“As between the _Admiral_ class and the central-citadel ships of the _Inflexible_ type there is a difference in this respect which has been much commented upon. When the ends of the citadel ships are filled with water, the armored wall of the citadel still remains several feet above water; whereas, in the _Admiral_ class, the top of the belt under similar conditions is very near the water-level. All that need be said on this point is that, notwithstanding the greater height of the armored wall above water, the citadel ships have practically no greater guarantee of safety against capsizing by means of armor-protected stability than the _Admiral_ class. In both classes the armored portions require the assistance of the unarmored to secure such a range and amount of stability as shall effectually guarantee their security when damaged in action. And, as has been stated above, this condition is true of all armor-clads with narrow armor-belts. “One other objection to the shortened belts yet remains to be considered. “It is urged that when the thin ends are broken through or damaged by shot or shell, jagged or protruding holes will be formed in the plating near the water-line, and then if the ships are driven at speed, the water will flow into the holes in large quantities, and produce serious changes of trim and loss of speed. In support of this contention, reference is made to the published reports of experiments made with the _Inflexible’s_ model about eight years ago. It is impossible to discuss the matter fully, and I must therefore content myself with a statement of my opinion, formed after a careful personal observation of these model experiments. First, it cannot be shown from the experiments that the presence of a shallow belt of armor reaching two to three feet above the still-water line would make any sensible difference in the dangers arising from the circumstances described. Holes in the thin sides above this belt would admit water in large quantities on the belt-deck when the vessel was under way, and if it could flow along that deck changes of trim and other disagreeable consequences would result. Secondly, it is certain that the numerous bulkheads and partitions, coffer-dams, etc., built above the belt-deck level in the _Admiral_ class for the very purpose of limiting the flow of entering water would greatly decrease any tendency to check the speed or change the trim. Whether the belt be short or long, it is evident that gaping holes low down in the light sides will make it prudent for a captain to slow down somewhat if he wishes to keep the water out as much as possible. But between such prudence and the danger of disaster there is a wide gulf.