An Invention For Steamships

An English mechanical genius has devised a inethod of indicating and stopping a leak by the use of compressed air. He divides a ship into airtight compartments, fitted with doors provided with packing material and connected by tubes ■with a room on deck called the "switch room." In this room is a junction chest snpplied with compressed air from foted or portable compressor and so arranged that the air can be delivered to any of the compartments. Other tubes lead from the compartment from which water an be forsed out when required, and electric indicators are also connected with the switch room to indícate the accnmulation of water in any of the compartments. Should the vessel "spring a leak" the indicator will show which compartment is affected, so that the compresBed air may be forced in to drive the ater out.