Naval Rivalries in the Mediterranean
MORE than once, even in modern times, the Mediterranean Sea has been the theater of events that attracted the attention of the whole world. Nations have played for heavy stakes upon its waters, and kingdoms have been lost and won upon its shore. And the future may witness a repetition of similar events. England has multiplied her fleet within the pillars of Hercules, and Russia is about to reinforce her Mediterranean squadron by some of its heaviest iron-clad frigates. In the meantime, France is not unmindful of her maritime interests in that quarter, and more than one German war vessel has carried the flag of the empire into the same locality. These preparations presage some startling event. After the fall of Sevastopol, Russia was debarred from keeping a navy in the Black Sea. But no such interdiction runs against the Mediterranean, and there iron-clad may be matched against iron-clad, and the contest be equalized. In case England and Russia lock horns in Central Asia it is important that the western entrance of the Suez Canal should be kept open. England has that object in view, while Russia wishes to be in a position to make the most of any change that will cripple her main antagonist. The sea eagles perceive the coming struggle, and they are gathering upon the waters of the historic Mediterranean.