The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, 1891-12-07

this point was settled no time was lost by
the NAVY Department in reyoking the
Charleston's orders.
THE NEW NAVY.
On the increase of the navy the Secretary
says the old wooden ships have practically
count even as a nominal factor in naval
defense. The sole reliance OF the country
to-day for the protection of its exposed sea-
board is the new fleet. This Is developing
satisfactorily. and the Importance of con-
tinuing this development is dwelt upon.
The rapid extension of commercial re-
lations has doubled the importance of our
interests, especially in the Pacific. 1t was
said a few years ago by keen foreign OBJ
server: "Some day or other there will be
a great rivalry of three OF four nations In
the Pacific for the commerce of those seas,
and the country which has cultivated its
strength with a view 10 that contingency
will carry off the chief part of the prize.
The rivalry has already begun. and signs
are evident on every hand OF sharp competi-
ton. 1t is apparent that the mercantile
competitors of the country are to-day en-
largng their fields of activity with more
aggressive energy than ever before. No one
can fail to observe the indications of a
systematic effort to take advantage Of. the
disturbed conditions now prevailing in
many of the smaller States. In this move
ment naval ascendency plays a large part.
The Secretary says that even when the
present authorized fleet is completed, to
protect either seaboard will involve the
stripping Of the other at critical moment
UNPROTECTED SEA PORTS.
II the Nicaragua Canal were completed
the strategic situation would be largely
modified. The press of the country, repre-
senting the people. says the Secretary, does
not believe cities like san Francisco. Seattle
and Tacoma should be open to the attacks
of third-Iate power, whose ships, by
fH,YNes
that would pay III advance the expense OF a
war. If any one believes such rapidity OF
movement impossible. let him recall circum-
stances uDder which the Esmeralda ap-
peared in April last without warming close
to the Californian coast, sending on the
Itata to San Diego. AS little does the pub
lie opinion believe that commercial sea-
ports Of the Gull and the Atlantic should be
unprotected from attack by any nation
whose fortified harbors and fully equipped
naval dUck-yards are within fO:Iy-eiGht
hours steaming 1t is erroneousS to
direct interest in tile matter. The pros
perity of the whole interior depends upon
the uninterrupted supply of the deman ds
OF the foreign market. BY the blockade of
the great outlets the great industry of the
interior would be paralyzed. The Secretary
goes in to argument for the increase of the
navy and coast defenSes at length. He
urges the construction of more ships of the
type Of the Indiana battle-ship and says
they are undoubtedly the most powerful
element OF protection this country can
possess. Medium sized cruisers, while valu-
able for the service they are fitted 10 per-
form, cannot be counted as an element eff
force when opposed to armored vessels.
The necessity for more torpedo boats is also
urgently set forth. Much space is devoted
to the personnel of the navy, promotion,
etc, and a nHmber OF recommendations are
made 18th the view Of the improvement Of
the service TO give personnel whose etf-
cheney is beyond question, and whose eXr ell
ieuce Is on the increase, not on the waue.
No country, says the Secretary, could afford
to keep up >uch a system and not antain a
body Of officers such as the line of the navy
will soon call for under existing conditions.
De recommends the adoption of the system
now in for ce in the army, and the Presi-
dent should be authorized to select from
tile grade of Captains the officer who, in his
graue above, and so On. The Sec
rotary wants the designation of grades
of Rear admiral and the Rear Admiral
numbers, pay and relative rank to remain
as at present. In regard to enlisted men the
Secretary recommends the number Of ap-
prentices be increased from $50 to 1900 For
emergencies afour-year- term of enlistment
should be adopted. Other recommendations
of last year are renewed. The naval militia
Is progressing we'll and now comprises an
effective organized force Of 100 men dis
tributed in six States. Other States will es-
tabiish organizations as soon as authorized
the Secretary, should be aided Ia every way.
The recommendation for the consolidation
of the revenue marine service with the navy
is renewed,