New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-06-29
CROMER MAY BLOCK CAMARA.
BUT ENGLAND HESITATES TO REFUSE
PASSAGE TO THE FLEET.

London June 2S-Admral Camaras voyage
to Port Said has been regarded by naval e%-
perts here as a theatrical device for inducing
the Spanish people to believe that the Madrid
Government is not torpid. but capable Of doing
something. They have considered ii incredible
that he should have serious intentions OF going
10 Manila where he could only arrive without
coal and unprepared to meet Dewey with q fleet
we'll supplied and heavily reinforced from San
Francisco. The only theory on which 80 FOOL
hardy plan could be explained would be
secret intrigue between Germany and Spain by
which their fleets might act together, and this
supposition exceeds the bounds OF credibiity'
mysterious as the German Emperors ulterior
purposes in the Philippines may be Ihe
prompt announcement from Washington that an
American fleet is preparing to sail for spain is
regarded in naval circles here as convenient
pretext for the recall of Camara's squadron 10
home waters after grotesQue naval promenade
through the Mediterranean.
The question whether Camara will be allowed
10 pass through the Suez Canal is eagerly dis
cussed here There is nothing in the canal con
ventiOn or international law that stands IN ms
way and the tolls, while heavy. can be palo 10
the Suez company by financial arrangements IN
Paris Yet Lord Cromer could undoubtedly pre-
vent the passage Of the feet IL he were ordered
IL
methods Of harassing Camara and obstructing
the progress Of his squadron. for Lord Cromer
Will is supreme in Egypt The vessels could be
detained there If the London Government were
TO suggest the propriety Of such action. but II
is impossible for any in London 10 mo out
whether the American Government really wants
TO have Camara's feet stopped. and unless that
fact be established he may 60 on TO Mania
through the canal II he desires 10 do so.
The feeling among nava! men here is that the
American Government would do better TO inter-
pose no obstacles TO his progress, since II ne
perseveres he will run short OF coal break down
on the way and be in no condition FOR hghuhs
Dewey Meanwhile the American fleet VIII De
at liberty to set out for Spanish ports ana prlhB
the war TO a close. There is no evidence that
the Foreign ONCE has received any ihumauoh
that the American Government wants 20 have
the Spanish fleet stopped. Al any rate Cainara
can only have enough coal to take him back 10
Cartagena. His maneuvres are not regarded
here with seriousness. but are pronounced an
unexn4cted BIT OF comical bypay in the drama
Of war.
What nronootes more reflection here is the pro
drction OF artificial interests OF various KINDS
for ustifying the meddesome activity OF the
German Admiral at Manila by the discovery OF
some effective substitute for the murdered mis-
sionaries who were so useful at Kao-Chau
The stoppage Of Camaras fleet would be an
awkward precedent If the Americans themselves
should want TO use the Suez Canal The bri'ish
| Government will undoubtedly be pleased II no
pressure be brought 10 bear upon II for retaru-
ing the passage OF the squadron and II II be ie1t
| at liberty 20 enforce neutrality by ordinary
methods The British Government has been USE
! full to America In many ways during the present
war. but It has not given Spain any cause OF
| offence and has been steadily promoting Eng
lands ulterlor policies in any future naval war
1t has rendered It more difficult than ever Defore
for any belligerent to obtain coal In neu'ral
ports That is 70 the British Interest IL VIII
not Ike TO use its control over Egypt IN such d
way as 10 close the Suez Canal against war Ves-
sells A canal open to all fleets ana hasS Is an
! other British interest. !. - r