River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1918-01-24

~ ONCERNING the reports that
the Azores had been utilized
by the United States as a ma
val base, a writer in the Chi
cagO Examiner says:
''These islands lie in the Atlantic
ocean, 800 miles off the coast Of Portu-
gal. Situated well to the south of the
main transatlantic ship routes to Eng
land and France, they afford an adj
mirable rendezvous for our patrOlling
fleets and a convenient port for as
Sembling military stores and troops.
Such a base for ships to'prevent the
wholesale destruction of navigation
and for the protection of neutral as
well as allied shipping should be as
welcome to Portugal as to the other
allied countries.
Powerful wireless stations on the
islands keep in touch with shipping
on the Atlantic and, located as they
are so close to the trade routes be-
tween this country and southern Eu-
rope, it is quite probable that the is
lands have been rendered safe from u
boat attacks and that our allies are
using them as base of operations.
80 Observador, Lisbon, has con-
stantly advocated the creation of ma
val police and protecting stations in
the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian
oceans. In urging this course of ac-
ton, in recent issue, it states: None
would be more important in point of
geographical position and natural re-
sources than a naval repairing, fur
nishing and protecting station in the
Azores or Western islands and, if nee
essary, for a relay point for American
forces crossing the Atlantic. Some
understanding already ought to have
been had between Portugal, England
and Ann flea
Harbor Facilities Not Very Good.
''The Azores occupy an area of 922
square miles. The archipelago COM
prises nine islands, of which the chief
are st. Michael, in the Southeastern
group; Terciera, Graciosa, Saint
George, Fayal and Pico, in the Central
group. In 1911 the population of the
islands was 242,613, mainly of Portu-
guese origin.
''The islands at present do not af-
ford the best of harbor facilities.
Those, however, that may be avail
able have potential possibilities that
should not greatly tax the ingenuity
of our engineers.
zone of the best harbors is at An
gra, on the island of Terciera. How
ever, the islands afford other advan-
tages that would make them an excel
lent base. The climate is mild and
snow seldom seen. The temperature
is never higher than Sc degrees. An
gra is the only city on Terciera, and
has 10000 population. 1t affords many
diversions and its inhabitants of every
class are notably deferential and hos
pitable. Here there are three social
clubs, an athletic club and lawn ten
mis- association.
"The deepest, and some claim the
safest, anchorage is at Vellas, be-
tween Piso and ST. George. 1t is
known as ST. Georges channel. The
natives of st. George are chiefly occu-
pied in raising cattle and manufacture
ing cheese for export.
Pico and FayaI.
"On PicO, across the channel, is the
symmetrical, coneShaped peak, rising
to a height of 1865 feet above sea
level. The climate here is unrivaled.
1t is said to be one of the healthiest
spots in the world, absolutely free
from marshes or stagnant water.
"Fayal is perhaps best known to
American tourists. Here the first
Azorean and fourth consulate of the
United States was established in
1906. Here the first American resi-
dence was built by John b. Dabney,
the first consul. The harbor at Horta,
Fayal, is the most spacious in the
Azores. By improving the breakwater
here an excellent port would be af-
forded to vessels of our fleet. At
Horta are anchored eleven submarine
cables with a joint central station for
the English, American and other COM
panies.
"AS a relay point for troops the
Azores would meet almost every re-
Quirement. The climate is equable;
access easy, abundant streams for
water supply; fertile soil and within
two days sailing of the continent.
"That the Azoreans would give our
troops and ships cordial welcome is
unquestioned. Friendly relations be-
tween the United States and the
Azoreans date back to the War of 1912
wh6a the Armstrong was beached on
the Gland.
During the Civil war the Tuscarora
and Kearsarge were stationed there,