LORD ELPHINSTONEasked, Whether, during the forthcoming trials at Portland, it is proposed to test the effect of a shot striking the pilot tower? His object was that it should be ascertained whether the human frame could stand the shock of the concussion such as the Glatton was about to be subjected to.
THE EARL OF CAMPERDOWNsaid, the sole object of the trials about to be made at Portland was to ascertain whether the turret of the Glatton would become jammed, and so be prevented revolving, by being struck with a 600 1b shot fired from the Hotspur at a range of 200 yards. It was not intended to make a general test of the ship's vulnerable points, and therefore the experiment desiderated by his noble Friend could not be tried on the present occasion.
LORD ELPHINSTONEexpressed a hope that the important experiment to which his Question referred would be tried at the earliest possible opportunity.