Page:The Development of Navies During the Last Half-Century.djvu/140

which of two such squadrons, if pitted one against the other, they would prefer to command. The selection has usually been with the greatest number, for a squadron of twelve ships can be controlled and directed as effectively as one of eight. There are many other points which might be brought forward against the bigger vessel, such as difficulty in harbour accommodation, depth of water, passage through the Suez Canal, individual cost, and time required for completion, but space will not permit my dwelling on them. I am content to rest the argument on the increase of strength given by the additional ram and torpedo power of the numerically superior squadron. These views will not, probably, influence warship construction in the slightest degree. Whether they are sound or not can only be demonstrated by the searching test of war, and all we can say is, that hitherto our experience has been in favour of moderate dimensions for ships and their armament.