Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1914-08-02

at night It may not be possible to drop
bombs with any chance OF hitting given
object. There will be cases. however.
where a dirigible may be sent out to
shed, an arsendal. a canal lock or other
large object. The dirigible can make its
journey by night, and before dawn. as
soon as there Is sufficient light can de-
dozen 1OO-pound guncotton torpedoes and
be away before she has been fired on
The surprise is no doubt to play an i'm
portant part in any offensive operations
OF dirigtbleS.
Bombs From Airships-
Tho effect Of bombs dropped from aloft
in no way compares with that Of shells
from great guns on account Of lack OF
penetration before explosion. The best
that can be expected IS surface ex-
plosion and incendiary effect. Tho moral
effect Of dropping bombs into an enemy's
camp at night must not be ignored
Doubtless, the damage may not be very
great, but the effect of hourly explosions
would certainly be depressing. A camp
offers large target, and dtrtgfble might
range Of searchlights. Its motors would
be stopped or used at low power to hold
position. Mufiers can be made a. ef-
fective as in automobiles
The rules of civilized warfare probably
will not tolerate the dropping OF bombs
upon an enemy's city. and In case the
place Is besieged and non-combatants
warned to leave 1t, bombardment by ar
tillery will probably be more effective
than dropping bombs from an airship
during the night.
1t seems to be the general opinion that
the use of dirigibles will be more for
reconnaissance than for offensive opera
tons. but that in special cases offensive
operations promise a chance Of success.
The large rigid type dirig1ble may be OF
service to a navy whose probable ad-
versaries have dockyards and naval bases
within the radius of action Of such air.
ships The opening Of hostilities might be
preceded by dirigible reconnaissance
disposition Of his fleet. A dirigible might
easily pass over all Of the enemy's great
dockyards and naval bases and SO ascer-
tain whether the enemy's feet be con-
ships engaged in coaling. the number Of
ships in dry-dock or otherwise out OF
action. It might well be that such re-
connoissance would reveal such condi-
ton of unpreparedness that, without for
NAL declaration. war might be opened by
an inferior force with a fair chance Of
destroying division Of the enemy's feet
before other units could be mobilized.
In general it may be considered that
the offensive power Of airships would
battleships. Bombs and torpedoes will
burst on the surface OF such decks, tur-
ret roofs, ETC., and do local damage. but
probably will not injure any vital parts.
A ship is small target to hit from the
altitude of 5000 feet, which is required
by day to be safe from gun fire. At
night an airship may pass low over a
ship. but in wartime no man-of-war will
show lights. and, unless tho moon be
bright. the dirigible has small chance Of
finding the ship.
1t seems that the principal function of
the dirigible in naval warfare is to sup
plement the work of scout cruisers, and
that its offensive powers would rarely be
called upon.
In attempting to pass through waters
in which mines have been laid. a dirigible
could possibly conduct counter mining
operations. A dirigible can also give
warning of the presence of submarines,
and, If required could rid a passage of
these dangerous craft by launching bombs
upon or near them. For this duty the
dirigible may pass at a very low altitude,
as she has little to fear from a sub
marine boat unless the latter be running
on the surface.
Dirigibles will not revolutionize naval
warfare, but may play an important, II
auxiliary, part in II.