The representative. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1893-1901, 1898-05-11

GERS and the methods by which they are
educated are, perhaps, as little known in
Europe as in our own country, says writer
in the Independent. Although Spain has
what might be termed IN elaborate system
of naval education, such a period has lapsed
since it has been engaged in war of any
magnitude that the actual ability of its
navy is an unknown quantity, although the
near future may demonstrate it very clearly
to America and the great powers. 1t is gen
orally admitted that the instruction in
Cuba, while long continued. has merely
shown the inability of it's military forces
and what is generally believed to be cor
ruption among the officers high in com
mand on the island The naval work has
been merely confined to a few engagements
of gunboats and iilibustars, and has been
really of no consequence, says the Omaha
Bee.
The reputation achieved by the Spanish
in the days Of the armada and in the con
flicts which distinguished the early part Of
the present century is familiar to every
reader of history, and it is the opinion o.
British and other naval officers that today
SPANS power lies principally in it's naval
representatives. Political influence, how
ever, has prevailed to a large extent in the
army and navy, as we'll as other depart
ments of the government but 1t has not
been widespread in the latter branch of
the service as in the other, and the Spanish
naval officer. while he has not received the
thorough training requisite for a commits
sion in our country or Great Britain, is still
fairly proficient, while, so far as courage
and natural advantages are concerned. ne
is perhaps equal to any Of his rank. At the
time the armada atloat the Spanish
sailors had no supefiors the world over, and
their skill in naval tactics at that time was
remarkable. The city Of Cartagena was
formerly one of the principal educational
centers but later Ferrol, near the north
western coast, became the site of this
branch. The young Spaniard receives his
primary education still at Ferrol, but, with
the exception of the engineering school, the
higher institutions are at Cadiz. The gradu
ates of the navy complete their course at
the academies of San CARO- and San Fer
nandino, where are located also smaller
schools of gunnery practice and torpedo
pr ctice, which form'what would be called
in this country postgraduate courses.
The Spanish naval cadet Is selected from
the upper classes. Sons Of officers in SER
vice or retired constitute the majority, al
though any one who is in proper physical
condition. a Roman Catholic and a Spanish
subject, is supposed to be eligible. Outside
the sons Of officers however one finds Crly
the children Of professional men in the list.
occasionally the family Of a tradesman be-
ing represented. This is far different from
the United States. where the members Of
the Annapolis naval academy come from
all walks Of life. AS the navy IS very Pop
ular with the people, there Is a great de-
mand fer entrance, and more applicants
than can be accommodated at the training
school. One reason Is that the army and
navy circles are as popular as in the Unit
ed States from social standpoint. and Of
ficers are everywhere received with the
utmost cordiality at festivities al d ether
society events. 1t Is a very pleasing lsfe to
be stationed at Madrid Cadiz or any Of the
larger cities, all Of which have a numerous
garrison, while all of the important Spanish
harbors in time of peace contain one or
more war ships the officers being allowed
ample time for reel cation on Shore. An
other reason Is that the number OF physt-
clans and legal practitioners is extremely
small In Spain and the opening for young
men in this respect is very limited. The
question of caste, such an important part
of the social system, deters the young
Spaniard from engaging in trade of any
kind unless he is in the mercantile class.
Even then many endeavor to avoid an
cupation, which the consider obnoxious, by
entering the service AS the pay of the Of
ficers is fairly good, and they are, of course
provided for at the expense Of the govern
ment, life on board ship and in a garrison
has many charms in times Of peace. Con-
sequently it is not strange that the officers,
class Of the Spanish people. and number
not few scions of nobility in their ranks.
The system of instruction should result in
a very high standard of ability in the navy.
Beginning with the training school, when
is on board an old war ship at Ferrol, which
students taught all the essential stud
les which would enable them to command a
vessel and become experts in the most Stra-
tegic tactics of modern naval warfare. The
primary instruction, which lasts from TWO
and half to three years. includes hydro
graphy. natural philosophy. math ematics,
fencing, drawing, gymnastics and the study
Of English or French at their option. Grad
yates of these studies enter The engineer
ing school or the academies at Cadiz the
former students taking special courses in
mechanics, dynamics, ETC., while The others
receive their diplomas after completing a
course in higher mathematics, navigati IN,
naval maneuverlng ana administration, ar
tillery tactics, and, as already stated, tor,
pedo practice. The finishing touches, as
they may be termed, are put en- by a
cruise at sea, varying from six months to a
year, after which holders Of diplomas are
given positions lieutenant OF some high
er Office.
The instruction In the various schools Is
IN charge of naval officers. appointed
through the minister of marine: most of
them rank as lieutenants in the service, al
though the training school at Ferrol, as
we'll as the academy of San Fernandino is
in charge OF retired commanders who have
sole charge OF the curciulum and outline the
educational policy. What is known as the
post captain is the executive head of each
school, who carries out this policy, the in
stuctors being under his orders. AS at An