CSA News 3Q1899

[Borys]

Richmond Observer, 17 July 1899.

Today, the first White Star Line ships departed for the city of Eglarest, carrying the ten thousand men of the First Division of Freedom. Since May, the volunteers have been whittled down from fifty thousand men to just under two-fifths of that number, and received basic military training. The men are mostly under the age of twenty-five and single, but the few married men – almost entirely officers – wed no later than 1894.

These, and other byelaws of the Legion, demonstrate their dedication to not just the spirit, but the letter, of the Bible. They, armed with the best weapons that the Colt company can supply, will surely vanquish the heathen armies of the Devil, and bring God's righteousness upon the world.

Richmond Telegraph, 3 August 1899

The Foreign Minister today expressed his pleasure that the Queen of the Netherlands is to be married. He expressed his hope that the marriage would bring pleasure to both parties.

Record of the Houses of Senate and Commons, 29 August 1899.

Speech from President Clark

Gentlemen, I am sure that you are aware of the growing tension, not only between the Mark and the Anahuac Empire, but also between the nations of the Western Pacific Ocean and France. What you may not know, is that Royalist infiltrators have been discovered in the ranks of the Army.

This may be but the first sign of rising fear in the United Kingdom of America for the values which are inherent in the Confederacy: those of freedom and equality. In these unsettled times, there can be no doubting that the slightest spark would be as that in a tinderbox. We cannot risk a war, a war which would doubtless bankrupt many countries worldwide.

For that reason, I cannot allow the country to entangle itself in foreign expeditions. The soldiers of fortune despatched so irresponsibly by certain factions within the press and industry cannot be tolerated by the Federal government, stirring up as they do hatred amongst other nations. Equally, the Navy will not be despatched to investigate the allegations of piracy ongoing in the Pacific; rather, a standing patrol will be maintained within Confederate waters.

I must urge the nations of the world to take a step back from their disputes, and consider the consequences of their actions. If it is so required, and Parliament should so agree, I would like to propose that the Confederate States of America will act as an independent mediator in international crises. At the very least, King Harold and myself will be holding talks in the Island Commonwealth on the future relations of our two nations in October and November; the other nations of America are, of course, quite welcome to participate in the discussions.

Soldier Magazine, 12 September 1899

The achievements of Count Zeppelin, although quite commendable, are a painful reminder of what the late Lieutenant Rockefeller very nearly achieved. As far as can be discerned, the main features of the two machines were much the same, including success in lifting a load. However, the balloon of Count Zeppelin displayed one significant advantage: an ability to stay together.

An investigation into the debris of Lieutenant Rockefeller's craft has suggested that the bracing used was unable to withstand the strain of the balloon gondola. This would have caused the balloon envelope to rupture and collapse in on itself, with the escaping hydrogen gas being ignited by the engine.

Work is underway on an improved craft, the R-2, but this will require a far stronger structure, whilst still remaining light. There is doubt about how this can be achieved: the likeliest candidate is an expensive aluminium structure.

Naval Gazetteer, 25 September 1899

Today, the first of the 55pdr-armed cruisers were commissioned into the Navy, to complete their trials and shaking-down cruises. The ships are armed with a new gun, faster firing than the old six-inch guns, but more powerful than the four-inch guns.

The lack of such a gun has hamstrung the Navy for years: the only weapon with loosely similar characteristics is the Army's experimental six-inch mortar, itself based upon the old muzzle-loaders still fitted on the second-class cruisers. This new gun may allow the introduction of a newer, more powerful ship in this class, as well as the third class.

Naval Gazetteer, 29 September 1899

Hurricane Brenda, although not making landfall, wreaked significant damage on a number of torpedo rams. The six ships of the Fourth Torpedo Flotilla were overwhelmed by the storm, with the loss of three dozen reservist crewmen between them. One, TR-86, had her superstructure and torpedoes swept clean off by the heavy waves and winds. She was only able to make port in Cuba with the assistance of the ACM cruiser Trout, which had been operating out of the Bahamas and herself experienced significant damage, in spite of her excellent reputation for seakeeping. Even with this help, it has been reported that the cruiser could only survive the trip with extreme good fortune.

It is expected that the torpedo rams will be scrapped in situ, rather than risk taking the hulls into open water once more. The materials gained will, the Navy has stated, will be divided equally between Spain, the ACM and the Confederacy as an expression of gratitude.

[TR-82: 71%; TR-85: 42%; TR-86: 34%; TR-89: 54%; TR-90: 57%; TR-92: 43%]