Wonders of Electricity (Nov. 16, 1898)

Inventor Tesla Has an Invention Which, He Declares, Will Assure Universal Peace.

Nikola Tesla, the electrician, has finished an invention which he declares will make war so terrible that it will assure peace between all nations. The invention consists of a number of novel devices which produce and project into the air electric currents of immense voltage. These currents will extend many miles over land, sea and through the air. The inventor says they will reach an object as far as it can be seen through a powerful telescope.

Mr. Tesla has a working model of the invention in his laboratory in New York. It consists of a vessel, whose every movement is controlled by the turning of a crank in a distant part of the room. This crank releases the projecting currents of electricity and these act upon the different pieces of mechanism in the vessel. One touch of the crank sets the screw in motion, a second touch operates the rudder, another touch causes signal lights to appear, and another touch releases a quantity of high explosives.

Mr. Tesla claims that a large ship could be fitted out and controlled by his power without there being a man on board. This vessel could be turned loose on an enemy’s fleet and operated from shore. Attached to it would be a number of small boats. These could be sent against the various vessels in the opposing fleet and the explosives on board discharged by the operator on shore.

Mr. Tesla was ready to practically demonstrate his invention in Santiago Harbor when Cervera made it unnecessary by his attempt to escape.