Page:The Development of Navies During the Last Half-Century.djvu/327

 all the interests of a great nationality. More powerful vessels may at any moment be necessary, and the United States is now wisely constructing battle ships. The first begun is the 'Texas,' the design of which originated in this country. With an imposed limitation of 6000 tons great power of offence and defence cannot be provided, but the accepted design embodies a partial belt, 12 in. thick; two turrets, placed diagonally in a central citadel, each containing a single 12-in. gun; and an auxiliary armament of six 6-in. guns. The armour on the turrets is 12 in. thick, and the ends of the vessel are protected with a 3-in. steel deck. The 'Texas' is to have a speed of 16 knots. This design does not commend itself to me. Too much is aimed at. The freeboard forward should be higher and lighter guns mounted. In our service the preference is given to turrets on the centre line. The position en echelon does not give the advantages it was at first thought to have.

A somewhat larger vessel, also under construction, the 'Maine,' has likewise two turrets, one on the bow and the other on the quarter, each containing a pair of lO-in. guns. She has an auxiliary armament of six 6-in. guns, and also carries a partial belt of armour 11 in. thick. The 'Maine' is termed an armoured cruiser, and the design included sail power, but it is doubtful whether this will be eventually provided.

Towards the close of 1889 it was decided to construct three larger vessels, termed coast line battle ships. Presumably the name was given to calm any suspicion that the country was about to embark on an active