The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1898-04-06

ROVER as Spain, except such
SEIZURE or destruction OF merchant
shipping as might occur mostly In dis
tant waters. This WOULD indeed, involve
much loss to individuals. But little over
tenth OF the imports by water into
the United States and exports by water
from the United States was last year in
american vessels II Is not a fact in
which Americans can take pride. But
IL shows how small part or the for
eign trade is liable 20 interruption II the
further fact is considered that only about
a sixth OF the tonnage OF the. United
states merchant marine Is employed In
foreign trade, most OF II being In lake.
river, coastwise and fishery service. and
that Of the foreign trade a large pro-
portion was by ferriage or short trips
from Canada, or from British Columbia
on the Pacific Coast, or from Mexican
ports on the Pacific or in the Gulf.
These considerations reduce TO a very
small proportion OF foreign commerce the
part which Is liable to interference by
hostile vessels. But respecting the part
remaining the coastwise trade and the
possible injury TO ports along the sea-
coast, other facts have TO be reckoned.
Spain cannot keep afoat along this coast,
thousands OF miles away from supplies
OF coal, any considerable number OF YES
sells engaged in preying upon our COM
merce or threatening our seaports. For
such a purpose its vessels could not get
supplies OF fuel from British Of other
neutral ports nor could any privateers
fitted out by Spaniards. and from Spain
ish ports In the West Indies both would
be practically excluded by our armed YES
sells unless they were concentrated in a
strong feet, against which forces could
10 IL. ,fu IL Nd
destruction. 1t Is therefore pertinent TO
consider what object would be gained by
a hostile vessel sent on such cruise far
from a base OF supplies. The capture OF
sundry merchant vessels would offer no
return OF consequence, because there Is
no ready port into which prizes could be
taken for sale, nor could an armed vessel
afford 10 load itself down with the goods
from merchant vessels in order TO carry
them across the Atlantic. To destroy a
vessel and cargo would bring no reward
whatever for the long and costly voyage,
nor would It lessen in the least the fight
ing power or disposition OF the United
States.
What would be gained by sending a YES
sci TO destroy ill-fortihed towns along the
coast? After the cost Of crossing the
Atlantic and OF the voyage OF a thousand
miles or more from Porto Rico. hostile
ship presents itself before town along
the coast. 1t can shell and destroy, with
no possible gain to the cause OF Spain,
but in 50 doing would set at work wires
all along the coast and start out vessels
Of all sorts TO concentrate In that region.
Its chance OF escape would become prac-
tically nothing II it should repeat the per-
Torrance a little further up or down the
coast, and II II runs off into the Atlantic
far enough to elude discovery and then
turns back TO repeat the inrcad II ex-
hausts its supply Of coal for day or
two more. which cannot be reduced below
the quantity required for a thousand
miles or more without leaving the ves-
sci helpless and at the mercy Of any foe.
II IS always possible that for hope Of
gain or advantage men will take desper-
ate chances, but who would wish TO risk
a vessel. and the cost OF a voyage across
the ocean. and HIS own life besides, with
out chance Of gain or advantage? II the
Spanish government could with hope OF
success attack any port Of importance 1t
might accomplish something In the way
Of vengeance, If not OF gain. But what
port of that character could be attacked,
and its defences overcome. and its bust
ness laid under contribution. before q
powerful fleet OF vessels could be sum-
moned by wire from other seaports for
punishment? IL would risk the destruc-
ton Of any fleet at the command OF
Spain 10 betray It's presence anvwhera
along the coast a thousand miles away
rom spanish coal ya,us. lie 4.us..y..
whether Spain has feet that IL wishes
to risk on such venture, leaving its
West India possessions undefended, IS
one which will be studied with a great
deal OF seriousness by the Spanish gov
eminent before any vessels are ordered
on such an errand.-New York Tribune.