BATTLE OF SANTIAGO. 
337 
With regard to the question of American accuracy of fire, the percentage of 
hits was, as has been said, very small in this case. I do not see how you could have 
conditions when it would be much less. There was everything to prompt speed 
and to cause excitement, and a long range. One vessel opened fire I think at 
5,000 yards. The American ships were called upon very suddenly to attack, and 
the time to act in was remarkably short. I think that explains the imperfect 
hitting. Perkaps I ought to say a word with regard to these “ rectangles of 
energy of fire.’ 5 I do not know if I have made the Diagram shewing fighting 
elements of Spanish and American ships plain to you. The energy of fire 
of each particular round is multiplied by its rate per minute. That gives 
quick-firing guns their proper proportion; so with regard to slow-firing 
guns the heavy guns may fire three-quarters of a round per minute, and 
quick-firing guns in extreme cases ten rounds per minute. The total gives 
the size of the rectangle. I do not believe, of course, that it is very 
accurate. The rates I got from the Excellent. It does not depend on individual 
opinion. As far as it goes it is a matter of fact. These rectangles of energy of 
fire have been objected to by one very high authority. I certainly think it would 
be very mischievious if you pressed conclusions arrived at too far, but I do main¬ 
tain, with all its faults, it gives you an idea of your power of fire in a general 
way. I do maintain that to know the weight of the blows you can deliver per 
minute is one important element of your fighting powers and the highest 
authority in the world would not persuade me to the contrary. I do not think I 
have much more to answer, because I think most speakers agree with me 
generally. The question was raised why the Spaniards did not escape at night. 
I do not think the reason they give is sufficient as far as I can judge, but it was 
that the sentinel ship threw an electric light so intolerable that they did not like 
to pass it. From what we have heard to-night we must conclude that they had 
much better have passed it, because it is very unlikely that the Americans would 
have been as ready by night as they were by day and the ships would quickly 
pass into darkness. In conclusion, I would say that I am very glad we have 
been able to get so many naval opinions expressed. 
The Chairman :—Gentlemen, before we thank the lecturer, I would like in 
your name to thank the Naval Officers who have come here and helped us this after¬ 
noon (applause). We hope they will always form an important element in all 
artillery discussions of this nature. I now ask you to pass a vote of thanks to 
the lecturer for his extremely interesting lecture (applause). 
23 
