The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1898-03-09

would regard with extreme disfavor the
transfer Of any British-huilt varships 10
any foreign country. The admiralty was
sayagely attacked today for permitting
Spain to take over two torpedo boats re-
Gently completed for her. Yet these boats
were only the partial filling of an order
from Spain given more than year ago.
when four torpedo catehers were contract
ed for from the Fairfield Shipbuildng
Company. 1t is proof Of the extreme ex-
igency Of SpaIns requirements that those
two completed torpedo catchers are ac-
cepted, notwithstanding that they failed
in speed trials and showed other defects
which there has not been time 10 mako
good. They were contracted for as 90
knot boats, but they only attained %.
The work on the remaining two boats IS
being strenuously pushed, but It cannot.
be completed under six weeks az the
earliest.
A dispatch to the Tribune from London
says: There has been a heavy fall in
consois, Americans and stocks Of all
kinds, in consequence OF disgusting ru-
mors from China, West Africa, Spain and
America with rumb,ing thunder all
f, around the sky. There were signs Of
alarm In every section Of the stock list,
American securities showing the greatest
weakness. All the startling rumors cur
rent last week OF Spanish preparations for
war have been revived One hears them
at every turn. but it is never practicable
TO find anyone in authority TO vouch for
them or allow his name 10 be used in
connection with them.
It Is again rumored that the Spanish
government has purchased six warships
in process of construction In England and
France for Chile and Brazil. including one
armored cruiser. TWO coast defense vessels
and three protected cruisers. The Span
ish embassy denies the story. but the ru-
NOR VIII net down.
Another report current IN military cir
cles ia that the Spanish government has
secured the control OF a large number OF
heavy guns and 4 considerable torpedo
equipment and other war material IN
England and France. This ru,nor cannot
be confirmed. but II is believed by some
well-infofmed experts 10 be true.
Information. which comes from sources
entitled 70 confidence. leads to the belief
that the Spanish government now has In
London the money required for completing
various purchases Of ships and guns How
or whence Il has been obtained may be
mystery, but the assumption that Spain
is prevented BY lack Of money from max
ing naval aad military preparations on
large scale IS not well founded.
An talk about American options for the
purchase OF warships has been premature
II Is not probable ;hat the Brazilian and
Chilean warships are IN the market FOR
American purchase. They could not be
even = the United States government were
"a make liberal offer Cor them. Spain
has secured them II they have been pur-
caase2bIe. The cniY vessels Ia Enelard.
Germany or elsewhere which could BE-
bougA; on any terms by tire United States
are those be,ng built fer China and japan.
and neither power has shown any wiling
aess 20 entertain offers for them. China
Is believed 70 have refused 20 consider
propositions made hy Spain for the pur.
chase - several ships Japan "a n hot
haste 70 strengthen her own feet. and
fresh ruuoEs of Russian aggression VII
10. cheek her arelor
According % the Paris correspondent O.
he Herald. the Spanish government has
given orders for The purchase OF rapid fire
guns % TIE Canet Tyre et fourteea ard SIX
teen csn,ims;eTs In France.
To CURE COLD ~ ONE DAY
Take Laxative Brorno oulnsne Tab.esA