By no means is it expected that this gun or system will replace any gun or weapon now in standard use, but it is believed that it has a definite place of its own and will be found valuable in certain cases where there seems to be at present nothing to fill the requirements.

Without entering upon any argument, a number of instances will simply be cited as examples where this gun would be found invaluable.

AFLOAT.

At the present time the only means of offense of torpedo-boats is the automobile torpedo. True, they are supplied with a number of small rapid-fire guns, but these are simply for defense against small-boat attack, signaling, etc. The very construction of such craft prohibits the mounting of ordinary guns of sufficient caliber to be useful for attack, not only on account of the weight, but for the reason that the shock of recoil on the deck would be much too great for vessels of this type.

At present, then, the effective fighting range of torpedo-boats is limited to the range of automobile torpedoes, or, in other words, assuming the boats to be armed with the largest and longest range torpedoes developed to date, something less than 800 yards.

A moment's thought will indicate the great increase of effectiveness of boats of this class that would result from the mounting of guns capable of throwing large charges of high explosive for distances of say 3500 yards, supplementing their automobiles.

To be more explicit, let us assume that boats of the 6, 7 and 8 class now building, boats of about 180 tons, were each provided, in addition to their designed outfit of torpedoes and 1-pdr. guns, with two 6-inch powder-pneumatic guns.

As now designed, when within 800 yards of the vessel to be attacked, either while approaching for the attack or while attempting to get away after having launched (unsuccessfully) their torpedoes, the boats would be absolutely powerless. With 6-inch guns of this type, however, they would be able to show fight up to 3500 yards, either while approaching to torpedo (if discovered) or while attempting to get away. Assuming such boats to have under these circumstances a speed of 25 knots, the time required to cover the distance between the range of guns and that of

possible to throw from the two guns at least 20 shots, each containing 50 pounds of the highest explosive. The probable chances of destructive effect from such a hail of bursting explosive can readily be conceived.

For countermining it is believed that this gun would prove particularly valuable, and far more effective than any known device; for this purpose, if for no other reason, one at least should find its place on every war vessel. When approaching waters where there is reason to believe that there are fixed mines, it will be possible by ahead fire to effectually clear the passage, destroying such mines by using shells fuzed for delayed action.

For auxiliary vessels, such as merchant craft, steam yachts, etc., that are likely to be pressed into service in case of an emergency, a battery of these guns would create a fighting strength far beyond that obtainable with any other type of gun that could be mounted on such craft. In this connection the light weight and absence of violent recoil would permit their being mounted without the necessity of strengthening decks, which would be absolutely required in mounting other guns, even of light caliber. The equipment of such vessels would thus be greatly facilitated.

ASHORE.

The gun has evidently an important place in coast defenses both in large and small calibers. The great advantage in this case is economy, as well as effectiveness. There is no known weapon approaching its effectiveness which can be furnished and mounted ready for service for less than double the cost of one of these guns. It is an undoubted fact that no gun (excepting the so-called dynamite gun) is capable of throwing a shell so destructive in its effect in proportion to total weight. It is so simple in construction, and therefore so easily taken care of, with a positive surety of its being at all times in perfect condition for service, that but slight attention need be given it when once mounted. The slight report from these guns and the entire absence of smoke and flame would make it possible to mount them in exposed places, with little or no protection, and with but slight chance of their exact location becoming known to the enemy. Particularly would this be the case during a night attack.