Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1889-03-22
FIGHTING FOR PRINCIPLE
Admiral P0rter'S Views of the Samoan
Situation.
How the United States Could Easily
Secure a Navy and Proceed to Lick
the Dutch.

NAsHINGToN.-Admiral Porte, who h IS
situation, from naval stand point, ever
since the existing com mpliostions arose, is
quoted by the Evening Star as having
said recently: "a pin is worth fighting
for If principle IS involved. The first
war With Great Britain was for princi pie,
and 1t gave Us our independence and
national existence. The war of 1912 was
tor principle and gave US our maritime
independence. The war with Mexico WAS
Tor prlnclple, and gave Us the subjugated
possessions of our whole Pacific coast.
The war for the Union was for princi pie,
and resulted in the restoration of the
authority of the constitution, and gave
US people North and South animated by
military spirit which will be equal to
every possible requirement.
Il have carefully investigated the
stories about the Nipsic. It looks as
If they were put out at the instisation of
Bismarck to test the sentiment of his own
and our people. He has never been a
friend of the United States. He will
find out very promptly the tenn per of the
American people.
"Of courses we are. weak at present on
the ocean" ne continued, "but there is A
plan which will meet tbs emergency and
will badly cripple Germany while we are
getting ready. No ole supposes that the
American people would give up the CON
test uatll Germany had received sound
drubblng. We have surplus and rev
enue enough, with taxes now at minim-
um point, to carry Oh desultory war until
We are in lighting trim.
while We are getting ready We can
prohibit the entry of German manufac-
lures into the United States. That is an
important item III the monetary activity
of Germany. We are sending MAJ mill
ions there to pay for goods. If, tor the
time being, Germany should try TO block
ade our ports IN less than sixty days we
would find an English feet on our coasts
involved IN projecting her own trade with
the United States. A hundred millions
and more of British goods, finding q
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 without
thelrg0ods, if necessary. SO that England
and France would be fore ed as a measure
of industrial self-defense to protect their
vessels and their trade with the United
States.
AS The country knows, have been urg-
ing In letters and reports the Importance
of building up powerful navy. We have
the wealth and resources to lead the
world In navy. But, taking matters as
they are, the government should go to
England and France, both countries be
ing ahead of Germany in modern naval
vessels and guns, and buy all the rifle guns
we can find 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 $3.50, 900, 600 in ships and ap-
pliances of war. There is League Island,
at Philadelphia, the grandest place in the
continent for great navy yard. If we
can build one we Gao build fifty ships
right there. 1t is inaccessible to a for
eign fleet. The channel of the river
could be lined with torpedoes if neces-
sary, or they might be operated from
the shore. Ships could be Quilt there
with all the materials near at hand. Of
course, it would take time. In the mean
time We would be com PEELED to resort to
other modes of offensiue war.
with $50,OOO,OOO in sixty days l
could put an i'm provised fleet IN motion
which would make short work with
Germany's commerce. There are 600
German steamers afoat. | know where
they are. We have fl ,et ships. | could
pick them out nov. We couiG bus more.
They would answer for privgteers.
About the time we would have this part
of the work disposed of German indus
tries affected by foreign trade would be
paralyzed, 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 presents
another complication"