The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1897-08-21
Imaginary Story of
a War with Japan.
The Relative Strength of the American
and Japanese Navies Thus Compared by a
Naval Expert.
From the st. Louis Globe-Democrat

the American eagle rouses the men to
arms. Across the continent huge guns
are being whirled by the several rall-
roads, and upon their arrival on the
Pacific coast they will be hastily plac-
ed in position to defend the cities IN
danger of attack. The vessels compos-
ing the North Atlantic squadron have
long since started for the Pacific. APP
pretending danger. the administration
issued orders some weeks ago to the
fleet under Rear Admiral Sicard, direct
ing him to proceed at once to the Pacific
station and to Join with the squadron
under Admiral Miller in defending the
union. A message received at the navy
department from the United States
minister at Valparaiso, Chilli, announc-
es that the fleet was reported by q
Chilian man-of-war as having passed
off that port three days before the dec
laration of war and should now be well
along toward Acapulco, where further
orders are awaiting 1t. In accordance
with those directions Rear Admiral ST.
card will first combine with Rear Ad-
milar Miller, and the united fleets will
then seek and attack the japanese
squadron.
For months 1t has been evident to the
keen observer that climax was soon
to come in the strained relations be-
tween the United States and Japan,
growing out Of the dissatisfaction of the
latter country with the tariff enacted
by congress, which she claimed dis
criminated against her productions,and
with the action Of this government in
annexing Hawaii and refusing to con-
slider Japan's claim for damages against
the island republic, which as claimed
this government ought to~satisfy. In
addition, it might be added that Japan,
having demonstrated her supremacy in
Eastern affairs by humbling antiquat-
ed China, felt herself fully able to cope
with a civilized nation. Besides the
glory that would come to her from de-
feating the United States, she would be
in a position to arrogate to herself the
title and all that might attach to the
dignity of the ruler of the Pacific.
So far as her dreams were concerned
she would secure Hawaii as a result of
war with this country, and as a part
of the spoils of a successful war could
demand and annex Alaska.
THE CAsUs BELLI.
All Of these influences actuated her
In taking the step to bring about war
The casus belli consisted in an unwar-
ranted attack by four of her cruisers
upon the United States steamships
Philadelphia and the old time Mar
ion, which were stationed at Honolulu
to protect American interests. With
out moments warning the four ships
OF Japan promptly swept down upon
the two ships and demanded their sur
render. The commanded of the Mar
ion wisely struck her flag. but Rear
Admiral Miller, who was on board the
Philadelphia at the time, hesitated
and for a purpose. Fortunately, the
cruiser was just ready to leave Honol-
ulu to engage in target practice.
Steam was up and the ammunition was
in readiness for service. Just as soon
as the message was received demand
ing the surrender of the ship the crew
was quitely mustered to general quar-
ters; and before signal was made de-
clining to surrender the order was
passed to load. The silent but suspect
ed activity on the American was view
ed with distrust by the Japanese. An
instant later the chain to her ground
ed anchor slipped overheard with a
L Il,
under the impulse of her opened throt-
ties, pushed quickly ahead. At the
same moment defiant yell burst from
her decks and her guns on the star
board side sent forth a destructive
salvo, and wild cheer of Joy followed
when it was found that one of the
japanese cruisers had suffered mortally
from the fire. The Japanese ships re-
ed after the American man-of- war;
but the latter, taking advantage of her
position and first maneuver, was soon
steaming out of the harbor at a rapid
pace. A running fight followed but
the Philadelphia escaped serious in
jury, and proving to be the swifter,
slowly dropped her pursuers astern.
BY nightfall she was fifteen miles
ahead OF the foremost japanese vessel
and firing had long since ceased. All
night the Philadelphia was pushed
and the next morning all hands were
delighted to see in the offing the battle
ship Oregon, the Olympia, recently re-
turned from Japan, the cruisers Bal
timore and Charleston and the coast
defense ship Monterey. Fearing that
the entire japanese navy might be
assembled off Hawaii Rear Admiral
Miller determined not to engage until
he had been Joined by the fleet under
the command OF Rear Admiral Sicard
He therefore returned to the coast of
California to defend 1t in case the Jap
anese ships should attempt an attack
PREPARATIONS.
In the meantime the navy department
was Fastening work on vessels under
construction and those undergoing re-
pairs Torpedo boats were turned on
as rapidly as possible, shipped over
land, and fioated in the waters O.
San Francisco Bay, where they wert
promptly placed in commission. TIL,
monitors on the Atlantic coast wer,
retained there to defend 1t in case o
attack; but no manoeuver OF that KIND
was expected, as 1t was known tina
the japanese fleet was now off tn,
Hawaiian Islands awaiting re-en
forcements from home. when IT wa,
purposed to seek the United States
ships OF war; Evidently the Japanes
were not in sufficient force as yet [,
attack the vessels now under Rear Ad
miral Miller's command, or they woulC
have moved extensively before the pres
ent.
Preparations were now made for Civ
Ing battle to the japanese feet. Store
were taken aboard; the supply of pow
der ana proJectiles was increased L
the maximum; and the officers an.
men were given their final instruction
as to their duties in action. When al
was in readiness, Rear Admiral Mile
divided the force into two divisions
2 with Rear Admiral Sicard in. comman,
of one of them, This formation wa
to be retained until the enemy SHOULD
be sighted, when Rear Admiral Mile