Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1890-11-12
Troops IN TIE WEST INDIES
Tho British Fortifying Jamaica, Der
muda. and IA. Lucia,

Tho British are reported to be actively
engaged in Jamaica, Bermuda, and st.
Lucia. West Indies, In fortlfyIng these
places against all possible likelihood of
capture. Extensive coaling stations are
being established in Jamaica and st. Lucia.
Bermuda is also to have one. All British
troops in West Indian islands are being
concentrated. No other posts are to DO
held but Jamaica. st. Lucia and Bermuda
But for the fear Of exciting unusual COM
ment the forces now in the Bahamas would
be withdrawn at once. The British Admiral
" aud War Office, tappears are determined
to insure coaling stations 20 British cruisers
in the event of hostIlities with the United
States UnlcrsSt Lucia, Jamaica. and Ber-
muda can be held it will be impossible 10
operate with the heavy battle-ships against
the North American coast. These vessels are
limited in coaLcarrying capacity 10 barely
enough 10 carry them across the Atlantic
Ocean. Unless they can be resupplled on
reaching the vicinity of the American coast
their efficiency will ut once be destroyed.
From Bermuda 10 New York is forty hours
steamng, much less to many of Great Bril-
tain's cruisers. From Jamaica orSt. Lucia
to the American coast Is forty.eight hours.
From well-informed sources the inn
preston is gwen out that the detail of tho
Grenadier Guards 10 Bermuda because of
mutiny is oil canard. The British au-
thorities decided some time ago to send
the very pick Of the British troops TO the
West Indies. and in this way doubly as-
sure the defence of what is now recog-
nized in military circles "a Great Britain's
fighting hold on the United States.n The
detail of the Guards TO Bermuda has
caused this post TO be placed second to
Gibraltar In importance. The greatest Sc
crecy is being observed in all the improve
ments now in progress, but the works ere
growing day by day.
The British are working as If they OK
pocted war in a few months with the
United States. Bodies Of troops are being
quietly concentrated in detachments OF
twenties and fiftios. If this concentra-
ton continues much longer all the troops in
tho Bahamas Will be at Jamaica. Nassau
has only mere guard loft. tho removal Of
the forces stationed there having been in
progress during the past summer and con-
tinuing up 10 the present. In a report
submitted last week by the Colonial De-
fence Committee 70 tho British authorities
it was stated that this policy (concen-
tration) is now being carried out"
The committee further states that
"there has been no question Of abandon
ing any of the West India Colonies or Of
leaving them to their own unaided re-
sources in time Of war" The policy, u
states, sis based upon the principle that
the protection of tho West Indies a. q
whole must depend upon the navy opera
ting in sufficient tOrce.n The committee
also states that lin accordance with
the recommendations of the Royal
Commission il was decided to fortify
and maintain imperial coaling sta
,ions at Jamaica and st. Lucia, these points
being selected on account Of their strategic
importance in relation to the operations Of
her Maiesty's navy in these waters, and to
concentrate there all the imperial troops
in the West Indies" Cable cOmmunica-
tions are 10 be established between all the
islands. The ends If tho cables in Jamaica,
IT. Lucia, aud Bermuda will come into
the forts. These cables viii tap the main
Halifax cable. They are under no condi-
tons 10 connect with American wires.
More troops are 10 be sent out from Eng
| land as soon as tho barracks and works now
building are in q receptive state. The I'M
perial troops have now been wholly with
| drawn from the Bahamas, only few col
ored battaions remaining. These forces
| keep I'D show of defence. The Defence
| Committee declares that the welfare OF the
British Empire depends on tho assurance
of the safety Of jamaica, st. Lucia, and
! bermuda against the attacks OF contlg-
uOus power.