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Waikato Argus, Volume IV, Issue 283, 3 May 1898, Page 3

Iron horseshoes have been found dating back to the year 4SI. Discussing the question of the ultimate value of the modern battleship, au American authority says it is one that must be decided by experience, and the best experience on which to found such a decision is that which can be gained in actual war. The experience thus far gained in both war and peace docs not appear to be re-assuring to the friends of the battleship. On the pages of modern history stand out in hold relief a number of incidents, every one of which records the disabling or total destruction of a tattle-ship either by a single torpedo or by the shock of a collision through which the smaller colliding vessel passed in safety. The names of unfortunate warships—the Victoria, Rio Jane : ro, Blanco Euealado, Aquidaban, Chuen YueD, and the Maine—will *erve to recall many of these incidents. The Reina Ilegente, a fine new vessel of the cruiser type, belonging to the Spanish navy, lies at the bottom of the sea off the African coast, with all her crew. She presumably failed to weather a gale. The enormous British ships have jo far proved a greater menace to themseWes and each other than to an enemy. They founder upon the slightest provocation. With these facts in mind, it is pertinent to ask what the battleship has accomplished in the same period to offset the terrible destruction and loss of life occasioned. A satisfactory reply ii not easily forthcoming.