p. 213 | Preparing for War by Christian at Work

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Apr 8, 1886

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 12, No. 14.

Preparing for War.

By Christian at Work

It certainly does not seem as if the millennium of peace were very near, if we may judge from the signs of the times. Human nature seems, as it were, to be exhausting itself in the search after newer and deadlier weapons of warfare. The latest outcome appears to be a new torpedo, invented by Mr. Brennan, an Australian, and offered by him to the British Government. Preliminary trials have taken place, which proved so satisfactory that the Admiralty have agreed to adopt the torpedo as a part of the national armament. The torpedo is on a new principle. It is shot forth at marvelous speed, estimated by some observers at fifty miles an hour, impelled by a steam engine. It uncoils, as it goes, wires revolving inside the machine. These wires are connected with different propellers, so that the torpedo can be steered from the engine with great accuracy, and it has actually performed journeys of 2,000 yards, working in and out amongst the shipping, finally to be let go to strike the object aimed at, while the wires are drawn in for future use. The operator stands on the top of the fort and directs the course of the wheel. The same thing could be done from a ship. It is even practicable to stop the messenger in full flight, and send it on again. Jets of light are produced by some chemical agency, and are to indicate the position of the torpedo at night; but, being screened in front, are visible only to the observers in the rear.—Christian at Work.