Page:The Development of Navies During the Last Half-Century.djvu/252

When the revolution against the authority of President Balmaceda broke out, the whole of the fleet present joined the insurgents. The latter thus had a free hand on the sea until the arrival at Valparaiso of two swift torpedo vessels, the 'Almirante Lynch' and ’Almirante Condell.' They were built in England, by Messrs Laird, for the Chilian Government, and are of the sharpshooter class. Their dimensions are, length 240 ft., displacement 750 tons, speed 20 knots. The armament consists of two 14-pounder and two 3-poundcr quick-firing guns and four torpedo tubes. Having given their adherence to the President, the officers and crew of the two ships were ready for any service against the other side. They were accordingly despatched to attack the enemy’s squadron, then lying at Caldera, about 500 miles north of Valparaiso. They arrived off this port just before dawn on April 23d, and observing the 'Blanco Encalada' at anchor, determined to attack at once. The ironclad was taken apparently completely by surprise. If those on board knew of the arrival of the torpedo vessels in Chilian waters, they had not counted on such speedy offensive operations. The ship seems to have been without any net protection. No guard boats patrolled outside the harbour, a portion of the crew was on shore; and it would be impossible to imagine a condition of affairs more favourable to a torpedo attack. It was made with a courage and determination which has always signalised the fterce struggles in this part of the world. Met by a confused and ineffective fire from such guns as could be got into action, the two