The San Francisco Call. Newspaper, March 27, 1904, Page 12

THE SAN FRANCISCO SUNDAY CALL L Cruising Stations. HE United States its assigns orce to five geographi- and it is interest- that their official varied little in ears. It is true #hat the desig- s have but n time to time been some old names, familiar words, have disap- that executive his the navy, of all not ventured. ut effectively all the duties protection, explor- our armed forces are assembled on the following stations F the North Atlantic; second, the Pacific; third, the Euro- the South Atlantic, and fatic aits of the North Atlantic ex- the east coast of North the forty-fifth degree of e, or to about the meri- Grand Banks, and from any indefinite north latitude to the equator, and thence in a diagonal line westward &long the northeastern coast of South rst, ca to America. Within this area, but not under its control, are the navy yards of Portsmouth, N. H.; Boston, New York, League Island, Norfolk, Charles- ton, S. C., and Pensacola, and the naval stations at Newport, New London, Beaufort, Key West and Algiers, La. In addition there are various coal de- potg, one notably on Narragansett Bay, and another on the Dry Tortugas. It is curiomus to note here, as an obiter dictum, that the actual location of each Eastern navy yard has a title quite different from its official designation. Portsmouth Yard is in Kittery, Me.; Boston Yard is in Charleston; New York Navy Yard is in Brooklyn; Nor- folk Navy Yard is in Gosport, a suburb of Portsmouth, Va., and Pensacola Yard is in Warrington. The Pacific station includes the Pa- fic coasts of North and South Amer- ica. North of the equator it extends «# MISGUIDED PI O persons interested in the teach- ings of the late Swaml Vivekan- anda and his brothers, I would say that students have better oppertunities for studying the Vedanta as interpreted by them here in this coyntry than they could have in India. The order there cannot receive guests nor give time as teachers to foreigners. They are actively busy in different parts of the country, working where famine, plague or trouble make their services needed, and it is to be re- membered that Sannyatins in India n charity. charity as they receive from their own people would not make life irable to any Western man or A strip of cotton cloth, a handful of rice, cooked or uncooked, with broken bits of food begged from door to door, and sometimes requiring @ half day to secure sufficient for = meal—this is not the kind of life to make a stranger unacquainted with the customs and languages of that great country happy or even grateful. ur NCLE = JAM to 170 degrees west longtitude and south to some point not specially desig- nated in consequence of the extension of the Asiatic station, after the war with Spain. Within its limits are lo- cated the navy yards at Bremerton, Wash., and Mare Island, Cal., and the coal depots at Pichilinque, in Lower California, at Tutuila, Samoa, and at Hawaii, together with a naval station on the island of that name. The European station embraces the coasts of Europe, the Mediterranean on both shores and the African coast as far south as St. Paul de Loando; thence diagonally westward to the junction of the equator and the forty- fifth degree of west longitude, this meridian separating it from the North Atlantic. Formerly there was a store- house within' these limits, and a soft berth it afforded, but it has been aban- doned. The South Atlantic station begins at the southern limits of the Buropean and embraces all the Atlantic coasts of Africa and Bouth America and ex- tends to the seventieth degree of east longitude, north to the equator—that is, beyond and around the Cape of Good Hope. The Asiatic station takes in the east coast of Africa (excluding the waters of the South Atlantic), the Indian Ocean, China Seas and the Pacific Ocean east of 170 degrees west. In this area are situated the navy yards at Cavite, Manila, the station at Subig Bay and the storehouse and hospital in Yokohama, Japan. Roughly speak- ing, its waters include nearly one-half of the naval cruising area, thus shar- ing with the Pacific in a close equal- ity about twelve-sixteenths of the zones subjected to naval protection. Of the remainder South America has about two-sixteenths and the North Atlantic and European about one-six- teenth each. Rejecting the water spaces of the world not of necessity subjected to the visits of war ves- sels, more than one hundred millions of square miles demand the protection of the navies. If official reports be ac- cepted our contribution to this police duty is inadequate in size and illogical in composition. y By Mrs. Ole Bull +* Such charity as can be spared is more than needed at home by deserv- ing householders, aged and sick, in want through no fault of their own. The friends and workers organized by Swami Vivekananda there to meet these needs often deny themselves necessary food or comforts essential to health. Such amounts as are given to them for various kinds of charity cannot be dispensed otherwise, and they have no fund to call upon for hospitality. When guests present themselves,' therefore, deprivation follows for those who should keep well for the sake of their work on behalf of others. The order has lenemi;' spared very able men to this country. Any poor person wishing to assist the poor in India through this order can best do 80 by earning the means here. This they cannot do in India. It should be remembered that Vive- kananda felt above all things the need of modern education and sclentific THE WATERS QF oK PREIENY AL FORCE, — IHE WIZTE FBOATS (< =>) REFPRESFERNT IR FORCE BECOMIIERGED T THE FURERT OF NEVIGZITZ - ¥ BY COMMANDE R J. D. JERROLD KELLEY, U. S. N. ¥ | e il 11. North Atlantic Coast. In his report for 1903 Rear Admiral H. C. Taylor, U. 8. N., describes the character of the existing fleets and squadrons and makes many pertinent suggestions upon the actual force that we should assemble in the various seas of the world. Our actual squadrons and what they should be, according to his judgment, are set down in the chart accompanying the article. Be- ginning with the North Atlantic sta- tion, he points out that this force was in 1902 expanded into a fleet con- sisting of the battleship squadron un- der rear admiral, commander in chief: of the Caribbean squadron un- der a rear admiral, and of the coast squadron, also under a rear admiral The flag officers commanding these two latter mentioned squadrons are subject {0 the orders of the com- mander in chief of the fleet. The battleship squadron thus forms a nucleus around which may be gath- ered the other units to assist as occa- sion demands in speclal duties or in the maneuvers and tactical exercises which now form a part of our regular winter and summer programme. The Caribbean squadron, created in October, 1902, is intended to provide a force in Caribbean waters which can proceed quickly to points demanding protection for American interests. Prompt action is more thoroughly pro- vided for, it is believed, by the pres- ence of a flag officer, who may of his own Initidtive investigate difficulties and enter into consultation with the authorities of the somewhat difficult countries that border on the Caribbean. The number of cruisers needed in this squadron is set down as eight, five of which should be improved Olympias, and three be vessels of light draught specially constructed for river ser-ice, but capable of keeping the sea. This w.ould provide at all times a division or squadron of four cruisers for active LGRIMS TO INDIA:¢ —— methods for the young men and women of his country, coupled with respect for the inherited national traditions and culture. The Western members of the order who are living in India give their time wholly, receiving no moneyed return for their expert work as éducationists. These same workers also collected the means abroad which enables them to live, but far more simply than any members of. a university settlement could do here. No person should go to India without the means of returning or of self-sup- port while there. Having learned that one poor California woman landed in Calcutta, her only qualification being her irtention to te’ch Indian women “how to lay a table'—not knowing that Indians do not necessarily sit at table— and that other women equally poor wish to follow her, will you kindly give this note place, to inform these and others that only in this couatry can they find teachers related to Swami Vivekananda whose time is free to teach or serve foreigners. Very sin- cerely, SARA C. BULL. (Mrs. Ole Bull, Cambridge, Mass.) sea service and two vessels for river work, allowing.one of each type to be absent for repairs. Culebra Island has hitherto been its headquarters, but Guantanamo has finally been chosen as its primary base and as a perma- nent dockyard. With this position well defended by fortifications, it is unlike- ly that strong works will be needed at Culebra. The coast squadron was organized on May 19, 1903, and is composed of the battleship Texas, the monitors Ar- kansas, Nevada and Florida and a flo- tilla of five destruyers. This foree is to constitute one of the principal ele- ments in the general strategic plan and will be used primarily for the defense of our coast and secondarily as a re- serve to strengthen our principal fleet in the West Indies. It Is Intended that this squadron shall be composed of powerful ships, like the three new moniters, which, though formidable in battle, are not designed for distant cruising or continuous foreign duty. It is to be regularly based upon Key ‘West and its vicinity, as this is a con- venient central position with reference to the Atlantic coast, the Gulf of Mex- ico and the West Indies. The ships of this squadron find active employ- ment during the summer months as a training division for the Naval Acad- emy. The increased number of mid- shipmen makes it necessary to have a large practice squadron, and the use of an active cruising force for this purpose has already proved beneficial The midshipmen become familiar with the routine and customs of a regular squadron, and this, it is hoped, will make them more quickly available upon graduation for entering upon the ardu- ous duties of their profession. This is most dellfnble. because the present lack of comnrissioned officers enables midshipmen to assume at once posi- tions of considerable responsibility. - The °traln£nx squadron, consisting of certain vessels that cruise actively, was organized in July, 1902. It is in- dependent of the North Atlantic fleet and has been formed not for maneu- vering and tactical exercises, but for convenience of administration. Under the old system ships were left largely to their individual devices, uniformity of method being secured in some de- gree by general regulations and regu- lar inspections. This system had some success when the number of men in the navy was insignificant; but with several thou- sand under training at one time it is impracticable to supervise the details and insure- energy and uniformity of effort through the personal superin- tendence o the bureau of navigation. The cruises are to extend over a pe- riod of two or three months, and at stated intervals in the year the ships will be united for general drill. This squadron has its base in Hampton Roads. The irregular character of this force and the diverse types of ships of which it is composed are undesirable, Bconomy indicates that we should have a number of vessels similar in class and size, capable of being used as training ships in peace and as cruisers in war. True economy must be furtherdd by building a type of i s i TS R Y —e training vessels that will have an all around usefulness. Eight such ves- sels are required and they should be . of the same size as the San Francisco, with a sea speed of sixteen knots and a large coal endurance, but with such reductions in armament as will enahle them to berth a large number of men. Foreign Divisions. The South Atlantic sists of a few ships utterly unlike in design and unequal in possibilities. Our interests in these waters are al- ways important and the little group stationed there should be increased. The least number of cruisers desirable is six, four of a scout cruiser type and two improved Olympias. Of the cruis- ers now in service and building three could be spared for the station, thus leaving only three to be provided. In the development of the fleet this force would be assigned to the South At- lantic station during peace for pur- poses of tactical drills and incidentally to watch American interests in that region. In case of war it could be united with other squadrons in the West Indies, thus forming a fleet of considerable strength. The latest official announcement is that tHe various squadrons are at set periods to interchange duties, and it is reported that the Eurovean and South Atlantic scuadrons are to exchange stations at the completion of the winter maneuvers in the Carribean. This will be better news to the South Atlantic officers and m¢n than to the Mediterranean cruisers. It must be confessed that of late the latter’s em- ployment has not been all skittles and beer, owing to the difficulties at Bey- rout. The European squadron conmsists of a small division, its principal strength being centered in the flagship. The official plan contemplates the as- signment to this important station of - squadron con- ,ANCING. properly taught and practiced, is the best safeguard against the evils of overmental exertion to which many are sub- ject. It harmonizes the motions of the body so as to produce habits of graceful ease upon all occasions and it has very decided effects, directly and indirectly, upon the mind by mak- ing nu’body a healthy and vigorous organ for the mind's development and by inculcating the prasctice of courtesy and politeness indirectly induces its vo- taries to adopt those habits of self- denial and self-restraint which are so necessary to civilized society. It is physical education in its most refined form. When early employed its good effects are readily shown and under its influence the awkwardness and rudeness so often found in young persons give place to habits of ele- gance and propiety. that - sible crulsers belonging to the gemeral type before mentipned. Six of these vessels should be provided, four of which should cruise together for tactical and squadron work, one be used for visit- ing distant and minor ports of the sta- tion and one be under repairs. It is important to keep all these At- lantic squadrons at a proper strength. 80 when gathered into a fleet the rear- rangement found necessary last winter at Culebra, owing to the heterogene- ous character of the mobilized ships, may not be imperative before any se- rious work can begin. A ; Pacifie Waters. The Pacific station requires a crutser squadron, and this should consist of two divisions, each having four ves- sels. Hitherto it has not been found practicable to employ more than four ships actively cruising in these waters. The extent of this station and our in- terests in the Pacific make it imprac- ticable to carry on the work properly with less than the two dlvisions indi- cated. It is not intended that these shall interchange with other squadrons as frequently as in the Atlantie, but it is deemed advisable that one division of four cruisers should from time to time visit the west coast of South America, and when practicable inter- change with the South Atlantic squad- ron at the Straits of Magellan. It is also probable that a division of this squadron will occasionally interchangs with the cruiser division of the Asfatic fleet, meeting for that purpose at a convenient rendezvous off Homnolulu or among the Aleutian Islands. Prepared- ness for war demands that this habit of mobility should become nearly auto- matic. Some objections have been raised that squadrons will not remain long enough on any onc station, and therefore fail to become familiarly ac- quainted with it. This defect must, however, be borne with for the greater good that results from acquiring “the habit of mobility.” The vessels assembled in Asiatic waters have been for nearly six years actively employed in very trying du- ties. Owing to patent reasons the force has grown to such a size that it had to be organized In 1902 into a fleet with three divisions, the general situation apparently demanding a bat- tleship squadron, a crulser squadron and a squadron of small vessels. This ON = THE + WATCH HOW THE SHIPS OF OUR NAVY ARE DISTRIBUTED OVER organization of the force will take time to complete, but there is no rea- son to doubt that it will proceed on these broad lines. The natural base of this fleet is the Philippines. Men- tion has been made elsewhere of a naval depot at Subig Bay, and it may be added as a matter of the first im- portance that the mathtenance of our force in the Philippines and its readi- ness for use are largely dependent upon a naval base and dockyard at this point. The battleships and crulser di- vision of this fleet made at the very end of 1903 a successful and memorable cruise to Honolulu, and after a short rest returned to their dwn cruising grounds. This cruise tested the sea- keeping qualities of the units in an un- usual degree, and it is gratitying to know that both battleships and cruis- ers—even the low freeboarded Oregon —came out of the trial unscathed. Six cruisers of an improvised Olym- pla type and four cruisers of the scout type are needed on this station. Of these two are available and two must be provided. The commander in chief of the fleet recommends that two ves- gels, small gunboats or large launches, be bullt and assigned for service in Chinese rivers for the protsction of our interests in such places as our pres- ent gunboats cannot reach, owing to their draught. Other nations have vessels of this description in Asiatio waters, and as American interests in China are expanding it will be wise to provide the small and inaxpensive types suggested. In addition to the vessels regularly assigned to the varifous stations other craft have been employed in important duties. The first destroyer flotilla has undertaken a long voyage to the Phil- ippines, by way of the Canaries, Gib- raltar, Mediterranean, Sues, Red Sea and so onward across the Indian Ocean. A curious and inexplicable ef- fort was made to interfere with this cruise, but wiser counsels have pre- vailed, and our officers will therefore enjoy a new experience and have an opportunity of comparing their craft with foreign: destroyers that have ac- complished equally long and severe journeys. It must be saild in con- clusion that most of this material has been taken from the official report of the Chief of the Bureau of Navigation, and that its text has been largely used. No attempt has been made to indicate the names of the ships shown in the chart, but their number and location may be accepted as correct By Prof. Hinman T + tributed the excesses of later years. The excitement of music makes the soldier’s mind work with his body. This is the natural way, and gives more strength than when the body moves in one direction and the mind in another. This law applies to all -labor. Attractive exercise does mot weary us like that which is repugnant or uninteresting, hence it is that danc- ing proves so valuable in the line of exercise, without producing exhaustion or excessive fatigue. Gymnastics de- velop power of muscles, give skiliful- ness and courage, invigorate health and amplify boldness, but they make the movements rough and impress the character with a certain daring au- dacity. In an effort to regain for the Ameri- cans the reputation ¢f being the best dancing nation on earth, the American Society of Professors in Dancing ap- plied to the faculties of some of the colleges, as the members all agreed the college students were respon- in a greater degree for the utter #LONGEVITY IN THE DIZZY WALTZ ¢ demoralization of the time honored waltz on account of the eagerness of different colleges to institute a pecu- Harity which might be all their own. There is the Harvard glide, the Yale step, the Cornell swing and many other departures from the true waltz. If a person is reflned, has a love for the pure and beautiful, a per- fect knowledge of the art of waltzing. there is no more occasion for immod- esty than in taking one’s arm in walk- ing; yet the fact remains that many who . dance have never learned the true art of waltzing. I have noticed that those who fol- low the profession of dancing have generally excellent health, which they often enjoy to extreme old age. This fact can only be accounted for by the exercise used in dancing, which lays a firm foundation for good and lasting health. Among a rude and dissolute people dancing may perhaps degener- ate into something worthy of condem- nation, but all the blessings we have are similarly liable to abuse and we have no more right to condemn danc- ing on account of its abuses than any of our other recreations.