Amador ledger., 1906-06-01

pounds Of Calnite, a new explosive
whose force operated always down
ward. The bomb contained also a mag
net and circuit-breaker so tuned as TO
be responsive to electrical vibrations
set up in a powerful electrical inStru-
ment on the discharging ship. By the
use of a unique range finding apparatus
the bomb was kept in sight during its
whole flight, and upon reaching the
desired point it was exploded by the
mere pressure of a button on the ship
from which it had been fired. Tests
with this bomb had shown wonderful
accuracy and most deadly effects.
Another offensive device was an aerial
illulnlhator-a small, balloon-like affair,
arranged TO float at a considerable ele-
walton, and carrying a powerful chem
ical light, backed by strong rehectors.
A shoal of these illuminators would be
sent toward the enemy's fleet, lighting
up the sea and the vessels and making
easy targets for the German guns.
Against these devices the French had
prepared an aerial bomb to discharge
heavy and deadly gas, and to sprinkle
acids or explosives upon the ships of
the enemy. They were also provided
with aluminium 'arnor. so thick and
tough that an ordinary projectile would
merely become imbedded therein and
held fast without being able to pass
through. Around their ships and under
water they hung large electro magnets,
exerting. by peculiar wiring, a repell-
ing influence on approaching torpedoes
at distance of a hundred yards. in
variably turning them aside. Their
mainStay, however, was new centrifu-
gal submarine torpedo-boat, which
needed not to come to the surface, re-
naming down for days at time, yet
| observing operations on the surface,
and doing it's work with deadly accu-
racy. LeFevre could not give me the
details of this strange machine. It's
terrible effectiveness, however, was ap-
parent the next day.
had no apprehension whatever as to
the stability of L'Aimee, and we lay
down and went to sleep that night
without the least apprehension. Stanch
and true was she, even as my-own sweet
betrothed. 1t was still dark, when 1
was awakened with a start by the
sound of heavy detonations below US.
1 leaped to my feet and looked over the
side of the car. LeFevre Joined me the
next moment.
The Germans had evidently planned a
night attack by the use of their illumi-
| nators. Below US the sea was alight
in great spots, and dimly we could
make out the vessels over which shone
! the strong, blue-white lights. Far off
in the darkness we could see the occa-
| sional flash of a gun. The Germans
were sending home great shells loaded
with explosives, Their aerial bombs
could not be followed at night. The
French were replying, but their fire was
more or less blind. The roar of the
guns came up to US plainly. 1t shook
the heavens. Suddenly there was
flash that lit up the whole sky, and
| terrific explosion sounded from below
| A German shell had found its mark.
| Ono of the French hattIeshipS had gone
| to her long home.
| During the rest of the night there was
no intermission in the heavy firing
| Fearful explosions sounded now ana
then, and we could but guess the de-
struction that was being wrought. J
had no wish to see either side win al
the expense of the other.
| At dawn we were able to note the
situation clearly. Six or eight miles
away to the northeast lay the German
fleet. Almost beneath US the French
were gathered in loose order. Both were
plying their great guns. On both SIDES
| burning ships were drifting away,
others were careening, half-filled with
water. And now, with the coming OF
daylight, the combatants resorteo TO
| their deadliest b., appliances. AS we
watched one of the French battleshlps
there was a dull explosion. The great
hull opened, split in twain like a cante-
loupe, and went skiddering to the bot
tom. We could see it deep in the clear
water, its hundreds of seaman swarm
ing around like so many ants IN a
bowl.
! 1t was remarkable to note the sub
marines moving here and there under
water. From our height we could see
clear to the bottom, and every poa,
was visible by a bright streak as il
| swept through the water. Suddenly
ILeFevre clutehed my arm and pointed
"The Centrifugal" he said, in wh1s
per. I watched it on its way. advanclne
in a bright whirl of bubbles. II wa:
making it's way toward the German