The newspaper Figaro published some details dealing with the building by France of new 18.000 ton battleships. The lessons from the war between Russia and Japan was that enlargement of the tonnage caused an improvement of the fighting value. Until now it was not believed that France could built such large warships. The problems were the costs of around 2.300 francs for each ton and the lacking of docks large enough for the kind of ships. It was however decided to build these ships hoping that when they were completed the French harbours were fitted out with the needed facilities. The minister of navy ordered to lay down 6-18.000 ton battleships with as dimensions 145 x 25,60 x 8,40 metres. Three engines were to supply 22,500 hp allowing a speed of 19 knots. They were to be armed with 3x2-30,5cm guns in turrets with 220-300mm armour, 16-7,5cm guns and 8-4,7cm guns. The costs of each ship was 45.000.000 franc and they were to be completed within 4 years something the Figaro doubted if this could be realized. Not one of the battleships of the 1900 program was at that moment completed! Minister Thomson announced the names of the ships namely Voltaire, Diderot, Condorcet, Vergniaud, Mirabeau and Danton.
