New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-05-17

lay of Mghterage and. including ports In Brit
ish Columbia. some intermediate Islands ana
the Australaslan Archipelago. they enable BTU
ish fleets to traverse the Pacific without de-
pendence for supplies on other nations. The
ports south OF the United States. along the west
ern coast Of Mexico Central and South America.
are nearly all comparatively exposed TO the
sea in rough weather or destitute of adequate
depth at wharves for large vessels. and tho
delay OF transfer by lighters IS grave objec-
tion In time OF war; with wires traversine
the coast to give notice to hostile fleets such
a delay might be fatal TO any vessel.
Men Of foresight long ago made earnest ef-
forts to secure for the United States ample sup
plies in the Pacific Ocean through control OF
island stations. The ports controlled by this
country on the Pacific Coast are by far the best
from British Columbia TO the South Pole. The
entire frendlness Of the Hawaiian Government
for many years. the existence Of treaties pre-
venting the occupation Of the Hawaiian Islands
by European Powers and the prospect that In
time they would become part OF United States
territory have most naturally delayed costly
measures for the opening. dredging equipment
and fertilization OF the coallng station which.
under treaty with the Hawaiian Government.
the United States has been authorized to oc-
cupy and concentration OF forces and means
of defence at Honolulu would probably best
serve all purposes in case Of annexation. But
there has been no such excuse for failure to ac-
Quirc some other coalng stations which could
have been secured at any time with trhng ex-
pcnse. and the cost OF that nggardy refusal
during all these past years OF plenty ana pros
perity may now he greater than many Imagine.
There Is yet time to repair past errors and
TO fortlfy the United States In Pacific waters
80 strongly that other Power except Great
Britain can hope to offer serious competition
In that quarter. The capture Of Manila Bay,
one Of the best ports In the world for n great
naval station, and in all Asiatic waters perhaps
the best located, should be followed without
delay BY sufficient land occupation and fortify-
Ing Of the entrance to hold II safely In any con-
tlngency without the retention there OF pow
crful fleet The vessels there set nj liberty can
promptly occupy other points Of vantage in the
Pacific Ocean, particularly those Caroline and
I.adrone islands held by Spain on which suit
able harbors for permanent stations can he Sc
lectcd When the war ends. whatever else the
United States may desire TO retain or not 10 re-
tain II should be In position 10 hold rs pcrma-
nent possessions such harbors rs may provide
for its commerce places OF refuge and reiitting
in that part Of tho Pacific Ocean. Friendly ar
rangcmcnt with Japan. II Is probable, would
easily secure for this Nation a similar port In
the Northern Pacific, that the commerce OF
the United States would he rs we'll guarded rs
that Of Great Britain. The frlendlincss Of these
two great nations. controlling nearly the who'll"
Of the worlds supply OF good coal for naval
use and almost two-thlrds Of the worlds sup
ply OF all coal. and with wellselocted ports for
It's distribution. would then mean great deal 10
the future peace Of the world not In Pacific
waters only.