Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1910-01-29
MINING Of HARBORS.
SCOPE OF WORK ACCOMPLISHED
TO DEFEND CITY OF NEW
YORK.
GATES TO THE HARBoR
ALL CONSIDERED SAFE

Planted With New Submarine Mine
That Allows Friends to Pass, but Not
Foes - Death From Below Now
Awaits All Invaders Who Como From
the Sea.
a short time ago 1t was announced
by General Murray. chief of the Unit
ed States coast artillery. in his annual
report to the secretary of war that
after years Of endeavor 1t had been
found possible to plant submarine
mines in the deep waters Of the Race
at the eastern end of Long Island
sound. Until quite recently 1T had not
been possible to plant them in water
more than 125 feet in depth. The
Race approXimates 300 feet in depth.
The accomplishment of this feat closes
the gap in the line of New York citv's
defense most difficult to shut. The
announcement of this fact also prac-
tlcally marks the successful close of
series of experiments with mines to
make them more effective as engines
of war.
Can Be Blown to Kingdom Come.
Part of Admiral Dewey's fame rests
on his remark, Cd the torpedoes," or
words and actions to that effect. when
he entered Manila bay in 1898. What
was bravery in 1898 today would be
counted foolhardiness, for conditions
have changed. For years men in the
artillery service of the United States
army have been experimenting quietly
with submarine mines until it is be-
lieved that today the United States
leads in this branch of defensive war
fare. AS result of these experiments
1t is possible to mine n harbor in such
a way that q friend could enter in
safety, while the vessel of an enemy
passing over the same spot in it's wake
could be blown to Kingdom come"
A mine has been designed which is
not only in the control of an operator
on shore, but is it's own annunciator
and guide for the craftsmanship of
the artilleryman, as we'll as the OPP
orator Of the mines Groups of mines
are connected by electric cables with
switchboards inclosed in casemutes on
shore. On these switc hboards, or op-
Grating boards, as they are called, are
electric bulbs, one for each mine, and
q bell. When a mine Is touched by
vessel circuit is completed through
the mine and the operating board
The bell rings and the bulb CORE
spending to the mine shines out. in
d1cating which mine has been touched
and, therefore, the exact location of
the vessel. The location is commune
Gated instantly to the artillery and
mortar batteries commanding the
channel. which begin fire at the pre-
determined range. The operator at
the board turns switch, which sends
through the cable current of suffi-
Client intensity. to explode. the mine.
Assailed in this fashion from above
and below, it seems probable that the
vessel and it's crew in an exceedingly
brief space of time would be swal-
lowed up in watery grave.
To Plant Many Harbors.
Plans have been made for the plant
Ing of many harbors with this terrible
engine of war, but. the chosen loca-
ton Of these mines in case of war is
not known, even to those who would
actually place them at the opening of
hostilities They are known only to
certain officers, and the details are
kept sealed in safe. to be opened
only upon the beginning of warfare.
Anyway, He Wasn't.
Gown up. now. Who's the head of
your family?"
My wife used to be" admitted Mr..