36 ON THE MAXIMUM DIMENSIONS OF SHIPS. 
by a single successful explosion of a submerged torpedo, or submarine mine. The 
biggest ship might not be sunk so easily as a small ship but she would be put out 
of effective use for the time in spite of her greater size. 
In the discussion which took place twenty-two years ago, when I was the 
champion of the then so-called monster warship, I used a simile which is well 
known in military discussions, viz., that a big place, in the military sense, is always 
a safer place, provided it has an adequate garrison. ‘The same principle holds true 
in regard to gunfire. A single shell explosion in a large ship is likely to do relatively 
less damage than a single shell explosion in a smaller ship: but as against under- 
water attack by mine, torpedoes or submarines, one of the strongest champions 
of the big ship (Admiral Bacon) admitted that the biggest ship could be put out 
of action for a time although not sunk by a single successful under-water attack. 
The crucial point of the discussion in my paper is found in its allusion to recent 
developments of the under-water attack, which render it undesirable to mass a 
very large number of heavy guns in one ship which may by a single successful 
under-water attack be put out of action for that battle. Not a word said to-day 
touches that argument. 
We were told by Mr. Nixon that the axiom “too many eggs in one basket” 
had been done to death and disposed of, but he did not say why. I also think 
that further argument is unnecessary, but not in the way in which he thinks it 
has been disposed of. As certainly as we are here to-day talking over these sub- 
jects, shall we see a return to more moderate individual costs for warships. Mr. 
Nixon, has alluded to wonderful possibilities of advance in the future in a somewhat 
general manner; if he will kindly condescend to details they can be considered. 
Having gone through a long career as a designer of warships and come out 
on the other side, I do not intend to return to that occupation. Jam now a watcher 
by the wayside; interested in the work being done by younger men in connection 
with both warship design and merchant ship design; and the last word I would 
like to say, sir, is that this paper has served its purpose. It was avowedly written 
in order to provoke a discussion, and it has not failed to do so. (Applause.) 
THE PRESIDENT:—Gentlemen, we have certainly had a most interesting 
discussion on this paper by Sir William Henry White. 
Mr. McFarLAnp:—The sentiment of the meeting has undoubtedly been 
quite fully shown by the applause, but for the sake of having it formally on 
the minutes, I move that the Society extend a most hearty vote of thanks to Sir 
William Henry White for his most admirable paper. 
The motion was seconded by Mr. Charles P. Wetherbee, and duly carried. 
THE PRESIDENT:—It looks to me as if the pupils had tried to take a twist 
out of the schoolmaster, but the schoolmaster is still on top. We will now proceed 
to the next paper, entitled ‘‘ Dock Facilities in New York City; Present Facilities, 
Proposed Improvements and Enlargements,” by Mr. W. J. Barney, Second Deputy 
Commissioner, Department of Docks and Ferries, New York City. 
