SEA POWER.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2270, 15 August 1908, Page 2

SEA POWER.

WHAT IT MEANS. In ail able article on tho Meaning of Sea Power, the “New Zealand Herald” states:—One cannot look at the American battleship fleet, or think of its cost, or realise all that it means, without understanding that it is quite impossible for any one Power to conveniently hold the seas against all others. It is quite true that England did this a hundred years ago, and it is quite possible that England might do the same a hundred years lienee—but only, as before, by the steady elimination of the weaker and the survival of the conqueror. And since there must be other Sea Powers than that of Britain, since Germany and France and Russia in- Europe, with Japan and China in Asia, and with Chili and Brazil and Argentina in South America, are building great navies and constructing great' battleships, it is entirely re-assuring that the English-speaking Republic is doing the same. For after all, “Republic” aiul “Empire” aro only terms,as “King” and “President” are only methods, and differing flags distinguishing marks. Under our differing political organisations, under our varied flags, wo seek together the same things—liberty with order, freedom within the law, and full citizenship for every individual in the State. British and American work together for these racial purposes, and tho battleship fleets which prevents outsiders from interfering with either of them, in very truth savo and protect them both.

FLEET JOTTINGS. A curious fact is that tho sailors who are Americans by birth mostly come from tho inland States, only a very small proportion having been drawn from the States that have a sea frontage. “Half of our men aro good riders,’’ s»id an officer of one

of the battleships. “They hire liors'og when they get a chance and ride the tails off them. Tlie bluejackets in your navy don’t know much about horses, but we can make our men into mounted infantry if necessary. Wo did that one time, and they just did all right.” The Americans have not demonstrated their riding capabilities in Auckland, but a number of them got possession of two large motor-cars and did wild things. The British bluejackets, in spite of expectations to the contrary, do not seem to fraternise with the Americans to any great extent. Men from the two fleets are seldom seen together. Some bluejackets from one of the British cruisers tried to enter an hotel bar occupied by American seamon. The police had to interfere, and close the bar on account of the disturbances that resulted. There is a little danger in the fact that some of tho Americans apart from tho pa/ trols carry revolvers. American money is to ho found' all over Auckland. The men of tlie fleet were paid in English coin, a sum of £BO,OOO being drawn from tho Bank of New Zealand for that purpose, hut many of the Americans had American money with them. The shops and hotels accept it readily, the basis of exchange being four shillings to tho dollar. A shopkeeper showed a reporter about £4O worth of American silver dollars, gild pieces, and. paper money, taken within a- few hours. ' . . - • 1

The fleet’s itinerary beyond the Philippines has not yet been fixed. On October 10th tlie vessels leave Manila for Yokohama, which they roach on the 17th. A week’s stay is contemplated, and the first squadron then returns, while 'lie ‘.ecoud goes to Amoy for five days before reaching Manila. Battle practice will occupy some time there, but how long is not yet known. ' “A distinct characteristic of our ships is cleanliness,” said an of tho Louisiana to -.a reporter. Tlie guns from the Colt’s automatic, firing 460 shots a minute, to the huge 12-inch weapons mounted fore and aft in pairs, and commanding all points of the compass, are all burnished up until they glitter. The big guns have all their pet names. One of tho largest class has been called the “Peacemaker,” and others have appropriate titles. “We paint out ships white, so as to show,up any dirt,” said the officer, “and cleanliness is the keynote of the American navy. Everything is scraped clean if it cannot be managed , otherwise, and the men are made t 0 keep everything .absolutely free from dirt.”