Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1915-05-06
ARGENTINE PRIDE
SPURNS BIG PROFIT
Refuses Offer of $17, 100000
For New DreddnOught Moreno.
NATIONS AT WAR WANT 1T.

Greece, Peaceful, Made Largest Bid
Against Many Other Countries-Ac-
QUESTION of Vessel Would Have Given
Her Big Naval Advantage Over
Turkey.
New YORK. = Argentinas patriotic
pride in her new super-Dreadnought
Moreno, which sailed recently from
Newport News, is strong.
Not even profit of about $6,0O0,O00
in cash could induce the South Ameri-
can republic to sell this warship, one of
the largest afioat, which was built at
Camden, N. j. The offer was made by
Greece through an agent in this city,
acting on instructions Of the Greek
minister in Paris, whose government
was willing to pay f3,500,000 for the
American built vessel. The cost to Ar
gentina for the construction of the No
reno was about $12,000O0O
Greece, however, was not the only
country that made bids for the immedi-
ate transfer Of the warship for none
tary considerations that would net Ar
gentina a large profit.
Italy, it is understood, is anxious to
add the great sea fighting machine to
it's navy, although her offer was not as
large as that made by the Athens gov
ernment.
The first intimation that negotia tons
had been in progress mentioned Russia
as the bidder. but the fact of Russia's
inability to use the navy she now has
eliminated that country as one of the
nations that coveted the Moreno.
Eyes, there have been offers for the
sale of the Moreno" said Manuel A.
Molina, acting Argentine consul in
New York Il am not sure which
countries made the bids, but | know
that all of them were rejected by my
government"
The fact that Greece, not yet en-
broiled in the European conflict, was
the highest bidder for the new sea
fighter confirms a recent statement
that the Hellenic power has been max
ing pretentious military preparations
which included the purchase of the
United States warships Idaho and Mis-
sissippi for 100000 and are now fol-
lowed by the further offer of about
SIT, 100000 for the Moreno to add to
her ready made navy.
Greece has also bought about 100000
tons of coal in this country and
large quantity Of hospital supplies, be-
sides ammunition. The further fact
that Greece was able to pay $12,00O,
600 in cash for the two American YES
sells and was ready to pay the amount
bid for the Moreno also indicates a
favorable condition of the Greek eX-
chequer or the readiness of friendly
power to advance the necessary
money.
The New York agent to whom the
Greek minister at Paris intrusted the
important mission is in close social
and commercial relations with Argen-
tina. but the government at Buenos
Aires refused to consider even the
f1attering offer that would mean
profit of SO per cent of the battleships
cost
The prospective purchaser or pur-
chasers were encouraged in their ne
gotiatiOns by the controversy that de-
veloped between the Argentine gov
ernment and the New York Shipbuild
ing company, which built the Moreno,
over the payment for extra work.
which delayed the delivery.
The acquisition of this vessel of 27,-
500 tons displacement and speed Of
221a knots by the Greek navy in case
of a conflict with her ancient and
natural enemy, Turkey. would be Of
great Importance and would give that
country greatly superior naval
strength over that possessed by Tur-
key.
Argentina has proudly rejected the
great inducement, and the Moreno will
continue to fly the blue and white
flag. The transport Chaco of the Ar
gentine navy brought the crew for the
Moreno and is now at Philadelphia
The Chaco will follow the super-Dread-
nought south.