Democratic Sentinel, Volume 15, Number 9, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 20 March 1891 — A Submarine Army of Torpedoes. [ARTICLE]

A Submarine Army of Torpedoes.

A remarkable means of defense is known as the “Graydon-Leach system," and provides for the maneuvering of fleets of torpedoes under complete control, below the surface of the water, and admitting of entire or partial withdrawal at pleasure, to permit the passing of friendly vessels, or enticing hostile vessels within the limits and then surrounding them with torpedoes that will insure their destruction. The torpedoes can be massed, moved in various directions, and, in fact, maneuvered similarly to bodies of troops, and, being entirely submerged, give no signs of approach to the enemy. The system is comparatively inexpensive, aud the plan simple. No hostile fleet could enter a harbor defended by it, and therefore its novelty, simplicity and ; practicibility render it very valuable. Though we have at present no adeqnate means of defense for our coast and seaport cities, yet by this system of torpedo defense a hostiie fleet could be kept beyond shelling distance of New York, Brooklyn, San Francisco or any of our seaport cities, and even the mouth of Chesapeake Bay can be easily rendered linpassable.—Our Continent.