The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1894-01-29

Russia, some Of the French look at current
statistics from different point Of view, In
order TO stimulate activity on their side OF
the Channel Thus NJ. BERT1N. Director OF
the Higher School OF Naval Engineering,
finds that France and Russia combined have
only ~ modern cruisers, OF Iii, 900 aggregate
tonnage. against Englands 81 cruisers, with
$4,000. Should the Triple Alliance join her
against France and Russia, 1t would add 81
cruisers Of nearly 100000 tons. In either
case France and Russia would be greatly
overmatched, although France. on account
OF the quality OF her 10 cruisers, would have
better chance against the Triple Alliance
single handed Russia and England remain
Ing neutral. But the value OF such calcula-
tions is small. because battle ships and
torpedo boats are factors tbpt could not be
left ont OF the reckoning In hostillties.
More worthy OF consideration, perhaps.
Ia n comparison OF ono OF the leading Rus
sian journals. which gave Great Britain
last month ~ battle ships. armored cruisers,
&c. OF $40, $40 tons and 2.447 guns, against
1O4 French and Russian ships OF analogous
types, OF COZ. III tons and 2,is4 guns. or adj
ditions at that time ordered. IL gave Great
Britain three ships OF ALSO tons and 122
guns. and to France aud Russia 10 ships Of
1885, 800 tons and G3l guns. Tho allies would
therefore have n superiority OF Al ships,
12S. Dol tons, and 24G guns on that Calcula-
ton. But here also the actual efficiency Is
not expressed by numbers. tonnage, and
aggregate pieces in the batteries.
What Is very clear is that British senti-
ment has been aroused to the necessity Of
ho
three splendid 15OOO-ton battle ships, OF
which the wel-named Magnificent. begun at
Chatham last month. Is the pioneer. with
the Majestic to be laid down at Portsmouth.
and third at Pembroke. it is believed that
Ave more will DO constructed making
eight in all. These will cost about $1,000
600 each. Then come the Powerful and
Terrible, the former to he built at Barrow
and the latter at Clydebank. the largest,
swiftest. and most effective cruisers In Inc
world. OF a new type OF station gunboats,
known as the Linnet class. four may be
built. while the twenty torpedo-boat de-
stroyers Of the Havock class, already or
dered, will be augmented by dozen.
There can be no question that England is
wise In thus defending her naval supremacy.
1t means not only the maintenance OF her
prestige and pride as a nation and the con-
tinuance Of the traditions Of centuries. but
the preservation OF that enormous mercan-
tile marine and that prodigious commerce
which form one Of the marvels OF modern
times. It means the retention OF her grasp
on distant colonies. and. above all. the pres
ervaton OF her little group OF islands from
the dangers Of invasion or OF a blockade
that would bring starvation and surrender.
Besides. In keeping up her naval strength
she avoids the need OF the tremendous mill
tary establishment which her great neigh.
bors are forced to maintain. Her provision
OF possible coalition against her and her
steps to be prepared for 1t are not to be con-
sldered as the outcome OF a panic, but should
be regarded rs the fruit Of a sound public
Judgment taught by experience. Our own
Government may well learn lesson In OBJ
serving England S far-reaching naval policy