The political atmosphere of Europe is the cause of
this, but its consequence is the development of theoretical plans of
ships which are no sooner commenced than the rapid march of
mechanical, chemical, and electrical science shows them to be faulty
in some particular feature, and others are laid down only to be
superseded in their turn.
None of these crafts are obsolete (to use the popular expression of
the day). All are theoretically better than any which have stood the
test of battle; but each excels its predecessor in some particular
feature. The use of high explosives is the direct cause of the very
latest transformations in marine architecture, and is destined to work
still greater changes; but it will require a war between the most
civilized nations of the world, and a long war, to either confirm or
condemn the many theoretical machines and methods of destruction that
modern science has produced. I say a war between the most civilized
nations, since it is only they that can supply the educated intellect
that is necessary to both attack and defense. Under other
circumstances false conclusions as to weapons and results are certain
to be drawn.
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