ON THE MAXIMUM DIMENSIONS OF SHIPS. 29 
docks, the naval architects are not free to adopt the most appropriate dimensions 
in ships of very large size. 
It will be seen that this argument against an increase in size is based, not on 
any intrinsic quality of the large ships, but on extraneous conditions of a temporary 
character. In fact, when these conditions cease to exist, by a development of the 
harbor facilities, the increase in size can be made beneficial to seagoing qualities. 
It appears, therefore, that what we should guard against, as far as this argument 
goes, is not increase in size in an absolute sense, but a too rapid increase in size. 
Dealing first with merchant vessels, I have received the impression from this 
paper, that the author considers a further increase in size unnecessary and on the 
whole improbable. I presume the author has here in mind only the near future. 
Now it seems to me that an enormous increase in freight and passenger traffic 
is certain to take'place in the future, both on the Atlantic and on the Pacific Oceans, 
when the American Continent and the East are further developed. This growth 
in commerce must bring with it a corresponding growth in the entire machinery by 
which sea-transportation is effected. 
Increase in harbor facilities may not always be profitable for the time being, 
but no great city, district or state can afford to be left behind in the race. Ports 
which do not now possess the means of improvement may find the means in years 
to come. On the whole, progress in this direction is likely to be steady, even if 
slow. 
That the size of ships will grow at least as fast as the harbors and docks permit, 
we may perhaps conclude from past experience, having in mind the probable 
increase in the volume of traffic. Appliances for loading and unloading ships have 
been much improved in recent years, and are likely to be still further developed, 
so as to shorten the period of detention in port. 
It seems likely to me, therefore, that in the future we shall see a very great 
increase in the size of merchant ships, although it may be wise at present to pause 
for a time until harbors and docks have been further Scenes, and until commerce 
has developed to still greater proportions. 
As regards warships, I agree with the arguments of the author pro and con 
larger size, but yet I do not arrive at the same conclusion. This may seem para- 
doxical, but is simply due to the difference in relative weight which I have attached 
to certain arguments. 
The author here advocates in unequivocal terms a return to smaller sizes. 
There can be no doubt, that the size of large warships has been increased too 
rapidly in recent years relative to the development of docks and harbors. While 
in time of peace this anomaly may cause certain inconveniences, it may in time 
of war lead to dangerous and fatal consequences. It may not be amiss to consider 
for a moment the case of the Russian squadron at Port Arthur during the Russo- 
Japanese war. In Port Arthur was found only one dry-dock, which was of too 
small dimensions to take the battleships, wherefore these ships had to carry out 
their numerous repairs of under-water damage by means of caissons, under great 
