A NEW WAR GAME.

Waikato Times, Volume XXX, Issue 2489, 23 June 1888, Page 2 (Supplement)

A NEW WAR GAME.

Captain Colomb, an English M. P., whose uamii suggests the dove, is possessed of a good deal of the subtlety of the serpent. He proposes a very ingenious game at privateering for the British Government to play at, and there is a deal in it. John Bull has two terribly weak points that an enemy can attck. One of these is his commerce, the other his colonies. The latter are fast becoming able to protect themselves, but Captain Colomb is in doubt about the safety of England's merchant navy in case of war. From east to west, from north to south, white winged clippers and arrowy steamships ride the waves on the way to Britain, while from her as a centre speed vessels of all descriptions bearing wealth in its various forms to the uttermost parts of the earth. What could hostile cruisers do to damage that vast trade? Obviously, if the lessons taught by the Alabama are worth anything, immense mischief could be wrought. But our pacifically-named inventor thinks that these dangers could be largely guarded against by making the armed cruisers of the Empire take part in a course of training, and his plan i 3 briefly as follows; — He proposes that a fast armed vessel should bo given a roving commission for a fow mant is, carrying paint and other con trivances for disguising her appearance at will, or as opportunity served, and that this vessel should be authorised to act as a make-believe privateer. Her commander would have instructions to board any British ship he came across, and to paint on her side a' B' or a 'C' to signify ' burned' or 1 captured.' The commander would also have to keep out of range of the guns of any large warship, the suggested experiment of course taking for granted that a conflict between the latter and the privateer would end the game. It is bargained the cruiser ia to get a start to sea, and that then notice is be convoyed to all Admirals abroad, whose business it would be to keep a look out for the stranger, under whatever disguise she might assume and bring her to with a shot athwart her bows. The idea is ingenious and should be serviceable, especially if it were provided that the privateer would have to depend upon coaling at neutral stations, as would be the case in war time. The experiment would afford an opportunity for property testing the ability of the British fighting navy to protect vessels engaged in peaceful pursuits, and the colonics would watch the game with the most eager interest.—Napier News.