The record-union., 1898-02-26
DESTRUCTION OF THE
BATTLESH|P maine.


eign countries. In general way, these
methods of redress have included de-
mands for indemnity, proelamations eE-
cluding the warships of the offending
nation from our harbors, display Ct
force, non-intercouse, withdrawal Of
our Minister, reprisal and blockade.
Some of these steps border very closely
on war, although they are regarded as
the movements just preliminary to ac-
tual hostilities, and as amounting TO
threat that force viii follow if repara-
ton is not made.
The case of the Water Witch is con-
sidered to be the most analogous to
that of the Maine, should it be estab-
lished that the Maine disaster was not
the result of an accident The Water
Witch was a United States ship en-
gagged in 1855 III surveying the en-
trance to one of the rivers OF Paraguay.
Without warning, and by orders of
President Lopez of Paraguay, a force
of troops opened fire on the Water
and wounGing others. Intense feeling
was aroused in the United States when
the facts became known. The Presi-
dent reported the facts to Congress,
and in his message asked authority to
make a demonstration of force which
would insure suitable redress In re-
sponse to this Congress authorized him
ito use such force as is necessary to
secure ample reparation. Accordingly,
an armed fleet was hastily assembled
on scale which was regarded as re-
markable for those days. The expe-
dition included nineteen armed ships,
twenty five heavv guns and $500 sail
ors and marines. Acc mpanying this
formidable outfit a pepis
pctentiaries prepared to make the de-
mands of the Government, and then
enforce them by calling osl the armed
ships. The expedition male formid-
able showing in the S3uth American
waters, and President J 39ezs Govern
ment was awed into eonlplete su &C.
tion by its presence. The American
received at Ascension with much hon
or, and every reparation within the
power of the republic was given. This
included abject apology. a sweeping
disayowal, and $4,000 for the suffer
ers from the outrage. AS the repub-
lie was willing to grant full reparation,
the naval expedition did not exert the
force it was prepared to use in case a
refusal had been offered.
When the facts Of the expedition were
reported to the American Congress, the
President stated that the dispatch of
this formidable naval fleet had had a
salutary influence throughout the
world, and had convinced foreign ma
tions that the United States would pro-
the force at its command.
The case of the firing on the United
States ship Chesapeake by the British
ship Leopard is another case affording
precedent as to the Governments mode
of action. The Chesapeake was pro-
ceeding to sea, when she was hailed by
the commander of the Leopard, with
demand that British deserters, said to
be in the hold of the Chesapeake, be
surrendered. The American comman-
der refused TO comply, whereupon the
Leopard first fired shot across the
bow of the Chesapeake, and followed
this with two broadsides. The American
commander was severely wounded,
three sailors were killed outright, and
many were wounded Being unpre-
pared for action, It being a time of
peace, the American commander hauled
down his colors and surrendered
Tremendous excitement prevailed in
President Madison speedily issued
proclamation excl"ding from American
ports all British warships. He also
caused energetic protests and demands
to be presented At London. The Brit
ish authorities promptly dlsayowed the
action, recalled the Admiral under
whom the outrage had been perpetrat-
ed, and without request rendered in
demnity sufficient to support the wives
and families of all those who had been
killed and wounded.
In a later case the American ship
Promefhus was fred upon in the har-
Dor of Greytown. The ship had de-
chned to pay excessive port charges inn
posed by the King of Mosquito, then
controlling the country under British
protectorate. The King called upon
the British warship Express to sustain
his demands, and the Express prompt
! y sent a broadside into the Promethus
There We're no persons killed. but the
United States made prompt demand
| FOR reparation The British Govern
ment gave this in the fullest manner
and without question, disavowing the
| act and condemning the officer Of the
| Express.
| Displays of force We're resorted TO by
| the United States in 1852 against Ja-
pan. and in 1853 against Java. In the
| case Of Japan. American sailors had
! been severely handled in one of the
ports, ard the native courts failed -
give adequate redress. A naval expe-
dition was sent to Japanese waters, and
this had the effect of securing the full
est apology, and also an agreement by
| which every protection was gilarantcai