DEFENSE AGAINST BLOCKADE.
The object of a blockade is the isolation of the port concerned in order to close all commercial communication by way of the sea, and presup poses the defeat of the enemy's fleet, which may also be shut up in the port. The observation of the movements of a daring enemy thus shut in is one of the most difficult problems which fleets have to encounter, and history shows that it is almost impossible. "For example, in 1759, the French fleet succeeded in breaking through the blockade of Dunkirk without being observed by the English fleet consisting of 66 ships." "ln 1S05 Nelson was in continuous observation of the harbor of Toulon. In spite of this fact the French fleet succeeded in running out, returning again because of injuries at sea, again leaving the harbor and joining the Spanish fleet, the com bined fleets then sailing for the West Indies. Only after their return was Nelson enabled to seize them." The defender will naturally resist the blockade as long as possible and try to fit his fleet for active service again as promptly as lie can.
His first duty, then, is to keep the blockading fleet as far out as possible, and this duty will fall to the coast artillery, which must be con stantly prepared, the guns ready for immediate action, the stations and range-finders continually manned, and the search-lights constantly at work. The plentiful use of electric light as a fighting agent is a passive factor, but one of very high value. Pis next duty is to inflict as much dam age as possible on the blockading fleet, and this duty falls to the fleet stationed in the harbor, which must at all times be ready for action, and single to•pedo-boats should be sent out under cover of darkness, to attempt the destruction of the enemy's ships. When the defeated fleet is ready for sea again the coast artillery will open a heavy fire on the enemy's ships. and, aided by their own artillery fire, the home fleet will en deavor to break through. This will naturally lead to a purely naval engagement, which need not be further considered here.