The herald., 1918-02-07
= ONCERNING the reports that
the Azores had been utilized
by the United States as Il ma
val base, a writer in the Chi

III Inc ALDItS llaI bttl utillE'u
by the United States as a ma
val base, 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 ad-
mirablc rendezvous for our patrOlling
fleets and convenient port for AS
sembling military stores and troops.
Such 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
on the Atlantic and, located as they
nre 50 close to the trade routes be-
tween this country and southern Eu-
rope, ii 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.
20 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 a recent issue, Ii states: None
would be more important in point Of
geographical position and natural re-
sources than q naval repairing, fur
nishing and protecting station in the
Azores or Western islands and, IL nee
essary, for 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.
THE Azores occupy an area of 922
square miles. The archipelago COM
prises nine islands, Of which the chief
nre 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-
gucse 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
era, 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
j. never higher than SO degrees. An
era Is the only city on Terciera, and
has 1900 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
MS association.
The deepest, and some claim the
safest, anchorage is at vellas, be-
tween Piso and st. George. II Is
known as st. Georges channel. The
natives Of st. George are chiefly occu-
pied In raising cattle and manufactur-
Eng cheese for export.
Pico and FayaI.
ION Pico. across the channel, is the
symmetrical, cone-shaped peak, rising
TO a height of 1886 feet above sea
level. The climate here is unrivaled.
!. 1t is said to be one of the healthiest
Htpots 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
1S06. 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
llorta are anchored eleven submarine
cables with Joint central station for
the English. American and other CON-
panles.