The O. N.S. Lienshing (Captain Wright) left Shanghai on the 16th inst, and anchored near the 8S. E. Promontory on Saturday, the 18th at 3a.m. awaiting daylight to proceed. on ber voyage to Weibasiwei, Chefoo, and. Tientsin. Che vessel left anchorage at 5.30 a.m. and a sharp look-out was kept for any of the many mines that are obstructing the safe navigation of steamers in these waters. At 12.15 p.m. a mine of the spiked type was discerned about five miles from Weihaiwei and directly in the track of all vessels requiring to make for that port. It wasa splendidly clear day and the sea quite smooth. This rendered the target practice that followed pleasurable and exciting. As on a previous occasion, the Lieushimg steamed slowly around the object at about 200 yards and: this proved to be the safe margin only and no more. The rifles were then brought into play by the experts on board, and for ten minutes the mine had a hot time of it without any of the spikes suffering danger. By this time the C. N. S. Shengking, which was coming up to the spot, began to open fire also, but she did not have time to get the range ere clean shot from the Lienshing carried conviction with it and a terrific explosion followed that sent a shock through the ship and demoralised all the snapshotters who had their cameras trimmed ready for the catastrophe. A combined column of fire, vapour, shell, and water arose high in the air and pieces of the mine fell around to any Sania billet that might unhappily in lumps that would prove uncomfortable
receive a portion. After the concussion a large circle of water of glass-like smoothness was formed upon the ses, edged with a black scum and the atmosphere possessed a peculiar fume not unlike exploded gunpowder.
The lessons to be learnt from the above episode are many and the first and most important is that no vessel in attempting to destroy a mine should approach nearer than 200 yards. At this distance the vessel obtains a shock that will shake a picture from its hanging, and she has the doubtful joy of securing a piece of the mine as a relic, as happened on the Lienshing. The necessity of a good lookout, also cannot be too strongly urged, because even in smooth water the mines seem tv crop up unexpectedly, and in dangerous proximity. In heavy weather it would be almost impossible to discern one in the turmoil of the waves. We can add emphasis and say literally impossible. Finally, it is well to point out once more that this explosion of a mine occurred within five miles of a British leased port in the direct track of vessels arriving there; and there is a large cruiser at anchor in the safety of its harbour. The safety of the British Mercantile Marine has been entrusted to itself. We wonder if a blush cannot be stirred into the cheeks of those who have the power "to do," but don't,"
The C, N.8. Lienshing is' gaining a reputation by its efforts made to destroy the mines that menace the mercantile marine service on the Northern coast of China. Outof three endeavours those on board that steamer have succeeded in blowing up two of these dangerous instruments of war. The only failure was due to the mine being s "tipping" one, and the impetus of bullets was unable to throw the explosive over to the right angle, or penetrate the tough shell to sink it. These are really the most dangerous mines, When a spiked mine comes into view there is a sure thing on to explode it if the marksmen are there to hit one of the many projections. Instantaneous with the snapping off of a spike a terrific report follows and the air is alive with the shattered shell. The N. 8. Lienshing left Chefoo on Thursday, the 23rd inst., and put into Weihaiwei for the night and left at daylight. An hour after her departure a spiked mine was sighted in practically the same position as the one exploded on the steamer's. upward trip on the 18th inst. and directly in the track of any vessel entering or leaving Weihaiwei by the east. This duplicate proximity to the British leased port cannot be too strongly emphasised, as it shows the utter neglect of any precautionary methods adopted by the British naval authorities for the safety of the commerce they are supposed to protect. The Lienshing took up a range of rather less than 200 yards and opened fire upon.the enemy. After ten minutes' good target practice, in which the mine avas repeatedly struck, a bullet finally carried away a spike anda huge column of smoke arose into the air with accompanying thunder. Pieces of shell, large and small, whirled upward and fell in all directions around and away from the ship. An intuitive shudder is aroused at the idea of the doom of any ship and those on board should a collision occur with the infernal machine.
We learn that the Lienshing has been fortunate in her encounters by always having fine weather and a smooth sea for her operations. A mine under these conditions can be seen about half emile off. The average time taken by a ship travelling ten knots from the first view to having the mine abeam is about three minutes. The elevation of the mine above sea level ranges from twelve to fifteen inches. It doesn't required great stretch of imagination to calculate the hazard run by shipping in a sea strewn with these explosives. If heavy weather sets in the danger is increased at an immense bound. The waves would entirely obscure the object and render it impossible to detect until the steamer is directly beside it if she fortunately misses striking it. Fog is another depressing consideration if it shuts down upon a ship when in the zone of danger. It is therefore time that some Power take the matter in hand to clear the seas of this harassing burden. No reliance can be placed upon Chinese men-of-war. We doubt-if the average naval warrior in that service has the energy or skill. It is a cryingshame that it should be left to the inoffensive merchant man to work out his own redemption.
We may add that the Chinese cruiser told off to clear away these mines is snugly in dock at Taku.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.