New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-04-12
THE NAVY INPATIENT.
ANXIOUS TO HAVE REVENGE FOX The
DESTRUCTION OF THE MAINE
OFFICERS AND MEN GENERALLY HOLD SPAIN
RESPONSIBLE FOR THE SLAUGHTER or
THEIR COMRADES MILITARY AND
u A LIONS.

RESPONSIBLE FOR THE SLAUGHTER or
THEIR COMRADES MILITARY AND
NAVAL. WAR PREPARATIONS
my TELEGRAPH TO THE TRIBUNE
Washington april 1.-THE most marked
characteristic in the Navy to-day was 'hat OF
Impotence over the delay which Is al"ged 10 d"
operating to the strategcal advantage OF op"i"
In enabling that nation to prepare us "arsh'p'
for service. while the American Navy, having al
rs fighting vessels on an actual war footing. has
everything 10 Sain by prompt and decisive Nv
ton II the International difficulties OF the TWO
countries have TO be left to the arbitrament or
force The Navy fears the effect on lts own per-
sonnet Of a false alarm. II has been led TO ex-
pect war as unavoidable. and its resources nave
been strained to the extreme limit 20 prepare
quickly for what it was assured was inevitable.
TIE service already in admirable state OF ei-
Nciency after more than generation OF peace
was speedily prepared to be put TO the supreme
test and the comprehensive mobilization was az
complished in a manner that si!enced the carp
ers and gratificd the enthusiasts
Then with the practical completion OF 'he
first stage OF naval activity. quickly 1oho"i"s
the satisfaction OF having commissioner '"e
greatest fleet ever possessed by the uh''e"
States came the elimination OF naval feehhs III
the destruction Of the Maine. The entire ser
trophe. the intensity Of ito excitement being
scarcely appreciate TO civilians. who looked on
the explosion as probably accidental Men who
had crC;sed IN the Maine or in other modern
ships knew. AS only experienced men can unoer
such circumstances that the ship had been de-
stroyed by unfriendly influences. Their famil-
iarity with all conditions convinced them that
foul play the only reasonable explanation
Of the unparalleled catastrophe, and the COM
bination Of circums tances surrounding the ship
produced a chain Of evidence stronger than
many upon which men have been hanged by due
legal process in the centres OF the highest
civilization. Even before the Court Of Inquiry
began Its work. this Irresistible inference had
swept away all doubts from the minds OF every
officer of note and confidential letters from men
on the ill-fated ship substantia:ed their opinion
most effectively within a week after the event
PREPARATION THE PARAMOUNT QUESTION
II is now eight weeks since the Maine and
most Of her crew were destroyed. and the Navy
10 a man chafes over the fear that there may be
no retribution for the perpetrators Through
out that long period its officers have maintained
silence and displayed in their obedience TO su-
periors most strikingly that esprit du corps for
which the American service has always been
famous.
There is apparently no likelihood that this at
titude toward the Commander in-Chef will be
modified. No evidence Of the slightest spirit Of
insubordnation' Is discoverable. but there does
not seem TO be a man left in the Navy for
that matter In the Army, who does not declare
most unequivocally that reparation for the
Maine and its crew is the paramount question
for the Nation to determine, ana that beside 1t
the entire Cuban matter is triviay insignificant.
1t is pointed out that the conditions in Cuba
hay for he subject tedious diplO-
matte clubbing. and that more OF the same pro-
cedure may be unavoidable. but the malicious
destruction Of National vessel on friendly
visit in unfriendly harbor. which has never
yet been submitted to the devious devices Of
diplomacy. ought to be settled by methods as
prompt and drastic those which accomplished
the horrible sacrifice. One is alleged TO have
always been wrapped up in questions OF policy.
while the other is purely a matter OF National
insult and deliberate affront 10 the American
lag. k.. kec
Aside from this general sentiment OF ven
geance which underlies the restrained atti-
tude Of naval officers the inactivity OF the vast
fleet ct Key West is declared be breeding
decentralization among its personnel It's officers
fully realizing that every days delay operates
10 make the eventful conflict. II there is TO be
a conflict. destructive and disastrous 10
all concerned Solely from a military view,
postponement Of hostilities will augment the
horrors Of war. and this means greater and un-
necessary sacrifices OF American blood. The
Navy is not actuated by any sentiment Of fear
over the result. but it's tacticans believe that
a quick stroke now would insure a short con-
Hict with less loss Of life 10 both contestants-a
result which, in their opinion, would be OF the
greatest benefit with the least injury to the
service and the country.
1t is fully determined that the declaration OF
the first call Of the President for volun-
teers VIII be the signal for nearly all the active
officers Of the Army and Navy to leave the bu
reaus Of the Navy and War departments In the
hands Of capable retired officers, while they
take their chances at the front. This decision
has been reached with reflection upon the
chiefs and their assistants Of line and staff
who are now duty at headquarters for most
OF them have proved almost Invaluable in their
positions but II has been made necessary by
the indispcsit.on OF officers Of all grades to re-
main away from the scenes Of actual operations
In case General Miles should insist upon taking
command Of the Army in the field II is now GER
tain that no one will fill his post in Washing
ton. although General schoield was considered
IN that connection until he pointed out the in
congruity OF the suggestion. General Miles. 1t
may be positively said will command the en-
tire military force Of the United States under
the Presidents directions wherever he may
choose to make his headquarters and there has
never been any intention OF putting any officer
retired or active. IN the position OF adviser TO
the President.
In the Navy Rear-Admiral Walker has been
called into the councils OF the highest author
ties and with the Strategy Board at the request
OF the ranking officers % the service on &C
count of his well-kaown judgment and ability
and he Will undoubtedly be consulted on every
,~co~,ao. question md his opinions will receive