Page:The Next Naval War - Eardley-Wilmot - 1894.djvu/36

 system of defence by submarine mines, which necessitated the greatest precaution in going in and out. It had been wittily remarked there would be in time of war more risk to our vessels entering their own harbours than in approaching those of the enemy. This was now realised, for on intimation from the War Office that the ports were to be placed in a state of defence, mines were laid in all the channels, and a dockyard tug coming into Portsmouth Harbour, from a short cruise to warn friendly vessels of the condition of affairs, had first been diverted from her course by the persistent glare of a search light, and then ran against a loaded mine, which resulted in her being blown up with all hands. This led to some angry discussion between the admiral and general. The latter said that being responsible for the safety of the port he must exercise his own discretion as to when and where mines were placed. Vessels should wait outside until they could be conducted in by a corps of pilots he was organising. It was suggested that such a delay might be of value to an enterprising enemy, and the admiral stated with emphasis that the despatch of reinforcements to the fleet with promptitude depended upon his having full control of the immediate waters of the port.

There was no alternative but to refer the matter to headquarters, and the attempt was made to define the responsibility of each service. This, on going into the matter thoroughly, was found to be