The age-herald., 1898-01-16

From the St. Louis Globe-Democrat.
 To firmly maintain the dignity, honor of the country and flag in distant countries, to protect lives and property of citizens abroad, to create profound and favorable impressions with autocratlc and oriental rulers, a strong and efficient navy Is na- tional necessity.
 Nothing is more effective in settling vital questions of peace or war than well-ap- pointed squadron of vessels, ready to act at the word of command, as many Euro pean power can testify. The signal "Clear decks for action" has far more salutary effect upon the speedy solution of knotty dispute than a volume of subtle diplomatic tactics.
 To emphasize the value of a respectable naval force it is not necessary to wait upon declaration of war. When patrolling the seas in times of profound peace, men-of- war have their missions to perform in maintaining law and order in the distant corners of the globe, and their duties will never cease while nations flourish and mans ambition to rule exists.
 Although the United States navy has never ranked as important factor in comparison with European establishments, as a strong right arm of the government it has on numerous occasions asserted it's power. securing reparation and apologies due the nations honor.
 A few incidents connected with the un- written history of the navy, episodes em- bodied in modest official reports. buried in the deep obscurity of the navy department, or carefully guarded by the discreet cen- sorship of statecraft, will suffice to illus trate the fact that the peoples money is not aimlessly expended in creating and maintaining vessels of war, or that the cruisers carrying our flag abroad are mere useless apendages, pleasure crafts, utilized for the benefit of the privileged and ex- elusive set of individuals maintained at the public expense.
 During the years 1899 to 1872 the Neapol- itan government, under Joseph Bonaparte and Murat, had confiscated numerous American merchant ships and cargoeS un- der one pretext another, with con- temptuous disregard of law and justice. It was a matter of might makes right, , with knowledge that the young republic had little or no means of redress or pro- lection to proffer the defenseless vessels sailing under the newborn flag.
 With the advent of Andrew Jackson, as president, in 1929, the claim against the Kingdom of Naples amounted to $1, ,734, 900, which that insignificant power continued to ignore with undisguised contempt. A deputation of merchants, irrespective of politics, waited upon the stern old soldier, laying before him a concise statement cov- ering their losses and grievances in regard to their transactions with Naples. The president noted carefully the points made by the deputation, his gray eyes lighting up with characteristic snap as he swept the papers into drawer, assuring his callers that their claim should receive the attention it deserved from the adminis- tration.
 The Delaware. "A, was the flag ship of the Mediterranean station at the time, Commodore William M. Crane flying his broad pennant from her mast head. But his term of service had expired, and the presi- dent designated Commodore D. T. Patter- son as his successor. He was an old and tried friend of Jackson, having co-operated with the soldier in the memorable battle of New Orleans. On tha occasion, Patterson, from his flag ship Louisiana, sustained @ cannonade of seven hours, expending 500 round shot from his well-served battery of sixteen guns. The president knew the calibre of the man selected for the duty he had in view, and when the final instruc- tions were given to act In concert with the Hon. John Nelson, the lately appointed minister. he felt assured that the long de- layed claim would be speedily adjusted, to the complete satisfaction of the interested parties.
 The force under Patterson's comand con- sisted in addition to the Delaware, of the frigates United States and Brandywine, forty-four guns each, and the John Adams and Concord, sloops of war. In order not to precipitate matters too hastily, the com modore instructed the commanding officers to appear in Neapolitan waters, one at a time, with an interval of two days between each arrival. -sa-
 The Delaware. having the minister on hoard cd Mir Nelson 1oeiDp m time in renewing demands for settlement of the claim, meeting with a prompt and emphatic refusal. The minister retired on board the flag ship, while Patterson walked the quarter deck in excellent good hr.slor, waiting patiently for his plans to mature Inside of forty-eight hours the frigate United States was reported entering the harbor, and as her chain rumbled through the hawse pipe the envoy presented him. self at the government house. reiterating his claim in behalf of the citizens of his country. Again he was compeled to retire discomf1ted but with unruffied composure took his departure. imparting to the com .