Admiral Dewey, who took Manila, seems to be of the
breezy sailor type. He is reported to have told an interviewer that the German Navy was not so strong as was believed, the intelligence of its officers being overrated, and that it would be impossible for it to face the fleet which the United States recently raanceuvred in the Caribbean Sea. His remarks, though only part of them were intended for the public ear, have given great offence in Berlin, where the
Vossische Zeitung observes that, like all boastful utter- awes, they reveal immaturity. President Roosevelt has asked the Admiral for an explanation, which he considers satisfactory, Admiral Dewey disclaiming hostility to Germany, and there will therefore be no diplomatic consequences of the incident, which has only one importance. When counting men-of-war it is customary to compare their force with that of some opponent, and the force at which American sailors instinctively glance is that of Germany.
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