The Rebel Yell, 1Q1898

[Borys]

The views expressed in these pages are those of the publication concerned, and need not represent the official stance of the Confederate States of America.

Richmond Observer, 3 January 1898

In the Anahuac Empire, the right of Man to freedom is under threat. At their celebrations of the New Year, not only was the barbaric ritual of a human sacrifice perpetuated, but those few with the conviction to stand their ground were punished for it.

And for what? For trying to put an end to a tradition that had no place in the eighteenth century. For standing up for their beliefs. It is inconceivable – nay unthinkable – that our 'responsible' federal authorities can turn a blind eye to the atrocities carried out by our Southern neighbours. The citizenry must, even if our officials will not, stand up for the rights of our brothers in the South.

Richmond Telegraph, 21 January 1898

After yesterday's meeting of the Congress, a statement has been issued with respect to the situation in the Tsushima Straits. Congressional spokesman Albert Waller said that "the Confederacy does not wish to undermine the security of either Russia or New Switzerland, but cannot ignore the apparent attempt to deny access to international waters to any nation. No action will be taken, nor is any planned, against New Switzerland, but after consultation with banking authorities, it has been decided that there will be no increase in insurance premiums for Confederate merchant shipping."

Naval Gazetteer, 26 January 1898

The La Paz boneyard has become the largest bazaar in the world, with the three classes of cruisers – officially in the reserve – held there offered for sale. Interest has been shown since the announcement last week from at least three nations. There are high hopes that the cruisers can be disposed of rapidly.

Los Angeles Guardian, 12 February 1898

Late last night, the Seventh Cavalry was roused from its' barracks by rumours of an incursion of smugglers into the Bahia del San Giorgio, in the Gulf. After a tiring cross-country ride, the men reached the alleged landing site too late to take action against the smugglers.

Signs were evident, however, that large boxes had been dragged ashore, and fragments of packing cases found were marked "7mm Rifle". It is believed that the weapons were delivered to a group of dissenting Negroes.

Naval Gazetteer, 16 February 1898

No fewer than twenty-four of the cruisers at La Paz are expected to be despatched to Rohan in early April and July. In a pioneering deal, it has been agreed that the cruisers will be exchanged for an equal tonnage of the Rohirrim's ships, although only six small battleships are being received. These old ships are amongst the Rohirrim's oldest, and are unsuitable for frontline work. In fact, the ships may prove scarcely better than the cruisers they replace.

The Navy does not understand this move, which must have been political. The old ships will need extensive work to make them ready for service, yet will still need to be replaced before long. We already have enough old ships to last a lifetime: is there any need to get more?

Naval Gazetteer, 20 February 1898

A few days ago a pioneering exercise was launched: the first non-stop sailing from the West Coast of New Beleriland to the East Coast. Some eleven thousand miles long – give or take a few hundred – there are no ships in the CSN capable of this voyage, and few in any other.

The Rohirrim, however, possess one in the Orodruin class. There is nothing quite its' equal in the CSN, and it poses some interesting possibilities. Should similar ships be built for the CSN, they would need a role, however. They should prove inferior to the current first class cruisers, yet are a generation apart from the current second class. It is rumoured, though, that the Navy Board is investigating the possibility of a similar ship.

This journal has carried out a poll of the Navy's sailors, and made out its' own sketches. Our suggestion to the Navy is a ship of seven thousand tons, mounting two 9.2" guns and twelve 4", with as much speed and range as any other ship in the Fleet.