OIL. FUEL is ideal for the fulfillment of these conditions.
The absence of smoke or red glow greatly increases the possibility of escaping observation.
Bulk for bulk, oil fuel allows of a much larger steaming radius.
Full speed can be quickly attained and easily held.
In time of war much depends upon the efficiency of the crew. The constant strain is particularly severe in the case of the scout and torpedo vessels.
Coaling at sea or at a coaling station means an additional strain. All hands must turn to in this case to effect the bunkering.
After coaling, the vessel must be cleaned throughout.
Special care must be taken to prevent coal-dust getting into bearings, breech mechanisms and electrical equipment.
The consequence is that the vessel resumes its station with an exhausted crew and greatly decreased efficiency.
With oil fuel the tanks could be filled from a supply vessel underway with the fleet.
There would be no loss of strength in the fleet due to absence of any vessels coaling.
Scouts, destroyers and other torpedo craft could put into port for refilling.
As bunkering with oil takes little labor, the crew could secure a valuable rest.
Such an interval of rest would be doubly important in the tropics.
The fire rooms would not be the usual "Inferno." There would be no shovelling of coal under exhausting conditions and terrific temperatures. It would be necessary only to watch valves and indicators.
Greater efficiency of crew, possibility of intervals of rest and easier conditions of labor, would increase the value of the units in actual warfare.
During bunkering with oil, minor repairs and adjustments to machinery could be made.
In case of grounding involving the necessity for lightening the vessel, coal is difficult of removal and there is great danger of bad weather coming on before the vessel can be floated.
Oil fuel can be pumped out with little labor in a very short time.