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The Modern Submarine 79 The Fenian movement collapsing somewhat igno- minously, all further labour with the submarine on their behalf became unnecessary. Holland was again reduced to his own exertions. The years slipped by, and his name, together with his boat, became almost a memory, more particularly as his achievements appeared to sink into insignificance beside what was being accomplished by certain European inventors who had embraced the problem of submarine navi- gation and were pursuing the solution of the problem with infinite zeal and not handicapped by lack of financial resources. In 1895 the United States, thinking the moment had arrived for attacking the issue from the point of national defence, called for designs for a submarine to be constructed at the expense of the country. Virtually it was a competition, inaugurated with the express purpose of stimulating American inventive zeal. Numerous designs were submitted, but only one attracted the attention of the Government officials. The identity of the individual who submitted the accepted drawings was investigated, and to wide- spread surprise was found to be John P. Holland. Arrangements for constructing the boat were com- pleted, the inventor succeeding in enlisting adequate friendly co-operation to enable a small company to be organised. But the work did not proceed smoothly. Holland regarded his plans with pride, but the naval engineers selected by the authorities to supervise construction did not see eye to eye with him. In their estimation Holland was an inventor and not a trained engineer, which certainly was true ; but at the same time Holland had devoted practically the