New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-03-05
SPAIN BUYING WARSHIPS.
PURCHASING CRUISERS BUILDING IN
ENGLAND FOR BRAZIL

MuSrr1oN-spASIsH RESOURCES MYs-
rERY-A FLEET FOR CUBAN WATERS
London. March 4.-Spain has purchased two
cruisers which the Armstrong; have been build
ing for Brazil. the Amazonas and sister
ship. unnamed. OF 1000 tons each. % knots, and
10 guns.
Spain Is also negotiating for and will prob
ably secure two cruisers OF a similar type which
have been building in France for Brazil
The Amazonas is ready for launching and her
sister ship will be ready shortly
The Spanish Government Is also endeavortng
to secure guns and large supplies Of ammuni-
ton In England and on the Continent for I'M
mediate use.
The Government OF Spain seems to have
funds for II is understood to be paying large
part Of the purchase money in cash. giving
good security for the balance. these being the
only terms upon which the Armstrong; would
deal with It,
Some weeks ago Spain attempted to purchase
ships and supplies In England on credit from
prominent firms having close relations with
the Government here, but after inquiries the
firms refused to give credit. Since then Spain
has raised funds from unknown sources
Diplomats in London express the belief that
ernmcnt.
II Is known that Spain is trying to purchase
three other ships which are being built by the
Armstrong;. but she has not yet succeeded in
making a bargain. consequently there is still
time IL the United States wishes to forestall
her.
The United States could also forestall Spain In
the purchase oil other ships building in English
and Continental dockyards.
While Chill denies that any OF the ships or
dered for that country are for sale It is be-
lieved by naval constructors that Chilfs best
cruiser the OHiggins which IL just finished
could be purchased.
A letter Just received here from Madrid says
it is definitely reported there that a fresh Span
sh squadron destined for Cuba is being or
ganized at Cadiz It consists OF four ironclads-
the Carlos V. Pelayo Alfonso XIII and another
several gunbOats and a transatlantic steamer
Active work is also proceeding upon the tor
pedo- boat destroyers Prosperina Audaz and
Osada, and upon the torpedo-boats Hafana,
Retamoso and Barcelo, which form the second
torpedo-boat fotilla which Spain is sending to
Cuba.
Sehor Salvador de Mendonca. Minister from
Brazil the United States. came to this city yes
terday to attend the dinner TO Mr. Bryan. the
Minister from this country 10 Brazil. when
asked II he knew anything about the reported
purchase Of Brazilian warships by Spain. he said;
Il have received no information In the matter
and cannot say whether the dispatch is true or
not. know. however. that Brazil Is building
several vessels In England. The Armstrong;
have the contract. II there has been any such
sale as the cablegram says. IT has been conducted
between the Spanish Government and the Brazil,
ian Minister at. Madrid. | would hear notnins OF
IT, | only know what the newspapers say.
Senior Mendoncd added with a smile: 1T is naro
sometimes to believe all that one sees IN the
American newspapers They enterprising
The Armstrong; have been building three cruiser
for Brazl-the AmaZonas, the Barrozo ana the
new cruiser, named. They are sister ships
built Of steel sheathed and are or $500 tons as
! placement and 800 indicated horsepower Ihese
vessels are $50 feet long, have 43 feet inches beam
draw Is feet 10 inches. and nave twin propellei >
over their gun positions they nave AZ incnes vi
armor and their deck plating Is inches tnlck'
| The cruisers carry six 6-inch quick-hring guns.
| i-pounder guns and four small rapid-fre guns
Thev have three torpedo tubes. Their speed Is es-
timSted at 20 knots. and they carry 700 tons Oh
coal , ,u,, o.. p.uu
at la Seyne are two fine armored vessels or steel
| the Marshal Deodoro and the Marshal rlorlano
both of 1862 tons dis placement ana 34O0 morse power
Thev re 26T feet inches long, have 4s feet beam
! and draw l3 feet inches Both OF these veSseis S
have two propelers and are TO steam 10 knots They
| carry 236 tons OF coal and have crew or No lner
! each Their armored belts are OF Harveylzed
stoei r3s inches thick and over their gun posi-
,,ors thev have 7s to s4 inches OF HaryeyiZed steer
| Their deck plating Is li2 inches thick Inc arma
men ic guns two 5e-lnch Howitzers. four 47-inch
nn,ck airing guns four s-pounders, two l.pounders
! and two small rapid-fre guns They nave t"o
torpedo-tubes