Page:The Development of Navies During the Last Half-Century.djvu/328

 foreign policy, but it is quite obvious that a vessel which can only operate in sight of land has but a limited use. These vessels, the 'Indiana,' 'Massachusetts,' and 'Oregon' will, however, be quite capable of proceeding to any part of the world should the honour of the country demand this service. They are to have a displacement of 10,300 tons, and will be 350 ft. long and 69 ft. broad. Of this length 190 ft. of the water line will be protected by an armour belt having a maximum thickness of 18 in. There will be a turret at each end containing a pair of 13-in. guns, four smaller turrets in addition will each carry two 8-in. guns, and there will also be four 6-in. guns, besides machine guns. It is difficult to state any great advantage attached to such an armament. On the other hand, the complication of having so many different kinds of ammunition may prove most inconvenient, besides demanding great space for its stowage. Simplicity in ordnance as regards the number of sizes for naval purposes is urgently needed in these days. It may be essential to supplement the few heavy guns which a modern battle ship can carry with a number of lighter pieces, but there is no necessity for an intermediate grade. I even venture to suggest that about four different calibres would answer all requirements, and naval officers would welcome such a limitation. But to return to the American ships. In all other respects the design seems excellent, and in keeping within 10,500 tons the temptation to build monster vessels has been avoided. The view of the naval