Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1889-03-13

WASHINGTON, March 1.-THE state OF
affairs in Samoa, and the probable outcome
of the trouble, continues to be topic of
great interest, especially II. naval circles.
A telegram was sent to-day to San Francisco
from the Navy Department, asking at what
Eate the cruiser Charleston will be ready for
trial. The present information is that she
will be ready April l. Admiral Porter, who
has made careful study of the situation,
expresses himself as follows:
A pin is worth fighting for If a principle is
involved. The first war with Great Britain
was for principle and 1t gave us our independ-
ence and national existence. The War of 1912
was for principle, and gave us our maritime
independence. The war with Mexico was for
aprinciple, and gave MS the subjugated posses
sions of our whole Pacific coast. The war for
the Union was for principle, and resulted in
the restoration of the authority of the Consti-
tuition and gave US a people North and South
animated by a military spirit which will be
equal to every possible requirement..
BIsMARcK's IDEA.
1 have carefully investigated the stories
about the Nipsic. 1t looks as if they were put
out at the instigation of Bismarck to test the
sentiment of his own and our people. He has
never been a friend of the United States He
OF. course we are weak at present on the
ocean, but there is a plan which will meet the
emergency and will badly cripple Germany
while we are getting ready. No one supposes
that the American people would give up the
contest until Germany had received sound
drubbing. We have surplus and revenue
enough, with taxes now at a minimum point,
to carry on desultory war until we are in fight
ing trim.
While we are getting ready we can prohibit
Ehn nf for nfrNrn
United States. That is an important item in
the monetary activity of Germany. We send
many millions there to pay for goods. If, for
the time being, Germany should try to blockade
our ports, in less than so days we would find an
English fleet on our coasts involved in protec-
ting her own trade with the United States.
HELP PLENTY.
A hundred millions and more of British
| goods find a market in the United States and
could not be cut off without running British in.
| dustries. France would also have an interest
Meanwhile we could get along without their
goods if necessary. So that England and
France would be forced, as measure Of indus.
trial self-defense, to protect their vessels and
| their trade with the United States.
As the country knows, have been urging in
| letters and reports the importance of building
| up powerful navy. We have the wealth and
| resources to- lead the world in a navy. But
| taking matters as they are, the Government
should go to England and France, both coun.
tries being ahead Of Germany in modern naval
vessels and guns, and buy all the rifled guns
\ and bring them here. We will very soon make
| use for them.
Here is a list of the entire strength of the
| German navy. 1t Is more than we have, but we
| have the money and could easily spend $780,
| 100000 in ships and appliances of war. There
| is League Island. at Philadelphia, the grandest
| place on the continent for great navy yard.
WE CAN BUILD ONE,
If we can build one we can build 80 ships
| right there 1t is inaccessible to a foreign
| fleet. The channel of the river could be lined
with torpedoes, if necessary, or they might be
| operated from the shore. Ships could be built
! there with all the materials near at hand Of
| course this would take time.
| In the meantime we would be compelled tC
| resort to other modes of offensive war. With
| S50000 900 in 90 days could put an improvised
| feet in motion which would make short work
| with German commerce. There are 600 Ger
! man steamers afloat. know where they are
| We have feet ships; could pick them out
| now. We could buy more. They would an
| swer for privateers.
About The time we would have this part OF
| the work disposed of. German industries af.
while we would be at the height of prosperity
| We are always prosperous in time of war. We
| would then be getting ready to begin fighting
| 1t might be possible that Germany would seize
| Samoa for the time being. The European
| aspect of the question would present another
| complication.