The Great Round World and What Is Going On In It, Vol. 2, No. 23, June 9, 1898 | Page 5

some distance from the ground for the purpose of observation. It is now
planned to make use of the kites for offensive and defensive purposes
in connection with the invasion of Cuba. These kites can be raised to an
enormous height and photographs taken of the country, or, if necessary,
by a clever device which slides on the string of the kite, dynamite can
be carried to a point over the enemies' camp or fortifications and
dropped into them.
It is also believed that the kite will be of great value for signalling
purposes, especially at night, as it will be possible to hoist electric
incandescent lamps to a great height above the earth and signal by
turning the light on or off in accordance with a settled code. Mr. Eddy
estimates that it will be possible to drop fifty pounds of dynamite at a
time from a distance a mile away; the plan is to send up these kites
from within the lines of the attacking force and drop the dynamite into
the fortifications of Havana. The men who fly the kites can remain out
of sight of the forts; and the kite will be such a small mark and so high
up in the air as to be very difficult to hit with a rifle-ball.
* * * * *
After a great deal of discussion in Congress, and many delays in
finishing our war-ships because of the price asked for armor by the
large armor companies, it was decided that the maximum rate--that is,
the highest price--that the Government would pay should be $400 per
ton; until this change was made neither of the great armor-plate
manufacturers would bid, and, as a result, armor was not obtainable.
May 24th, bids were opened for supplying the three battle-ships,
Illinois, Alabama, and Wisconsin, now being constructed by the Union
Iron Works, Newport News. About a year ago the Government
advertised for bids for supplying this armor, but no bids were received
because Congress had made the limit of price too low. Bids opened on
the 24th were from two companies, the Bethlehem Iron Works and
Carnegie & Co. It is evident that an arrangement had been entered into

between the two, as one company bid to supply the armor for the
Alabama, and the other for the Wisconsin, the bids in each case being
the same--that is, at the maximum price of $400 per ton.
The armor for the Alabama will cost $1,022,504; that for the Wisconsin,
$1,023,504; the first of this armor will be delivered in about seven
months, and thereafter about 300 tons will be delivered monthly. At
this rate it will be about fifteen months before the last of the armor is
ready.
* * * * *
It is reported that Spain is about to sanction the commission or fitting
out of privateers to prey upon our commerce. In the Spanish
newspapers appear almost daily criticisms of our cowardly methods of
carrying on the war. At one time it is stated that our vessels have been
seen flying the Spanish flag in order that they may surprise some ship
of theirs; at another time our cowardly attack upon some fort in Cuba is
mentioned, when we sneak up under cover of darkness only to beat a
hasty retreat when the first gun is fired.
In the face of such conduct, it is claimed by the Spaniards that we are
entitled to no consideration, and it is believed both here and abroad that
all of this kind of absurd talk means that Spain contemplates a resort to
privateers to get even with us.
Privateers, in former years, when fitted out by Spain have acted so
much like pirates that they have been considered and treated as such by
England and by other nations, and the whole system has been so
seriously condemned that it is believed that, should either Spain or this
country fit out privateers, other nations would immediately interfere
and put a stop to it.
* * * * *
There has been considerable discussion in reference to Hawaii; the
question of annexation is favored almost universally by our people and
in Congress; in fact, the annexation of the island is now considered not

merely advisable, but absolutely necessary. In sending troops from this
country to the Philippine Islands we must stop on the way for supplies,
and should Hawaii be captured by the Spaniards or annexed by another
power, it would prove a very serious matter to us; it is to be hoped that
the question of annexation will be settled at once.
* * * * *
Very little news of interest is received from Spain. In the list of the new
Spanish ministry, published week before last, we included the name of
Señor