of General Berdan provide what his former ones in a measure lacked, viz, the power to run close alongside an enemy and deliver its blow while going at full speed, while the enemy is at anchor or underway, the torpedo-vessel passing under the line of fire of such guns as could injure her. It has been demonstrated beyond a doubt that by means of the latest improved torpedo nets, the automobile torpedos are rendered innocuous, and although great efforts will doubtless be made to guard against the attacks of the Berdan net-destroying torpedo, I see at present no method by which ships of war can guard against its attacks except by having every ship liberally supported by torpedo-boats of the same kind, ready at any moment to act against the assailant. That seems to me the solution of the problem; for heavy ships armed with heavy gunsthe prime factors in war-must be protected at all hazards. In my judgment the Berdan invention is a new departure in torpedoes, which have hitherto played an unimportant part in the history of war, have cost immense sums of money, and employed the brains of many intelligent persons in determining how best to explode a torpedo against a ship of war at the point where it would do the most harm. So far General Berdan's plan has the best of it, and I am of opinion, if sufficient means are afforded, he will produce the best torpedo and torpedo-vessel that have ever been devised. A ship may yet be built that will offer sufficient resistance to the Berdan torpedo, but she will probably prove a cumbersome affair. No torpedo-vessel has ever yet been built properly equipped to attack and destroy at all times and in all places thoroughly built armor-clad ships of war, but this plan of General Berdan's goes far to upset my theory that heavy ships can always protect themselves against the torpedo in whatever shape it may appear. This invention is so far in advance of the automobile torpedo that I can but admit that heavy ships are about to encounter a new Samson that will sorely test their powers of endurance and the skill of their officers. I have carefully examined all the mechanical appliances of the Berdan torpedo-vessel, the power necessary to work the engines, etc., and have gone over all the calculations, which I find to be correct-so much so that I would not hesitate to take the working plans as they stand and lay down a vessel in the belief that it would operate as well as it is claimed by the inventor. We have so far, fortunately, not gone deeply into the torpedo business; but I think an opportunity is now presented where we can safely embark in this system of warfare with a fair prospect of putting our selves at one coup on an equality with the leading naval powers of Europe, for the Berdan torpedo would be an important adjunct in naval warfare and would add greatly to our coast defense, a subject which is now creating much anxiety throughout the country. No hostile force would approach our coasts, except with great precaution, if we were provided with, say, thirty good sea-going Berdan torpedo-boats, which, backed by a fair fleet of armor-clads, would be irresistible against the ships of war and torpedo-vessels of the present type. When I speak of the Berdan torpedo-boats, I refer to vessels that can keep the sea in all weathers and accompany a squadron, can operate in shoal as well as in deep water, have their machinery and torpedo apparatus protected against 6-inch shell at least, and have a speed of not less than 26 knots an hour. All these are matters not difficult to attain, and such torpedo-vessels grappling with heavy an tagonists would probably inflict such serious injury that the enemy's vessels would have all they could do to keep afloat. It might all end in a battle between torpedo-vessels, but then those best adapted to the purpose would win. After due consideration I recommend that this matter be carefully investigated. I approved of General Berdan's last design, but this is an improvement, and if the Government will embark in the newly devised Berdan torpedo-vessel with a spirit of liberality, I am satisfied that we will have the best system of torpedoes afloat. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, DAVID D. PORTER, Admiral, U. S. Navy. To the SECRETARY OF THE NAVY. NO. 16. CENTENNIAL EXPOSITION AT CINCINNATI. REPORT OF LIEUT. RICHARD RUSH, U. S. NAVY. NAVY DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, D. C., SIR: I have the honor to submit herewith my report of the partici pation of this Department in the Centennial Exposition of the Ohio Valley and Central States, held at Cincinnati, Ohio, from July 4 to November 8, 1888, to which exposition I was appointed the representative by your letter of instructions of the 13th of June last. · Under the authority of the act of Congress of May 28, 1888, providing for the participation of the Executive Departments of the Government in this exposition, the Navy Department had prepared, under your direction, an exhibit which was in such an advanced state of readiness, that I was enabled to transfer it to Cincinnati, and install it in the Government display by the day the exposition opened. The exhibition was formally opened on the 4th of July, in the presence of the governors of the Ohio Valley and Central States, the commissioners of the exposition, and a vast and distinguished assemblage, by an electric signal made by Mrs. James K. Polk, the widow of ex-President Polk, at Nashville, Tenn. The arrangements for carrying out this plan were by the time service of the Navy Department exhibit, through the courtesy of the Western Union Telegraph Company. The act of May 28, 1888, contemplated the close of the exhibition on the 27th of October, but by a vote of the commissioners the time was extended until the 8th of November, a joint resolution having passed Congress authorizing the continuance of the Government display until the 15th of that month. The exhibition finally closed on November the 8th. In the preparation of the exhibit of this Department two general objects were kept prominently in view. The first of these was to present as far as space would permit a comprehensive representation of the work now in progress, in the construction, equipment, and armament of the new Navy. The Bureau of Construction and Repair and the Bureau of Ordnance were the contributors to this portion of the exhibit. In construction, the work in progress was graphically shown by a painting of the steel cruiser Atlanta, and by two half and four full models representing respectively the Dolphin, Chicago, Newark, Baltimore, Yorktown, and Petrel. These beautiful models, in themselves works of art, illustrated clearly to the visitor what the new ships will be, and attracted universal attention and admiration. Brief descriptions of the ships were attached to the models by which the public could readily comprehend their design. The exhibit of the Bureau of Ordnance was placed next in order, so that the visitor might see at a glance the armament of the new ships. In this exhibit were displayed full-sized models of the new high-powered breech-loading rifles, and samples of the rapid-fire and machine guns; the former comprising the main, and the latter the secondary, batteries of the ships. Models of the charges and projectiles for the heavy guns, and samples of the rapid-fire and machine-gun ammunition completed this representation of the progress of new construction and armament. As an additional portion of the exhibit of the Bureau of Ordnance, there were displayed complete and selected lots of navy projectiles, navy fuses, and of small arms, and a torpedo outfit sent from the torpedo station at Newport. A number of interesting historical relics from the museum of the Washington navy-yard were also shown in this section. The second, and perhaps not less important, general object which was followed in the preparation of the Navy Department exhibit was the illustration of the scientific work accomplished by the Navy in time of peace. This portion of the exhibit was the contribution of the Bureau of Navigation, with its subordinate offices, the Hydrographic Office and Naval Observatory, and it illustrated by instruments, photographs, and models, the processes of ocean and harbor surveys, the method of chart construction, the preparation and distribution of hydrographic information at the centers of trade and commerce, the determination of longi tudes and the distribution of standard time throughout the country, from the Naval Observatory at Washington. In connection with the time service, a time ball was dropped from a tower on the exhibition buildings, and gongs were struck in machinery hall and in the park annex, daily, by electric signal from Washington, giving the correct standard time. The exhibit of the Naval Academy and the miscellaneous exhibit contained many objects of interest, all of which are described at length in the catalogue which has been prepared and published by your direction, and copies of which have already been forwarded to the Department. Some large photographic views of the exhibit were also obtained, and will be forwarded as soon as completed. I desire to bring to your attention the very great interest which was manifested at this exhibition in all matters relating to the Navy and the naval service, an interest which I venture to believe was largely increased by the opportunities afforded the public in that section of the country of examining the Government exhibit. By the direction of the chief of the Bureau of Equipment and Recruiting a detail of six seamen gunners was made from the receiving ship at New York for police duty in this department. These men by their efficient performance of duty, attention to visitors, and excellent deportment have reflected credit upon the apprentice system of the Navy. In closing this report I beg leave to bring to your notice the efficient services of Ensigns A. B. Clements and John Gibson, the two offi. cers detailed by the Department as my assistants. To Mr. Gibson was given the immediate supervision of the packing, shipment, and instal lation of the exhibit, and he rendered valuable assistance by his executive ability and prompt performance of duty. Mr. Clements had charge of the management of the time service, which important duty was creditably performed. I am also indebted to Mr. I. N. Miller, the manager of the Western Union Telegraph Company at Cincinnati, for valuable services rendered in connecting the exhibit with the Western Union Lines, thus affording through telegraphic service with the Naval Observatory at Washington. I desire to express also my acknowledg ments to Mr. W. F. Gardner, of the Observatory, for his skillful superintendence in the packing of delicate instruments and models. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, RICHARD RUSH, Lieutenant, U. S. Navy, Representative of the The SECRETARY OF THE NAVY, Washington, D. C. 11294-N 88- -35 |