The morning call., 1893-01-30
CROSSROADS OF THE PACIFIC.


also bring dispatch from Minister Stevens
or Consul General Severance.
1t was also expected that the commander
Of the Boston would transmit TO the Navy
Department some detailed report of his
vigorous action. but nothing has been re-
eeived and the inference is that detailed
reports from these officials are on the way
by mail.
Prepa; atiOns are going on for the immedi-
ate dispatch of Rear Admiral Skerrett with
the Mohican to Honolulu, to be followed later
by the Ranger, Adams and possibly the
Thetis. the only available war-ships on the
Pacific Coast. This means, and the author
tiles do not deny it, though they are re-
luetant to give information on the subject,
that all available forces will be used to
enforce the Monroe doctrine and to rlan-
tain and strengthen the advantages the
United States now have IN the rivalry
between this country and Great Britain for
supremacy in Hawaii.
For the present the Administration will
have to be content with a small contingent
OF wooden craft, under the command of
Rear Admiral Skerrett, in the harbor Of
Honoulu. The Mohican Is expected to
sail early in the week. and wi be followed
by the Ranger and Adams as soon as they
can be made ready, probably within a fort
night.
Extra efforts will be made 10 get the new
seacoast defense vessel the Monterey. in
condition for sea service, not so much with
view 10 service in tie Sandwich Islands,
but in order that there may be at least one
formidable war vessel for the defense of
San Francisco, in the absence Of other
ships Ii necessity arises. however, she
would be brought into service at Honolulu,
Notwithstanding that her bunkers carry
only 245 tons OF coal-10O tons less than
necessary to steam across to Honolulu at
her most economical speed OF eight knots
per hour-it would be entirely practicable
to carry an additional amount on her decks,
and in this way, or by the assistance of
convoy, make the journey in perfect safety.
The unfinished condition of her turrets
would make her practically useless in an
engagement with any other man-of-war.
Hence the only object in sending her to
Honolulu would be as a means of keeping
peace on the islands.
Further action in the way of naval pre-
parations will be governed by the move
ments of Great Britain. just at the present
time no one here pretends to know what
will develop from that quarter. Every body
says the failure TO recognize the new Cow
ernment by the English Ministry is slgnifi-
cant, and all agree that she has a longing
for the control OF the paradise OF the Ia
cfc.
No opinion Is advanced as to what action
she will take In the premises. Her every
movement will be watched with suspicion
by the officials in Washington, especially
with regard to her vessels in the Pacific.
Through our Consuls in all the Pacific ports
II will be an easy matter to keep the Gov
ernment advised of The location and move
ments of all the British men-of- war. As a
rule, these officials do not report the arrival
and departure of war vessels in their re-
spective ports. but they may receive orders
to keep the State epartment advised of the
going and coming of British vessels pend
ing the excitement over Hawaii.
According to the Information of the Navy
Department no British vessel has been in
Honolulu harb0r since the early part of De-
cember, when the gunboat Daphne put in
her appearance. She sailed few days
afterward for the FIJI Islands. AS far as
known no other British vessel is within
20O0 miles of that port, though flom the
way English vessels have of turning up at
the right places at the right time. no sur
prise would be felt il the next steamer to
arrive at San Francisco would bring intelli-
gence Of the presence Of several vessels in
Honolulu barbor
AT last accounts her Majesty's Pacific
squadron was stationed as follows: The
flagship Warspite, off the Chilean coast;
the Melpomene and Pheasant at Coauimbo,
the Nymple aud Hyacinth at Esquimalt,
TIE Garnet at Acapulco ana the G, pion
at Callao
The future movements of these vessels
will doubtless have an important bearing
on future orders 10 our naval commanders.
1t is rather late now to turn Rear-Admiral
Gherardi. with the San Francisco. Balti-
more, Charleston ana Yorktown. back to
the Pacific Coast. yet this is probably what
would happen If any sign of an English
demonstration at Hawaii should crop up.
1t ia not generally believed in official
circles here that Great Britain contemilates
any forcible interference in Hawaiian af-
fairs ut the present time. and all that is re-
quired to prevent any attempt In future is
for the United States to take firm stand al
once. AT the same time regret is expressed
Ou an oiute, anu Especially ulHUHe hd'dl
people. over our helpless condition in the
way of naval forces in the Pacific. Our Pa
cihc and Asiatic squadrons combined num-
ber only dozen vessels. and not new one
among them except the little gunb9at
Petrol and the unfinished Monterey.
The English flotlas in these TWO stations
aggregate double tha. number. Many OF
these vessels are modern armored cruisers
and gunboats.
This condition OF affairs ought to have q
good effect in the matter Of appropriations
for new ships this session. and probably
will, judging from the talk among Con-
gressmen since the reception of the intelli-
! gence yesterday from Honolulu. 1t will
| also have wholesome effect upon the
question Of an appropriation for the Ha