The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1896-01-12

Three Cheers for DIR. jameson Given
i'm a Theater-The Naval Fleet.

y
i'm n Theater-The Naval Fleet.
copyrighted. 1896. by the Associated Press)
LONDON, Jan. 1L-Great Britain is SER
iously and steadily preparing for war on a
very large scale at sea and on land against
Germany. against Germany. France and
Russia, should they combine against her.
Emperor William threw down the gaunt-
let, it was promptly picked up and ener-
getic steps were Immediately taken by the
British government to back up this action
by most imposing display Of sea power.
Under these circumstances, 1t is almost un-
necessary to add that the exciting political
events of the past week eclipsed all other
topics in the public mind and crowded the
Venezuelan question almost out Of recoi-
lection. This fact, however, is merely due
to the better Feeling prevailing here in
favor of gracefully surrendering the whole
matter to the arbitration of a permanent
court OF appeals 10 be established between
Great Britain and the United States for
the settlement of all such questions. or If
there Is no other way out of il, allowing
the United States to settle the matter in her
own way. When Great Britain is arming
Tor a struggle. possibly against Germany.
diton or subtraction OF a few miles more
or less of South American soil to the Brit
ish empire is a matter decidedly not worth
The activity in the admiralty, War Of
fce and other offices called upon TO take
part in the war preparations, is really re-
markable, and London is overrun with Of
fcers on the retired list or otherwise who
are desirous Of drawing sword in defense OF
the empire. The rapidity in which the
various naval stations are commissioning
warships, large and small, for active SER
vice, is pointed to with great pride. The
Portsmouth authorities explain that the
war ships from the dock yard, which are
being promptly got ready TO join the fly
ing squadron. are but three out of a to-
tai twenty-eight In the feet resArve, whicn
short notice.
The gravity of the situation may be esti-
mated from the fact that ii is asserted that
never before in the history OF nations has
there been witnessed so powerful a naval
armament as will be assembled in these
against Germany or against the combined
powers of Europe The fleet being made
ready for battle will be composed exclusive
ly or the very fastest and newest British
war ships afioat. and will be ready for sea
on Tuesday next. and the entire channel
squadron. commanded by Rear Admiral Wal
ter L: Kerr, with the flagship Majestic. a
frst-class battle snip OF 1890 tons. viii
assemble off Portland on Jan. IL. TAs
flying SQUADRON which is to be ready TO-
sea next Tuesday, also reinforced by six
of the latest built torpedo boat destroyers
will assemble for final orders off Splthead
%amaa TIE e pse to Of Rss se
flying squadron is generally approved. His
nag captain. on the flagship Revenge.
h@t-LidSo Ddt0t snip OL it,io0 TOTS. VIII be
captain. the Honorable Aseton G. Gurzon-
Howe.
In connection with the prevailing war
spirit here. IL is stated that the Queen
has expressed the desire that the Rrftfse
army and navy officers. In future shout
wear their uniforms only. putting ava
their civilian clothes for the present. Ike
the officers OF the other European powers
who are rarely seen I'm civilian dress. even
when on leave OF absence.
1t is difficult to give a complete idea
OF how completely the generally uner7o-
tioEal Brtishers are imbued with the war
spirit. how at every public assemblare
this week there has been some little inci-
dent or allusion which has provoked
tumult OF enthusiasm. For instance at the
Olympic Theater the other night. a scene
depicts the last stand OF Major Wilson
and his little band OF British troops in
Mata5eleland in 1894 when. surrounded by
three thousand natives, they fought for
three hours. In depicting the exciting
event. actually part of the history OF the
Mataiole war, engineered by DIR. Jameson,
occur the lines: "Englishmen are not won't
10 wait when the lives OF their countrymen
are In danger" Hardly was this phrase
uttered when there was cry from Henry
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