment confidential reports perused by our
naval experts.
The manufacture of our new boats will
be guarded with the utmost secrecy. Con-
tractors engaged upon their construction
will be under heavy penalty against dis
closing their details. while superintendent
and guards will be delegated by the Navy
Department to prevent intruders from TAX
ing notes. making sketches even going
aboard of them.
New Problems In Store.
With the transition of our submarine boat
construction from the experimental to the
practical stage arise distinctly new prob
lens as to the definite functions of these ves-
sells in future warfare, their proper distri-
button among our seaports, their POSSIBLE
tiles of operation far out at sea and the
uniform tactics by which they can be ma
neuvered. 1t Is believed that they will
serve every function of the ordinary sur
face torpedo boat. besides having the addi-
tional ability to disappear under water and
escape when discovered by threa tened
foe. Admiral Hichborn does not regard the
'Holland' boat TO he delicate the
torpedo boat proper. Il haven't much faith
in the torpedo boat operating with a fleet
at sea- said he. THE fictitious speed dis
appears at once when the sea is on Still,
il is not believed by the admiral that the
death knell of the surface torpedo boat has
been sounded now that the submarine craft
has proven its efficiency. He is of the opin-
ion that our navy will need both species of
these ocean hornets. The torpedo boat
proper. with her high speed attract
the attention of the enemy and worry him.
while the submarine boat hiding beneath
the waves. carries out the actual program
Of slaughter In active coast defense ope-
rations the latter will probably have the
task of holding the line just outside the
range at which hostile vessels might begin
to lombard our SeapOrtS. 1t would proba-
bly, be depended upon to protect harbors
against blockades. 1t would have the ad-
ditional task Of holding channels and rivers
like the Potomac against fleet trying to
enter for the commandment Of an inland
city like Washington. 1t might be en-
ployed in the delicate operation of carrying
communications Throughout. rather, under
hostile lines. Were Uncle Sam to become
one of these steel battle fishes might swim
up the Atlantic coast to Halifax, and. if
needs be. clear away mine fields or other
distractions placed in the way of posi-
BILE invasion by our fleet.
To He Carried on Transports.
The problem as to how our new subma-
rine boats might be carried long distances
for employment against hostile fleets is
another which Is just looming up.
With their 100 miles radius of action, the
little daredevils of the deep will not be al
lowed to stray far out to without sub
stantial chaperonage. Weighing more than
a hundred tons apiece, they would he awk-
ward and cumbersome freight for battle
ships.
Admiral Dewey is of the opinion that
large steamships can be equipped with der
richs and made capable of hosting q half
dozen submarine boats on board Of each.
These large vessels might carry them from
point to point, wherever needed, and launch
them into the sea with ease. They might