Lord Charles Beresford on Saturday tested a submarine boat in
the Victoria Docks. The boat, invented by Mr. A. Campbell, and built by Messrs. Fletcher, Son, and Fearnall, of Limehouse, is of steel, cigar-shaped, 60 ft. long, 8 ft. broad, and driven by a double-screw. It is lighted by electricity, and con- tains a provision of compressed air sufficient for three days. When on the surface, the boat is supported on the water by cylindrical chambers telescopically projected from her sides, and when these are withdrawn, she sinks on an even keel. She can move backwards and forwards, under electric pressure ; but as yet her speed has not been tested. Her vertical motion, however, has been, Lord Charles Beresford rising and descending in her several times on Saturday. It is clear that she will be invaluable for diving purposes, and her sinking powers will also enable her to dive under any torpedo-net.
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