The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1869-11-27
United stntes Iron-Clads.

The expected visit OF the Spanish squadron sug-
gests inquiry respecting the present condition OF the
United states ron-clads and their availability for
the defence or New York in a sudden emergency.
There are twenty vessels or this class laid up aJ
League island, IN the Delaware river, and several
others at the various navy yards. Most OF them.
however, would require several weeks to be fitted
out, and were foreign feet to approach New
York suddenly with hostile intentions, not
more than half dozen could be sent here
In time to render any service. Many per
sons have an idea that the spanish friQates
reported to be their way to this city, after passing
the forts commanding the entrance to the harbor,
might by threat to lombard the city, compel the
surrender OF the gunboats. While there is not the
slightest probability OF any hostile attitude being
sumed by Spain in the matter it may be stated Tor
the comfort OF such timorous individuals that In
addition to the monitors Terror and Miantonomoh.
each Of which carries four ifteen-nch guns and the
torpedo boat ordered from Washington there are
present at the Brooklyn Navy Yard number OF
vessels capable OF preventing any offensive acts by
the Spaniards. The double turreted monitor Roam
okc, carrying four flfIeen-lnch guns, although not
In condition TO steam, could be anchored OF the
city, ana would prove a very formidable antagonist
The frigate Colorado carrying fOrty.twO ninel nch
guns In broadslde and one eleven-lnch pivot gun,
COulu Do ROt duu seFeIhi OlueI
vessels also at the Brooklyn yard, although under.
gong repairs, would render good service in such an
emergency. The two iron-ciads and the torpedo
boat already ordered to New York are abundantly
able to take care Of Admiral Malcampo's squadron,
should he make peremptory demand for the gun.
boats and the community will sleep Just as soundly
with the Spanish frigates in the harbor rs If they
carried the na9 Of the United States.
ADMIRAL GoDoN's VIEWS.
AT an interview which HERALD reporter had
yesterday with Admiral Godon, commanding the
Brooklyn Navy Yard, that officer expressed his dis
belief tnat any such squadron was ON the way to
New York, as reported, and gave the following
interesting Information IN relation TO the Spanish
gunboat question:
REpoRrER-l nave called, sir, to ascertain what
naval preparations are being made In view OF the
approach OF Spanish squadron.
Admiral GODON-Very little IL being done. The
papers have already stated all that aware OF in
the matter. do not believe that any such squadron
is coming as reported and presume that the Mlanto
nomoh and Terror were ordered to New York simply
as an ordinary precaution against q possible out
very remote contingency.
REPoRrER-ls 1t your opinion that the reports re-
speeding the approach OF the spanish frlgates are
wholly grOundess2
Admiral GoDoN-There may DE one or two Spanish
vessels coming to New YORK, but doubt that a
squadron Is on Its way here. We're a spanish fleet
to visit New York now, even II only for the pur-
pose Of procuring supplies or repairs, such an
cVeuJ WOuu COulpuCaVe Tie ucCdLe question
already pending between the United States and
Spain and, view OF the attitude maintained by the
government respecting the Cuban matter, would be
offensive to the American people Spain has no de-
sire to force an issue with the United States nor
does the condition Of affairs in Cuba necesstate any
precptate action Of this KIND. do not believe that
the gunDoats have anything TO do whatever with the
visit OF any spanish vessels to New YORK, except IN
the case OF the Pizarro. which arrived a few days
ago with officers and men for the gunboats
RBPoRTER-You expressed the opinion that the
visit Of Spanish frigates To New YORK Tor supplies
repairs would compllcate the question at issue.
Does this apply to q single vesseif
Admiral GoDoN-No. single Spanish vessel on
q cruise might call at New York for supplies
binary repairs with perfect prOprlety; but az the
neutrality laws are under consideration between
this government and Spain, the visit OF o number Of
spanish war vessels for supplies or repairs would be
very different affair. 1t would be regarded as fit
ting out an armament against Cuba, anti would raise
the very same questions involved In the detention OF
the gunpoats.
REpoRTER--It is stated that the Spanish vessels
are coming here to have their bottoms cleaned.
Would the views You have just expressed prevent
their entering the dry dock for that purposef
Admiral G0DoN-Perhaps not. IL might be re-
garded as an act OF common courtesy to permit the
vessels to clean their bottoms, and do suppose
that any objection would be made TO 1t. Some OF the
Spanish frigates may come here for that purpose
and be accommodated; but 1t Is highly Improbable
that the spanish government her Officers VIII take
any step calculated to hasten an official expression
OF American sympathy with the Cuban revolution.
tending the surveillance OF the Spanish gunboats by
the government
Admiral GODUN-l never TtCelNeu any ORDERS 10
seize them. My instructions were simply to pre-
vent their departure Tney have not been IN the
custody OF the naval authorities at ALL Onlcers were
detailed to watch their movements and | simply
notified Mr.. Deamaer that the gnnboats must not
attempt to leave. Mr.. Delamater had the right to
construct any vessels he pleased, 80 far as my In
structions were concerned and so long as the gun
boats belonged to him had put guards on board OF
them he could have elected them by civil process.
SO long as they remained in New York could not
touch them. Had they attempted to leave should
have sunk them This was the condition OF affairs
unt1i last saturday when one half OF the gunboats
were completed and the Spanish agent was ready To
pay the fun contract price for the fifteen vessels
Si5o, IN gold. notified the government Of the
TACT and the result Is already made public.
MISUNDERSTANDING arrangements were made be-
tween yourself and Marshal Harlow when he took
possession OF the gunboats2
. Admiral GoDoN--As soon as the Marshal seized
the VesseS the surveillance by the navy ceased.
Lhey were then in the possession of the civil au-
Inorities and had nothing more to do with them.
MaIsna harlow wanted me to leave the gun which
nad been used on the naval gnnb0at Maria, and ]
turned u over 10 him. lie also suggested that
snVuu sepu guard to prevent any violent measures