The times., 1898-01-25

The presence of two German warships
in the port of Havana, and one lying
outside, has not been reported to the
Secretary of the Navy. There is, how
ever, no denial of the dispatch in The
Times this morning stating that the
vessels are there,
At the office of the Secretary of the
Navy is was stated that Germany keeps
squadron in the West Indies, and that
in all probability the three vessels be-
long to the squadron in which are the
Geier and the Charlotte, and which was
reported in that neighborhood about Il
month ago.
The department officials cannot con-
ceive of there being condition affect
ing German interests in Havana which
would justify the entry into the port of
vessels for purposes of observation or
protection. They profess to compare it
to the war scare" when the German
school ships cruised about Port au
Prince. although this was followed
promptly by the payment of the Hal
tian indemnity to Germany.
Nevertheless the opinion on the 9TH
er side is just as strong that the ves
sells have gone there to determine the
exact condition of affairs and the prob
ability of an outbreak which might
endanger German interests. 1t is not
the custom of the British or the Ger
man cruisers to await orders from
point 1000 miles away when they think
there is need for their presence at any
particular point. 1t mas been stated
on this point that If the English and
German representatives at Havana had
been in the position of Gen. Lee was
ten days ago, British cruiser or the
squadron of the Bermudas. or the
Charlotte, or the Geier would have
steamed Immediately for Havana, act
ed first and received taeir orders aft
erward
In the absence, however, of more def
mite information it is fair to presume
that the German vessels have gone to
Havana on information received from
the home government as to some ex-
pected outbreak, for it is as we'll known
in Germany as it is here that the mob
is only held in allegiance by the mill
tary and that bloody scenes and acts
may occur at any time in which no
nations rights will be respected. Ger
many's fleet is therefore In close call
The North Atlantic Squadron arrived
off Key West last night. This morn
ing at 9 O'Clock it was reported to have
picked up the Montgomery, the Maine
and the Detroit, which have been re-
garded as emergency vessels and sailed
away with them from Dry FOrtingas
for drilling and maneuvering exercises.
All that now remains at Key West is
two boats of the torpedo fiotiila. As
the Fern. the dispatch boat, is report
ed as accompanying the squadron. in
case of need for the ships, they must
await the news by means of the tor
pedo boats. The departure of the Fern
with the squadron was not expected,
as it has been stated that she would
either remain at Key West, or that a
swift cruiser would be left there to pro-
ceed to the fleet if anything serious
happened. The torpedo boats are
swift sailers however. and can be de-
pended on TO make good time. The
program has ben changed, but the adj
miral in charge was given full authori-
~ after the squadron left Hampton
Roads. AS at present contemplated
the vessels of the squadron will at no
time be farther from Key West than
four hours. i will require about four
and one-half hours for any one of them
to reach Havana from Key West. 1t
is evident, nevertheless, that as none
of the vessels are at Key West. should
anything happen at Havana there Will
be a loss of time, in notifying the fleet,
of between three and four hours.
The first informal ton the members Of
the House received OF the presence of
German warships at Havana was con-
yeyed to them by representative of
The Times. In relation to the attitude
of Germany, Mr.. De Almond of Mis-
souri, said:
Il cannot imagine why German war
vessels should be in the harb1- at la
vana. as l understand is said to be the
fact. while no United States warship is
in sight 1 can see many reasons for
the presence, however, in those waters
of American warships- Perhaps The
German government may have sent
some armored ships to Cuba to protect
German citizens. while our Govern
ment is content to commit our people to
the tender mercies of the Spaniards.
Mr.. Champ Clark of Missouri said
that he had had no opportunity OF eS-
amining into the facts. but that Ger
many is very much disposed to uphi ID
such a vigorous foreign policy that 1T
makes everyone have respect for her.
Mr.. Richardson of Tennessee said: Il
am not prepared to give an opinion as
TO the intentions of Germany and the
significance of her action, but / don't
srppose Germany intends to make any
demonstration against Spain.
Mr.. Cowherd of Missouri said: L
don't believe Germany will attempt 10