New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1891-05-20
NECESSARY DEFENCES.

The pursuit of the Itata following the COM
pcations with the Italian Government empha-
sizes the necessity for developing the naval re-
sources of the United States. Let it be con-
ceded for the sake Of the argument, that the
Administration was under obligations to vindi-
cate the authority of American law, which had
been wantony detied by the insurgents at San
Diego. How sorry spectacle would have been
presented if there had been no fast cruisers in
readiness, and battered hulks like the Omaha
and the Ranger had been commissioned to run
down the ltata Since it has been considered
necessary by the Government to order the navy
to cruise for the insugent ship, it is most fortu
nate that there are on the Pacific coast at
least three war-veSses, the Charleston, Balti-
more and San Francisco, which are of high
speed and capable of overtaking her If she be
sighted. Indeed, in view of the formidable in
surgent fleet concentrated on the nitrate coast
it is unfortunate that the construction Of the
battle-ships has been delayed, and that there is
not vessel of that class flying the flag of the
admiral at lquque.
The argument of the opponents of the policy
of developing the country's naval resources has
| been that modern fleet was unnecessary be-
cause there was no danger of the outbreak of
war. The Itata episode demonstrates the urgent
necessity of having well-equipped navy for
emergencies which arise in time of peace. Other
nations are exposed to constant risks of civil
or foreign war, and the United States is under
obligations TO enforce its obligations as a
neutral. A modern navy with fast cruisers and
battle-shps seems to be essential, if the Gov
eminent is to make any attempt to prevent the
conversion of its ports into base OF operations
and supplies for foreign belgerents and in
surgents. II the authority of the courts is de-
| fed there must be some effective means of vim
dcating the majesty of American law Even
! if the Nation be reasonably secure against for
eign aggression, navy with ships that can
overtake ordinary vessels and with armored
cruisers and ironclads that can resist formidable
attack from modern high-power guns is indis-
pensable for the maintenance Of National honor
The argument for new navy does not de-
pend wholly upon the emergencies arising from
the necessity of enforcing neutral obligations
The New-0reans lynching illustrated the sud.
dennesS with which the United States may be.
come involved in controversy with a European
Power. The action of the Italian Government
was irrational and Secretary Blane's frmnes:
and dialectic skill sufliced to avert the danger.
Gus tendencies of that unfortunate exhibition
of lawessness but there were few American:
who were not impressed with the opportunity
which a defenceess seaboard offered to the
vell-ordered modern navy under the Italian
flag. so long as the American Navy is markedly
inferior to a European fleet and the coast cities
are unprotected by substantial system of de-
fence foreign aggression is deliberately invited
in controversies which Unexpectedly arise. Witt
the chief harbors adequately defended and witt
every arm of the naval service developed in
accordance with the science Of modern war
fare, the chances and risks of foreign aggression
would be so largely diminished as no longer t.
require serious consideration.
The diplomatic events Of the present yea