88 
MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS OF 
in some measure for a gun of reserve, and if so, long range became of the utmost 
importance; for when it became necessary to bring the gun into action, every 
hundred yards it had to advance brought it a hundred yards further into the 
zone of the enemy’s fire. (Hear, hear.) If, therefore, it was important or desir¬ 
able that any gun should have long range, it should certainly be a gun of reserve. 
Most writers on artillery stated that it was next to impossible for anything like an 
equal number of guns to be brought into action on both sides in the same time, and 
that those first in action had an advantage of two to one; therefore, in order that this 
might be speedily accomplished, long range was most desirable. (Applause.) The 
flat trajectory was, he contended, of great advantage to the efficiency of the shrapnel 
shell on striking; and he added that all these points ought to be fully and freely 
discussed, instead of taking it for granted that because a committee had decided 
there was no ground left for debate. (Applause.) 
Captain Morgan, It. A., said his mind was not yet made up as to which gun 
should have the preference, but the advantages claimed by Captain Sladen for the 
smaller bore were beyond dispute. They could get harder hitting and greater velo¬ 
city over 2000 yds. out of the proposed 3'3-in. gun of 10 cwt. than out of the 3'6-in. 
of 12 cwt. The gun, too, was lighter, and*the mobility greater; all of which were 
undoubted advantages. But the question at issue went far beyond this—so far that 
he could not enter into it. Just to show the difficulties involved in the question, 
they had on the one hand the small-arms, in which the velocity of the Snider rifle 
was inferior to that of the Martini, with its smaller bore; and on the other hand, 
when they came to large guns, they found the velocity the greatest in the larger 
bore ; the explanation being that in the one case it was a question of the rifling, and 
in the other a question of the projectile. They were obliged to limit the velocity 
of the Snider to 1290 ft. per second, because the substance of the bullet would not 
resist a greater pressure; but with the Martini-Henry, having a harder bullet, they 
could get a much higher velocity. In the case of the 16-pr., the only question, 
he thought, was—which is the best shell? for all the other points were in favour of 
the smaller bore. 
Colonel Milward said he might remark that there were reasons why, in the 
construction of a shrapnel shell, there was a disadvantage in having it longer than 
at present. Mind, he expressed no opinion in favour either of the 3'6-in. or 3'3-in. 
gun—(laughter)—all that he said was, that the shorter shell afforded greater advan¬ 
tages in construction. He wished to say also' that he feared his friend Captain 
Browne had mistaken him in supposing that he wished to damp discussion. 
Nothing was further from his meaning; all he meant being that there might be 
more reason in favour of the 3'6-in. gun than they were disposed to acknowledge, 
inasmuch as a committee had already come to a conclusion in its favour. (Hear, 
hear.) 
Colonel Domville said they were very much indebted to Captain Sladen for 
his lecture, and, from the discussion which had taken place, there seemed little 
doubt as to the advantages of the gun he advocated. He hoped that some day 
Captain Sladen wohld favour them with more on the same subject—(hear, hear)— 
especially if there was anything to be said on the other side. He thanked him 
for his lecture, and also, in the name of the meeting, expressed their thanks to 
Sir Edward Warde for his kindness in taking the chair. (Applause.) 
February 29, 1872. 
