GLIMPSES OF THE FUTURE.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XI, Issue 41, 12 February 1876, Page 4

GLIMPSES OF THE FUTURE.

The Loudon Punch grows satirical over the late clum_y mishaps that have occurred to the British ironclads, and writes in the folio wing strain: — Mr Punch's prophetio inspiration is a matter of world-wide notoriety, and when in the peculiar mesmeric condition into which he occasionally lapses after dinner, he is more than usually clairvoyant. <( Rapt into future times " the other evening, Mr Punch distinctly saw a copy of the morning paper (second edition), dated Nov. 1, 1885, in which were the following interesting items of intelligence:—Latest Telegrams. Plymouth, 4 a.m. Last night her Majesty's ironclad ships Diver, Blunderer, Lobsides, Crusher, Submarine, Downshire, Flounderer, and Mudlark, forming the Channel Fleet; and wbich had in the morning been got off the sandbank on which they bad grounded the day before, ran into one another, and all went down in deep water. Officers and crews ali saved by taking to the boats a quarter of an hour before the collisions. 7 a.m. Nothing is visible of the sunken vessels. An Admiralty official, witb a numerous staff, has already left for the purpose of making a minute inspeotioo of the waves beneath wbich the submerged vessels are supposed to be. 9 am. The cause of the untoward event is supposed to have been the extreme clearness of the night, the brilliancy of the moon baying a decided effect npon tbe commanding officers. The fleet of boats had quite a picturesque effect coming into harbor, the men receiving an ovation. It has already been deoided tbat the Admiralty tug Wash tub, shall cruise in tbe channel for the protection of the Coast until the fleet can be re placed. She will have her funnel repainted and be reohristened the Tug of War. A telegram has been reoeived from the Queen, expressing a hope tbat nose of tbe officers or men have taken cold. Immediate orders will be issued for the construction of eigbt new ironclads —two on tbe circular principle, two on the three-cornered, two ou the telescopic, and two on the upside down principle. A diver has j ust been down, and brought up a capstan bar aod a cocked hat, as well as his breakfast. Nothing further can be done till the spring.