The Anaconda standard. [volume] (Anaconda, Mont.) 1889-1970, 1898-04-21
SPAIN'S NAVAL STRATEGY.
English Authorities Don't Think Much
of II.

Wv
of II.
New York. April 20.-The impending
war is the sole topic of conversation
here. says the London correspondent of
the World. To whatever complex mo-
tive IL may he due, the u~ndeniable fact
is hat English feeling has been to the
end dead against war.
John Burns last night said emphati-
cally: Il am firmly convinced tina
even at this 18th hour war could be
averted IL Great Britain used her inhu-
ence with the continental powers to
bring pressure which might be made
irresistible on Spain to grant conces-
sions which would satisfy America. My
sympathies are with the United States.
but | am totally opposed to war. though
] a understand and appreciate the
feeling for IL by the American people"
This was the burden of the comments
generally made. though the other mem
bers of parliament are averse to further
interference at either Madrid or wash
ington.
Sir JOIN Columb. "a conservative MEM
Der OF parliament and a retired naval
officer. author OF many important
works on naval questions. said; Il am
very doubtful Of the strategic knowl-
edge and ability of the Spanish naval
commanders. They are brave men and
sV'e boN oot = 6fi'bto w ot
surprised IL their strategy proves en-
tirely defective, as ] don think they
have had any training. BY the best
reports they have locked up their fleet
at Cape Verde. but / fancy that they
have not been quite so foolish as that.
and their ships will next be heard of a
good deal westward of those stands.
They must know that Americas plan
of campaign will be to deliver an at
tack on Cuba within "a hours after the
declaration of war"
Are the Canary islands and Cape
Verde islands strongly fortified"
They have some modern earthworks
there, but these should suffice, as no
admiral would be justified In risking
his ships against any modern earth
works armed with moderately good
modern guns. Besides. ! have always
suspected that France has a lien on
the Canaries. h has immense finan-
cial interests I'm Spain for which l am
inclined to believe the Canaries are
securities. 1 don't believe the United
states navy will operate so far away
as the Canaries. and ! can't think IL
would be good tactics for them to do
so."
Captain Phjlpot. a member of parlia-
ment and "A retired naval officer who
served with distinction I'm many parts
of the world. said: 1T is difficult To
form an opinion of the strategic plans
of SPANS navay commanders. On the
date available l don believe their con-
centration at Cape Verde has any other
object than awaiting favorable weather
To convoy a torpedo flotilla across the
Atlantic. 1t is a very ticklish job to
get torpedo destroyers across, and we
are now Just at the end of the equinox
tial gales. But l believe they VIII be
heard of Cuba one OF these mornings.
I served i'm the West Indies and know
Cuba. and In my opinion that by far
the most formidable antagonist the
United States is likely To encounter is
yellow fever The efficiency of the
Spanish fleet is at a point | would not
like to speak upon All l can say is
thai IL remains To be proved"
William Allen. IA member of parlia-
ment. said: Under new conditions,
naval warfare will be the deciding fac
tor in my opinion-not seamanship but
steamship.
Naval captains who m thorough
ly understand the machinery of their
ships will come off badly I'm future ma
val engagements. Every one Is inter-
ested in naval matters and is watching
this war with the keenest curiosity.
The American navy will give the first
reliable illustration OF working under
conditions Of the highest efficiency of
the mAlern engines of marine war
fare"
Mr.. Dalzel said last night that he had
handed i'm notice of the following ques-
ton for Thursday to Arthur Balfour:
whether he is aware that the torpedo
unboa Audaz. the property of the
Spanish government, is now undergo
ing repairs at the docks I'm Cork. and
whether instructions will Immediately
be issued to the customs authorities
that in the event OF war being declared
before her pair are completed she
be Detained"
The British government may be trust
ed to lake effectual measures to pre-
vent a repetition of the Alabama affair.