Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1889-03-12
TALKING OF FIGHTING.
Admiral POrter's Views Of the Samoan
Situation.


wedding last night commemorating a half GEN.
tury of matrimony, and in June will celebrate
three-quarters of century of human existence
and almost as many years of mundane glory, is
close observer Of the stirring events which
may cuiminate in war between the United
States and Germany, and before it is over in
very radical change in the map of Europe.
The admirals Office has all the appearance of
the quarters of a naval hero. On the walls
hang numerous pictures Of the great naval
engagements in which British arrogance on the
sea was humbled by American valor. On tables
about the room lie charts of every ocean, with
Samoa, the German seaports and waters, and
the tracks OF German commerce as the sub
lects OF special study. Volumes on nautical
topics I'LL the cases, and models and weapons Of
nautical warfare give the spacious apartment a
belligerent aspect.
FIGHTING FOR A PRINCIPLE.
Since the Samoan complications the admiral,
with the assistance of his secretary and aid, has
made very careful study of the situation from
a naval stand point. In speaking on the sub
ject to STAR reporter he said "A pin is worth
fighting for if principle is involved.
The first war with Great Britain was for prin-
ciPie, and it gave us our independence and
national existence. The war of 1872 was for
principle, and gave us our maritime independ-
ence. The war with Mexico was for princi-
pie, and gave us the subjugated possessions on
our whole Pacific coast. The war for the
Union was for principle, and resulted in the
ton and gave us a people north and south
animated by military spirit which will be
equal to every possible requirement.
THE SAMOAN SITUATION.
II 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 friend Of the United States. He
will find out very promptly the temper of the
American people.
''Of course we are weak at present on the
ocean," he continued. .'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 revenues enough, with taxes now at a MIMI
mum point, to carry on desultory war until we
are in fighting trim. While we are getting
ready we can prohibit the entry of German
manufactures into the United States That is
AN important item in the monetary ac-
tivity of Germany. We send many mil
lions there to pay for goods. If. for the
time being Germany should try to blockade
our ports IN less than sixty days We would find
an English feet sooner or later on our coasts
involved in protecting her own trade with the
United States. A hundred millions and more
OF British goods finding market in the United
States could not be cut off without running
British industries France would also have an
interest Meanwhile We could get along with
out their goods, if necessary. SO that England
and France would be forced as a measure of
industrial self-defense to protect their vessels
and their trade with the United States
THE NEED OF NAVY.
"As the country knows, have been urging.
in letters and reports, the Importance of build
ing 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 60 to England and France, both coun-
tries being ahead OF Germany in modern naval
vessels and guns, and buy all the rified guns
we can find and bring them here We will
very soon make use of them
Here is list of the entire strength of the
German navy. 1t is more than We have. but
we have the money and could easily spend
S250. 900 900 in ships and appliances of war
There is League Island, at Philadelphia, the
grandest place OH the continent for great
navy-yard. If we can build one We can build
fifty ships right there. 1t is inaccessible 10
foreign feet The channel of the river could
be lined with torpedoes if necessary, or thew
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 to
resort to other modes of offensive war
With s50,0OO0O0. in sixty days / could
put an improvised feet in motion which would
make short work with German commerce.
There are 600 German steamers afoat / know
where they are. We have fleet ships; could
pick them out now. We could buy more They
would answer for privateers. About the time
we would have this part of the work disposed
of German industries affected by foreign trade
would be paralyzed, while we would be at the
height of prosperity. Weare 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 be-
ing. The European aspect of the question
would present another complication"
The admiral has the whole subject mapped
out. Fortunately he is in vigorous health. with
clear mind and has vast experience still at the
service of his country