Omaha daily bee., 1903-04-05
1 ooMP1RTsON or NAVIEs.

\ COMPARISON OF NAVIES.
The recent talk respecting the COM
parative strength and fighting qualities
of the German and American navies
can have no useful result, its tendency
being to create a feeling, at least in the
naval circles of the two countries, not
promotive of good win and friendly re-
lations. 1t is admitted that Admiral
Dewey was indiscreet in what he said
in d-isparagement of the German navy,
vet his utterance hardly gave warrant
for the Incorporate references to the
American navy on the part Of German
newspapers and some authorities in
that country on naval affairs. Amer
leans can well afford to regard as anus
ing most of the German references to
our navy, but it appears that in naval
circles at Washington they have ex-
cited some Indignation. 1t is stated
that but for the strict regulations for
bidding officers Of the navy to talk on
such matters for publication, the Wash
ington correspondents could send out
some highly sensational interviews re-
garding the view taken there of the
expressions Of German opinion. These
officers are said to be anxious to show
in a public way their resentment, but
have been cautioned not to talk for pub
lication.
The fact is that there is no very mate
rial difference in the relative sea power
of the United States and Germany. The
latest statement of the Navy depart
ment, compiled on December / last,
shows that the United States is supe-
rior in point Of total tonnage of ships
and Germany is ahead In the number
of vessels built and building. This
statement of course did not take into
account the FIVE new vessels author
lied by the last congress, which if in
cluded makes u navy outrank that
Of Germany in the matter Of battle
ships. The United States has 100 yes.
sells built, embracing a tonnage of 27s,.
259; A vessels are building whose ag.
gregate tonnage is 30O,4S4. Germany
has a total Of 225 vessels, with an ag.
gregate tonnage of 4S3,428, divided as
follows: Built, 2O5, with a tonnage OF
3S2, 715; building, 20, with a tonnage Of
100, 713. The total vessels in our navy
counting those building, are 1853, with
an aggregate of SIS, 743 tons. Captain
Sigsbee, chief of the Office Of naval in
telligence, officially declares that tn.
United States stands third in nava
strength, arriving at this conclusion BY
considering as auxiliaries and not al
actual fighting craft the ~light-armoret
cruisers, protected and unprotected
cruisers, %gunboats, torpedo boat de
stroyers and torpedo boats. In point O
battleships now available, however
the United States stands fifth.
AS to the relative efficiency of Ger
man and American seamen, particular,
In the matter of craftsmanship, it 4
not to be doubted that the latter ar,
superior. It is true that the American
gunners did not make a s~atisfactor,
showing during the Caribbean sea ma
neuvers, but the Germans showed ex
ceedingly poor craftsmanship In firm
on the Venezuelan forts, being far SUI
|, passed by the British gunners. o
/ course the average American believe
that u navy is vastly superior in ight
ing quality to that OF Germany an,
would be an easy victor in war, bu
} we should have a very much harde
task than we had with Spain. At al
| events. 1t is to be hoped there will neve
) be a trial of strength and prowess b,
tween the navies of the United State
: and Germany.