Mr. Martell said that when they had got satisfactory data, twin screws
would be adopted for ships requiring great speed; but they had not got
that data at present.
Admiral Sir John Hay, referring to twin screws as applying to
sea-going steamers which might be employed for imperial defense, said
it was quite certain that the defense of their extended commerce
would always require to be assisted by ships such as the Oregon and
other magnificent vessels which had been used for that purpose on a
recent occasion. He believed that for war purposes the twin screw was
recognized by all naval men as having very many advantages. If that
were so, it was quite evident that it would be a great advantage,
under such conditions as occurred at the loss of the Oregon, if the
compartments could be made completely water-tight; and the twin screw,
with the separation of the ship longitudinally, gave them the very
greatest possible protection. They could not trust to bulkheads that
were only closed occasionally by doors. What was required for war
purposes was the entire and complete isolation of different parts of
the ship, having always practically closed communications between
them.
Mr. John then replied on the general discussion. He was pleased to
find that they had faith in the future of the twin screw and of
subdivision.
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