Manamatu Herald. SATURDAY, APRIL 9, 1898. America and Spain.

Manawatu Herald, 9 April 1898, Page 2

Manamatu Herald. SATURDAY, APRIL 9, 1898. America and Spain.

Tbe probability of a war between America and Spain appears almost unavoidable, owing to the feelings of the Spaniards being hurt by the speech of American legislators acd the writings of tho Press of the United States. America wants Cuba and will not ba happy until she gets it, and though perhaps Spain would just as leave be quit of such an expensive oolony the los 3of it would mean a heavy loss in prestige to Ibe ruling pow. r in that country, leading very likely to the loss of the crown. All this would Dot trouble our American cousins, who do not worry much about oiher people's feeling*, but s i;i a war with Spain would not be such a trifling matter as some of these who are crying out for war appear (o view it. The Spanish array on a p< ace footing consists of 100,000 men and on a war ' footing it can be raised to 480,000, with 510 guns. There is also a colonial force of 236,000 men. These soldiers have of late had much experience in Cuba and the Phillipine Islands and are therefore seasoned troops and awkward customers for raw levies raised by the United States. The Spanish Navy consists of 126 steam vessels, including seven ironclads, und are manned by 22,---000 sailors. The weakest point in the Spanish armament is the want of money, but such a crisis as a war entered on to preserve the honour of the country and to retain almost the last of the numerous dependencies belonging to the- ruler of the seas prior to the Armada, may unlock many a chest in the country, and money may be as willingly given as blood would be in such a glorious cause.

On the other side we have the wealth of the United States which could purchase at an early date all the men and ships she is lacking, but the business men -of the State 3 must be aware of the enormous loss their commerce would sustain during tbe time the Spanish were the most powerful on the seas. The army of the United States only numbers 2,169 officers and 24,869 men, and the Navy consists of five battleships, two armoured, 13 protected, and 10 unprotected crui3ers, 2 torpedo vessels and 5 torpedo boats. They have 6 battleships and 19 torpedo boats building. If these are being built in the States they will ba available in case of war, but; if in England or elsewhere a neutral Power would not allow them to proceed to sea. At thi3 moment the citizens of the United States will appreciate the foolishness of their representatives in refusing to join the European nations in abolishing the granting of le'ters of marque. What are known as letters of marque, are, where a license granted by a sovereign or supreme power ot a State to its citizens to make reprisals at sea on the subjects of another, under pretence of indemnification for injuries received — that is, a license to' engage in privateering. Already Spain has had applications for these letters and all the troublesome spirits of the world will rush for such work. Of course the Americans, who declined to accede to this agreement, may also issue letters of marque, but as they will only be at war with Spain who has not a largo merchant navy, the inducement to those who want the pillage which is the com mercial business of privateering, will be to join Spain so that the Yankee ships may become their prey. We trust no war will be declared, but should it be, we, while believing the United States must be successful ha the end, would not be surprised to. find the commencement of the fighting to be to her disadvantage.