Alexandria daily gazette, commercial & political. [volume] (Alexandria [Va.]) 1808-1812, 1811-12-23
NO. II.
REPORT.

much of the Presidents message OF the 5th
of Nov 1911, as relates to the defence OF
our Maritime Frontier
REPORT IN PART:
That two communications from the secre-
tary of war which accompany this report,
which were made in reply to queries pro-
pounded by the committee, contain the best
information on this subject, which they have
been able TO collect That one o them con-
tains an enumeration of the several perhna-
nent Notifications which have been completed
or commenced, with remarks on the troops
necessary to garrison them. That for the
completion of works already commenced, no
further appropriation is requisite. But that
some additional works are deemed necessary,
the precise extent of which, cannot at pre-
sent be ascertained, for which and for contin-
gent objects of defence on our maritime from
tier, in the event of hostilities, the commit
tee recommend an appropriation OF one Mill
on Of dollars and the committee for that par-
pose, beg leave TO report bill, entitled "a
bill making further appropriation for tie de-
fence of our maritime frontier"
No. III.
ITar- DEPARTMENT, Dec. Sd, 1911.
S1R-In answer to the following inquiries
of the honorable committee " to whom was
referred so much of the Presidents message
as relates to the defence OF our maritime from
tier, viz.
els any, and if any, what additional appro-
priation necessary to complete the tortihca-
tons which have been already directed and
commenced I"
IS Are any, and if any, what additional forti-
ications necessary for the etiectual defence of
the maritime frontier of the Z. States %
8" Are any, and if any, what other means of
defence necessary for the efiectual protection
that frontier?''
{" If any additional Notifications, or other
means Of defence be necessary, what appropri-
alton, distinguishing the sum required tor
each particular object, will be requisite? Z"
have the honor to state, that the perna-
nent works which have been directed and
commenced for the protection of our mari
time frontier, are so far completed on the plan
originally laid down with some additions)
that the unexpended balance OF the appropria-
ton for that purpose, is deemed sufficient to
finish them.
"For the eHectual defence of the maritime
frontier of the U. States," the Notifications
which have been erected, in some ports, must
be extended in others, new and additional
works will be necessary. The harbor OF New
York, from its exposed situation, and relative
importance to the Union, together with the
harbor of Newport in Rhode-Island, claim
particular attention, and require additional
means of defence.
IS auxiliary to the Publications, cannon
mounted on travelling carriages, have been
deposited at the most convenient and import
ant posts, which can be directed to such points
as the movements and operations OF an enemy
NAV require. An additional number viii be
provided, but as the expenditure incident to
such additions, comes within the ordnance de-
partment, the estimate will be submitted to the
committee who have that subject under con-
sideration.
As it is impossible to ascertain the extent
of the additional Notifications which may be-
come necessary in the event of war, no pre-.
else estimate can be offered of the expense of
erecting them it is however, respectfully
proposed for the consideration of the homo
rable committee, that one million of dollars be
appropriated for that purpose.
] have the honor to be, sc. &c.
WILLIAM EUSTIS.
Hon. Largaon Cdeves, Chairman.