An item reported that the Dutch torpedo boat small model XVII (1) commanded by lieutenant 2nd class F.E. baron Mulert collided two days earlier with the tug Johanna causing a huge hole at starboard above the waterline. She just left the Koopvaardijhaven in
The Dutch newspaper Middelburgsche Courant dated 9 December 1879 reported that the department of navy ordered the building of four torpedo boats at the shipyard Kon.Mij. De Schelde at Flushing. In the Dutch parliament was the building of torpedo boats by the Dutch industry discussed. In the meeting of the 12th wondered the politician Van Wassenaer [Otto van Wassenaer van Catwijck, member parliament 1866-1887, 26 December 1823 Nijmegen-19 November 1887 The Hague?) is this was a good decision. Torpedo boats were very expensive he said and comparable with watches. They were only of value if everything worked. To slow, not capable engineering or what ever resulted in a useless boat and spending of money and people. If the minister had been so smart to built our navy yards torpedo boat similar to the British models than Van Wassenaer had some trust in a good ending story. However this was not decided, but the Ned. Stoombootmaatschappij at Fijenoord and the De Schelde were allowed to built four torpedo boats. And yes they were eager to do so, but were they capable he doubted it seriously. The answer of the minister was clear. In the past were the first torpedo boats for the Royal Netherlands Navy built in England and only the best one was chosen. His predecessor signed a contract with the two named yards and the Kon. Maatschappij at Amsterdam for building each one torpedo boats. Two were already completed and performed excellent and so in his opinion there were none barriers for further orders. Van Wassenaer discussed not further in this matter although he hoped that there would come a war which proved that he was right and not the minister . The latter was probably Anthonie Ernst Reuther (16 May 1819 The Hague-27 April 1889 The Hague), conservative catholic politician and army officer, minister of war (18779-1883) but also specialized in guns. Another newspaper the Goessche Courant dated Tuesday 2 August 1881 reported that she was successful launched the Friday before. The engine and boiler manufactured by the same firm were already placed on board so that the trial could be executed on short notice. The Middelburgsche Courant dated 24 September reported that she left Flushing towards Nieuwediep via inland waterways to execute there an official trial on the measured mile.
Note
1. Spar torpedo boat XVII built of steel. Ordered on 20 December 1879, built using models in which the trusses were placed, plating fitted on 18 September 1880, launched on 29 July 1881 with engine and boiler already placed, trial while berthed on 30 July, technical trial on 20 and 28 October 1881, transferred on 31 December and finally stricken in 1905. Building time 2 years, costs completely fitted out ƒ 53.404,00. With a 2 cylinder compound steam machine (order no. 24) and 1 locomotive boiler (order no. 30) and one 3-propellor screw during the trial with 250/350 ihp a speed of 
