The Irish standard. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn. ;) 1886-1920, 1907-07-20

tions, which in 1905 was 1927 men,
while from some shops the men DESERT
ed in crowds. Even the education of the
American naval officers is not all that
i: should be. as would seem indicated
by the extraordinary increasing num-
Der of accidents to their vessels-a
number far exceeding any recorded by
European navies. The courts of in
quiry to investigate these mishaps al
most always find a verdict of "care-
lessness in navigation" or ,"culpable
incompetence in performance of duty"
''of gross neglect of duty etc.
| In the event of war these unfortu-
nate occurrences. which must be con-
| sidered an evidence of a deficient ma
val training. would be more common
and would render the situation more
serious. Notwithstanding the denials
of the American press. there is no
doubt that in number of the latest
ships the boilers have been found de-
fective. Even though these reports
be officially denied i'll order to quiet
public opinion, there is no doubt that
these alarming reports contain kerr
mel of truth. In the month of Novem-
Der, during the presence of President
Roosevelt With an Atlantic squadron,
a strike of firemen occurred. this in
| itself fh1.oV-irc ioh 10
fective discipline and real worth of the
American naval cruise. After all, the
ultimate value of fleet must be
judged by its behavior in war; truly
the American navy a few years ago
gave. good proof of it's potentiality.
Yet even then conditions were SO ia
conclusions gould not be drawn from
the result obtained. This argument
has been recently emphasized by one
in a position to judge, Admiral Dewey,
the conqueror of Manila. who short
time ago warned the government not
to place too much reliance upon the
| ouSNCSSCS Ill lllc opdlllSll wall. I1S tOI-
tended that they stood in no relation
to the wonderful achievements of the
navy in the civil war.
From all that has been submitted
we are justified. In sthe conclusion thai
the American naval forces are not or
the same high plane as those of Japan
|
logued did not offer Japan decided
advantage, her chances for sue
cessfu1 naval campaign would be con-
siderably enhanced by the existing di-
vision of the American forces and her
political constellation.
An active participation by England
the valuable prizes which Cuba and
Porto Rico would offer. The direct
steamer distance from Yokohama to
San Francisco is about twenty six
days; but even here an advantage is
offered to Japan, for after the second
third of the journey lies the island
| III 11dWdu, Sl6llI udyS ulSIdIll
from San Francisco. This territory
in 1900, contained population of
$4,000, of whom $1,000 were Japan
ese, $1,000 Chinese and only 1928
Americans. The American govern
ment has paid small heed to the de-
fense of these islands, the garrison
consisting Of only a few hundred
troops. The Hawaiian Islands offer a
peculiarly favorable base for opera
tions. for with their healthy, equable
climate; appropriate to the Japanese
is an additional advantage, i. e., a soil
suitable to the cultivation of rice in
considerable quantity, and finally, with
many good harbors and cable connec-
tions with Japan, as we'll as Califor-
MIA, all conditions would contribute to
Japan. An attempt at invasion would
also be aided by virtue Of the fact that
English territory Immediately adjoins
the Pacific coast states, and in the
event Of England's neutrality the Jap
oHese meet COulQ De COdleQ ana HnO
refuge in Canadian harbors. To a
certain degree the harbors of Mexico
to the south might offer similar op-
portunity.
It is therefore evident that Japan
in the event of a naval war with
America, especially if it should be
sudden in it's outbreak. would have
much in it's favor. America, on the
other hand, would; in the first two OF
three months, lose the Hawaiian ISL
ands, and it goes without saying. also
the Philippines. and would not be in a
position to prevent the appearance OF
a hostile fleet in California waters
Such a fleet could be- followed without
any great risk by fleet Of transports
Later on the Japanese fleet must con-
tend with the entire strength of the
Atlantic squadron. But in the mean
time Japan would have, abundant op.