Page:The Development of Navies During the Last Half-Century.djvu/250

 also, when these lights are used from a ship, the rest of the horizon is made to seem darker than before, the opinion as to their value is conflicting. They are most efficient when external to the point sought to be protected, and placed so as to illuminate the space that must be traversed before the ships can be reached. I can conceive that, as it is desirable to have special ships to destroy torpedo boats when discovered, other craft might be equally advantageously fitted with powerful lights for this special duty, while the main force remained in darkness.

The electric light detects one colour much better than another. White is most easily distinguished, while a black boat can approach much nearer without being discovered. Steam escaping shows up at a great distance. Torpedo boats, whose period of action is during the hours of darkness, should show as little white as possible.

The want of success which has attended the efforts of those who hoped that torpedo boats could keep the sea led to the demand for a type which is now being largely constructed. This is a vessel of from 400 to 800 tons, which can accompany a squadron and during a naval action dart in under cover of smoke and launch torpedoes at the enemy when he exhibits signs of confusion. The French were the first to carry this idea into practical execution by building the 'Bombe' class, of about 340 tons. They are useful little vessels in some respects, but too small for efficient service in rough weather. We followed with the 'Rattlesnake,' of 550