It is quite possible that the great exertions recently made
by Mr. Robeson, Secretary to the American Navy, to increase the ironclad fleet, and the orders to make the Home Squadron the- strongest squadron in the American service, are dictated by dis- trust of Spain. In England we scarcely think of Spain as a Power, but in the West Indies experienced English officers believe that the Spanish fleet employed to protect Cuba is stronger than the American, and might, if war broke out, do infinite damage not only to commerce, but to the sea-board cities. The Spaniards would strike hard, and have not those- reasons for being reluctant to burn down New York or Boston which would influence Great Britain. They shell their own cities without mercy. One object of General Jovellar's mission is said to be to put Cuba in a state of defence against a sea-borne enemy, and the Americans, who understand Spanish pride— almost the whole of their disagreeable foreign relations being with Spaniards or Spanish half-castes—may think it right to be pre- pared against a coup de main. Ultimate victory is not the point,. but immediate safety.
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