New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-03-22
COLI. Is hINE.


The rreat British fleet in Asiatc waters Is
impressive. and causes no little hesitation "hch
other nations realize with what effect 1t might
resist their schemes regarding China. Yet the
gathering of the powerful fleet is less important
in fact than another Item which aflracts hot
much attention. The British Government has
taken care TO buy up all the supplies or coal IN
that region except those controlled by Japan 1t
Is even stated that coal-carryng vessels about 10
arrive are intercepted far ont ut sea. and their
cargoes purchased at fancy prices in order to
maintain the control OF Great Britain over tie
entire available supplies in Eastern waters ~
is possible that other Powers begin TO Under
stand by this time that powerful fleets IN dis
tant waters can be rendered absolutely useless
and helpless by lack Of fuel In modern Gays
even the hosting Of the shot into the gun re-
quircs steam. Whether Russian or French or
German navles in the East can accomplish any
thing will depend. not upon the weight OF guns
or thickness Of armor or bravery OF men or
skill of officers but upon ability to get coai.
The United States has begun to consider the
same subject. For possible needs in tho cur
Of Mexico and in Cuban waters great coal
station is TO be completed IA rapidly as pos
sible at Tortugas, and TO enable merchantmen
as well as armed vessels coming from south
America TO avoid the long trip around Cuba
another supply in some Of the small Islands TO
the southeastward is proposed. SO long as the
United States had no occasion TO contemplate
the possibility Of war such preparations were
neglected, just completion Of vessels and guns
and drydocls was neglected. The consequence
Is that the Nation has TO buy vessels and am
munltion at high prices in other countries, ana
must quickly make provision for supplying us
own vessels with coal nj points OF need, rs Great
Britain has been doing in all parts or me world
for many years. II costs something ut any tlme
10 make such provisions to meet an emergency,
but much more when the work has to be done
without delay, and by contractors who are
ready to take advantage Of their opportunities.
If there should be war n Spanish Navy in
American waters would be fearfully handi-
capped by difficulty OF obtaining supplies OF
fucl. For any serious attempt on Northern or
Central ports Of this country supplies would be
required greater than any except few yes
sells of the Spanish Navy can bring with them
across the ocean. Considerable supplies are
usually purchased by Spain from Great Brit
min and sent 10 Havana but II is likely that in
the event Of war the harbor Of Havana would
be practically closed against all Spanish vessels
within few days. Merchant vessels bringing
supplies to a Spanish feet would be liable TO
seizure, and the fleet itself, II attended across
the Atlantic by coalcarrylng vessels would
find It vastly more difficult TO defend them than
to defend itself. Under what conditions and
limitations supplies can be purchased by armed
vessels in neutral ports. such as those OF Great
Britain in the West Indies. would depend upon
constructions Of international law which the
British officials would not be likely to strain, ut
any rate in favor of Spain. But in any case
supplies 30 obtained would be most made
quate reliance for n hostile feet operating
against American ports or navles.
1t Is possible that the question Of coal sup
ply may go far 10 determine whether there
shall be war or peace in Chinese waters, ard
also in American. Russia will hardly venture
upon any course which would be liable to ex-
pose every vessel that nation has In the East
TO the danger Of becoming powerless. defence
less. and at the mercy Of Japan When Span
ish statesmen study the coal question they also
may find reason for modifying materially any
plans they may have formed. For a modern
vessel that cannot keep up steam cannot get
anywhere nor fight where she les