Delaware gazette and state journal. (Wilmington, Del.) 1883-1902, 1891-04-02

however, that hostility with Italy would
be entirely naval, and that the burden of
the conflict would fall upon them. They
donot underrate the strength of the Italian
navy, but they know. as Il rule, her most
Formidable ships would be greatly handi-
capped IN war with the United States by
the distance from any possible base
of supplies and BY the shallow
water they would find along our coast.
The great draught of their armor-cads
wonld exclude them from the principal
harhors on the Atlantic coast as effectually
as the most powerful land Notifications.
II they were navigated by men thoroughly
acquainted with the soundings they could
IN many cases approach near enough TO
the shore to do considerable damage, but
they would be in danger from submarine
mines, with which the most exposed har.
bors have been already pretty well sup
Piled, as well as from the fire of such
shore batteries as are in existence and at
tack from eXtemporized torpedo-boats and
thee vessels of the United States navy,
which, being of lighter draught, could
Imaneurre where the Italians could not fol-
low them
THE ITALIAN NAVY.
The Italian navy in the efficiency of its
individual vessels has no superior in the
world. 1t consists of q armored vessels.
81 unarmored vessels, built and building,
N addition to 152 tirst-class torpedo boats.
inns is q formidable array especially as
nearly all the ships are new and embrace
tAe latest improvements in naval science.
some description of the most formidable
Of these vessels will be interesting at this
tline ana one OF the most noticeable fea-
lures will be sure to he their deep draught,
which is explained by their being intended
TO operate in deep European waters, no
idea having been entertained of their being
hn T,,tf
largest vessels are the Italia and the Lee
panto, monsters of Il, 800 tons displacement,
each carrying four Armstrong 100-ton
preach loading guns, in barbeths, pro-
teeted by 10 inches of compound armor, in
addition to number of four and six-inch
guns. These floating fortresses carry $50
tons Of coal and can steam nominally $500
Knots, IN which respect they far surpass
any other Italian ships, but they draw 81
!ieet inches OF water and would find nav
lgatlon near the Atlantic coast of the
United States extremely dangerous Next
to these come the Dandolo and Duilio,
vessels of over 1000 tons displacement,
with batteries Of four 100-ton guns and
slx-lnch rapid-iire guns These vessels
carry 1000 tons of coal and can steam but
$3.50 miles, which would practically rem
der them useless on this side of the ATTAIN
established Their '' y f ssa'i0n dra %spf
would pretty. thoroughly keep them
out of the American harbors Three
more formidable ships are the
Andrea Doria, Francisco Morosini and
kuggiero di LAURA, vessels of Ii 900 tons
displacement each carrying four more
OF the l0O-ton Armstrong guns, with
numerous small guns. These vessels
can steam $500 miles without recoal-
ing, but as they draw nearly % feet Of
water, most American harbors would be
closed to them, as they would be also to
the. re umberto, l3,250-ton vessel, draw
ing - feet, inches and carrying four 67-
ton guns. The Italians have gone in for
heavy guns and thick armor more heavily
than any other nation, and in the battle
shlpsabove enumerated they have mounted
more l0O-toD guns than all other nations
combined. The value of these guns is
problematical, however, as many Of them
have never been fired with service charges
and would probably be disabled after
rev rounds. A few rounds from them
might be very effective, however
The unarmored vessels Of the Italian
navy embrace cruisers of all sizes and
types, most Of them modern and efficient
vessels. of these the Piemonte, a Q, 5OD-ton
cruiser, holds the record as the fastest YES
sci atioat, having trial record of over % |
knots an hour. She has battery of six
-inch rapid-fire guns, with a large num- |
..
She can steam 1900 knots without recoal |
ing. The other cruisers are not remark |
able, except that most of them carry rather |
small coal supplies and cannot operate far |
from home. This lack of coal endurance |
8 the one weak point in the Italian navy,
which is designed primarily for operations
n the Mediterranean sea, and is essentially
! navy of defence rather than offence. Il
s very seldom indeed that an Italian man
lt-.war has been seen outside the Straits of
and there is considerable doubt
Imong naval officers in the United States
bout the ability of Italian officers and
rews to handle their vessels effectively OIL
ong and rough cruises.
ROME, April THE tenor of Baron
'ava's note to Mr. Blaine is that what
tally asked and still asks is the Federal
oyernments guarantee that regular legal
will be taken against the cul-
rits in the New Orleans Iynching and
nat the Federal government will admit in
rlnclple its obligation to pay an indem-
ity to the families of the victims.
The note adds that Italy cannot and is
ot called upon to discuss American insti-
ltions but must urge upon the Federal
overnment the observation of the princi-
les Of International law. Italy hopes that
le Federal government will appreciate
he obligation incumbent upon it as a gov
of a civilized country to accede to
aly Just demands. If this should not
g the case the kings minister must. by
der OF his government, declare that he
its post where his legitimate action as
le kings representative has proved
etficacious.
1t is believed that unless Baron Faya
ceiyes favorable reply within week
will leave Washington for this city.
WASHINGTON SUGGESTION.
WASHINGTON, April 1.-The Post saws
here was some talk last ui1bt arntn, j