Page:The Development of Navies During the Last Half-Century.djvu/337

 practically without any navy, and seems unable to find funds to recreate one.

The Argentine Republic may take some pride in possessing one of the fastest cruisers in the world. This vessel, designed by Mr Watts, Chief Constructor at Elswick, and built by that firm, was sold to the Argentine Government, and is now known by the somewhat inconvenient name of '25 de Mayo.' On her trial she attained a speed of over 22 knots an hour. Whether in the hands of her present possessors she will ever again accomplish such a result may well be doubted.

Brazil has two ironclads of moderate size—late acquisitions—in the 'Riachuelo,' and 'Aquidaban,' but no cruisers over 17 knots speed.

From this review it may be gathered that the number of states which aspire to own a war navy has very largely increased. In Europe, Belgium alone of states which have a sea coast is without ships of war. Even Roumania boasts a cruiser. New navies are springing up also in the far East. At present, however, the old balance of power on the sea seems undisturbed.