An item referred to the Army&Navy Journal reporting that Lockroy stated that France did not need protected cruisers but instead a fleet of battleships with a displacement of around 18.000 tons, a speed of 20 miles and a main armament of 16-20cm guns. Lockroy was supporter of simplicity of much as possible to benefit officers and crew. To be able to decrease the weight needed for a maximum speed without decreasing the displacement he suggested to remove the torpedo tubes with accessories and the ram and to replace the combat masts by just signalling masts.(1)
Note
1. Édouard Lockroy (18 July 1838 Paris, France-22 November 1913 Paris, France), member of the Radical party, he was minister of marine in 1895-1899 and as vice president of the Chamber he criticized Camille Pelletan which was minister between 1902-1905.
