ADJUNCTS OP DEPENCE. 
463 
the system. In the case of a battery intended for high-angle fire, or 
which is required for fire on water not visible from its site, the draw¬ 
backs disappear in face of the unique solution of a great difficulty. 
Similarly, casemates liable to be quickly obscured by smoke may be 
tranferred into effective gun positions. Thus limited, the system will 
rest on a solid foundation, defy all criticism, and secure itself against 
the violent re-action which its exaggerated employment would inevit¬ 
ably provoke. 
The Brennan Torpedo. 
Judged as a mechanical success, the Brennan torpedo stands unrivalled 
among all competitors. Other controlled torpedoes have certain com¬ 
mendable features. None have so far proved mechanically perfect. 
Local conditions may offer special difficulties in launching, but such 
difficulties can undoubtedly be overcome, and once overcome the actual 
working of a Brennan installation properly supervised may be relied 
upon. The percentage of faulty runs is infinitesimal. The steering is 
excellent, the immersion exact. The weapon, as a machine, is effective 
and complete. What functions can it, therefore, fairly claim ? 
(1.) A certain area of water, extending to a range of at least a 
mile but laterally limited, is open to the action of a dirigible torpedo 
under full control, and carrying a charge which would probably be 
fatal to any ship. 
(2.) The torpedo itself has a speed even at the end of its run 
equalling or exceeding that of most battle-ships. 
(3.) It is completely submerged and indestructible by fire. 
(4.) Torpedo netting would not arrest its action. 
(5.) The installation can, under favourable circumstances, be ren¬ 
dered secure from fire except at close quarters, and countermining 
operations, even if practicable, do not affect it. 
(6.) The observer can be at a distance from the installation and can 
change his position. 
(7.) Finally, with suitable arrangements, torpedoes can be succes¬ 
sively launched from a single installation, at intervals not exceeding 
the mere duration of the run. 
Certain conditions modifyiug the above statement may be alleged. 
(1.) The manoeuvring of the torpedo towards the conclusion of its 
run is slightly impeded, except when an elevated observing station is 
available, by the difficulty of ascertaining whether the torpedo has 
ranged up to or beyond the target. This difficulty would, however, be 
experienced only when dealing with a rapidly-manoeuvring ship, and 
fuller experience may prove it to be less than might be anticipated. 
(2.) Smoke intermittently obscuring the mast would render doubt¬ 
ful the accuracy of the practice at a moving target except at moderate 
distances. 
(3.) Night practice against a manoeuvring ship would probably be 
ineffective. At moderate range, however, employing the electric light, 
