The Monticellonian., 1918-01-25
N ONCERNING the reports that
 the Azores had been utilized by the United States as na- % val base. q writer in the Chi

by the United States as q na-
 val base, a writer in the Chi eago Examiner says:
 "These islands lie in the Atlantie ocean, 500 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 ad- mirable rendezvous for our patrolling fleets and 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 Flu rope, 1t Is quite probable that the is. lands have been rendered safe from U- boat attacks and that our allies are using them as q base of operations.
 70 Observation, Lisbon, has con stantly advocated the creation of na= val police and protecting stations i'll the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian oceans. In urging this course of ac- ton, in a recent issue. it states: None would be more important in point of geographical position and natural re sources than 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 America
 Harbor Facilities Not Very Good.
 .aThe 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.
 .0ne 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 S6 degrees. An gra is the only city on Terciera, and has 12,000 population. It 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 his association.
 "The deepest, and some claim the safest, anchorage Is at Vellas, be- tween PisO and St. George. It is known as St. Georges channel. The natives of St. George are chiefly occu- pied ill raising cattle and manufactur- ing cheese for export.
 Pico and Fayai.
 "On Pico, across the channel, is the symmetrical. cone-shaped peak. rising to height of 7.S65 feet above sea level. The climate here is unrivaled. It 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- denee was built by John B. Dabney, the first consul. The harbor Ut 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.