The Washington critic., 1888-03-28
wAsH1NGToN, MARCH 2s, 1883.
THE SPANISH NAVY AND THE
AMERICAN NAVY.

THE SPANISH NAVY AND THE
AMERICAN NAVY.
tits not likely that our little mis-
understanding with the authorities at
Tangier will lead TO hostile results,
and il is not at all desirable that it
should, so long as we have nothing
more formidable than the Pensacola
and her consorts of the Mediterranean
squadron wherewith to protect the
interests and yindicate the dignity of
the Government in that quarter.
Nothing is more certain than thatin
case of rupture with Spain-third
rate power as she is--the United
States would be placed at lamenta-
BILE disadvantage on the sea.
Skillful as our naval officers are, for
there are none so thoroughly educated
in the science Of their profession, and
brave, rs we know American seamen
to be under all circumstances, they
could not be expected to compete sue
cessfully with ships of war and arma-
ments so vastly superior to anything
we have ahoat as to make our wheezy
fleets the laughing stock of Europe.
That this contrast ought not to be
we all know. That it cannot continue
much longer if the energetic policy of
the Navy Department is supplemented
by liberal and timely action on the
part of Congress is gratefully appar-
ent. But at this immediate juncture
it will be conceded by the highest
authorities that the American Navy
is in no condition to cope with that of
Spain. A war would eventually
terminate in favor of the United
States, but even the acquisition of all
of Spain's West Indian possessions
would scarcely indemnify our people
for the losses and sacrifices that the
conflict would probably involve for
The time being.
Not only would our Mediterranean
squadron fail to ever reach the open
sea again, but there is no estimating
the amount of damage that the
Spanish fleet might infiict upon the
commerce and unprotected property
of our seaboard cities before an ex-
tempofized navy of our own, swift and
powerful enough to compel the enemy
TO beat q retreat could be put into
commission.
The Navy of Spain includes at
present not less than dozen IRON
clads, ranging in tonnage from 5000
to 5000, and in horsepower from
$500 to IL 800, besides big fleet of
cruisers, gunboats, corvettes and float
ing batteries, all of modern make and
ready for immediate service. Six
iron-clads of 1000 tons each are also
in course of construction. All of
these vessels are equipped with power
full armaments and the best appliances
for offensive and defensive warfare.
Now, let us look at home for mo-
ment.
The double-turreted armored yes
sells of the United States Navy con-
sist ,of the Puritan, Miantonomah,
Amphitrite, Monadnock and Terror,
none of which are completed.
There are thirteen single-turreted
monitors in ordinary, out Of repair
and of no use to the country.
-Four new steel cruisers, unarmored,
are nowin commission, and ten addi-
tional cruisers and gun-boats are build
ing. The. Puritan, of 6,060 tons, is
our largest ship-of-war. The con-
struction Of two fine 6,000-ton
armored vessels, one battle-ship and
the other cruiser, have been author
lied and the ways will shortly be laid
at New York and Norfolk. OF wooden
vessels there is quite long list, OF
which the Pensacola and Quinnebaug
are fair specimens.
Inou navy, which is to be, we have
great faith. We have man at the
head of the Navy Department who
appreciates the situation. Congress
viii doubtless respond to his recon.
mendations, as becomes its urgency.
VIII not the startling and shameful
fact that this great Government has
not a single iron-clad worthy of the
name to put against the dozen Spanish
monsters that could be hurled upon
our coast at fortnight's notice, add
new and vigorous stimulus TO the
measures now under consideration foI
the upbuilding Of our naval defenses
In THE CASE OF Anthony Com
stock against the Knoedlers Of New
York, art dealers, for exhibiting in
decent pictures, the court has dis
missed all the charges except as
against two, and all the pictures have
been returned to the owners except
one under the title of "Rolla," which
is considered very bad. indeed. Now
look ont fora big boom and great de
mand for copies Of 'Rolla."
The WurAN's CONGRESS, now in ses
sit in this city, differs from the Mems
Congress, also in session here, in this
thatthe former doesn't have a cuspi
dore at every seat.
TRE PRESIDENT has become con
vert at last to the doctrine of retalia
tion and recommends TO Congress the
passage of a law prohibiting the i'm
portation of swine products from
Germany and France. AS both these
countries have stringent inhibitions