Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1836-05-10
TWcnty-f0urth Coaagrcss--sst scss.
"a ESSAEE

Twcnty-f0urth Congrcss--sst scss.
MESSAGE
FROM THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES,
viii Reports from the Secretaries Of Far and Macy re'a
tire Tie military and Naral DctaceS Of tic Country
APRIL 2, 1896.
Rsu and ordered that be pn,si aud hst much rs sene
the militia ~ dconcc be referred the Committee Military
An un much roa,es The naval derncss TO the CON-
m,tes on Naval Affairs.
To the s.uate: WAsHrxGToE, April 8, 1885,
transmit herewith reports from the Secretaries of
the War and Navy Departments, to whom were referred
the resolutions adopted by the Senate on the lSh OF Re-
br1ary last, requesting information of the probable
amount of appropriations that would be necessary TO
place the land and naval deences Of the country upon
proper footing Of strength and respectablity
In respect to that branch Of the subject which falls
particularly under the notice of the Secretary OF
War and in the consideration of which he has arrived at
conclusions differing from those contained in the report
from the Engineer bureau, think proper TO add my
10 the views expressed by the Secretary
ANDREW JACKSON.
DEPARTMENT OF WAR, April 7, 1886
SIR:-In conformity with your Instructions, have
the honor transmit reports from the Engineer and eH-
nance departments, furnishing much OF The uorAa'
ton required by the resolution of the Senate of February
49, 1896 relates 10 the Notifications OF The country
and to a supply of the munitions of war The former
branch Of this subject has required aborous lnvcstsa
tons on the part of the officers charged with this duty
and their report has therefore been longer delayed than
under other circumstances would have been proper; but
the whole matter too important to have the interests
involved in it sacrificed 10 undue precipitancy
The Engineer report received at the Department
Friday last, and have embraced such portions o the
intervening time other official calls and slight inds,
position would allow Inc to devote to its examination
did not consider that any suggestions could make would
Justify further delay this advanced stuge of the
sion while, at the time am aware thatts letter
will need all the allowance which these Circumstances
can claim for it.
II is obvious that in the consideration Of any general
and permanent system Of national defence comprehen
ci7e views only necessary but professional expo
rcncc and knowledge Of practical details: such inor
nation in fact az must be obtained by long and curein
attention the various bec,s which form the elements
Of this inquiry. Although therefore, do not concur
in all the suggestions contained in these reports, and
particularly in those which relate to the nature and
extent Of some Of our preparations, still! have thought
proper to lay them before you, rather than TO subs
tute any peculiar views of my own Tor them. Both fur.
nsh fucts highly interesting to the community, and If
they anticipate dangers which may be Thought are not
exigences will not probably require, they still valua-
bic documents presenting the necessary materials for
the action Of the Legislature The report from the En-
gneer department. in particular, evInces an accurate
knowledge of the whole subject, WHILE al the tne
its general views sound and comprehensive. | con.
slider it very able document
Under these circumstances, have thought it proper
to submit general remarks, explanatory Of my
views concerning practical system Of defence, aud
which will show how far the plans and details are in
conformity with my opinion feel that this is
due to myself
shall con6ne my observations to the maritime from.
tier. Our inland border rests in the Sonlh west and
Northeast, upon the possessions of civilized nnras and
requires defensive preparations to meet those coEttngrn
cies only which, in the present stale OF society
reasonably anticipate In the existing intercourse ct ca
tons, hosIties scarcely overtake suddenly
not to leave time to the necessary force to any
point upon these frontiers, threatened will, attack lam
not aware of any peculiar position upon either of tAeTe
lines Of separation which commands the approaches Ito
ha or wi WON UIvp N,frb
perority TO invading defensive force In fact the
division is in both cases, artificial iine through much
of its extent and portion OF the natural boundary offers
scarcely any impeachment 10 military operations. Under
such circumstances il seems altogether nexpedent 10
construct expensive Notifications, which would do little
more than protect the space under of their guns
Which are rot required rs places of depot which guard
no avenue OF communication and which would eavc the
surrounding country pcnetrabe in all directions. With
OUT inongng IN any improper specuations concerning
the ultimate Destiny OF any portion of the country in
ln1taPosiuon with u.s. or looking for security te any o
itca change, We may safely anticipate that our owl
advance IN all the elements of power will be az least
equal to that Of the people who adon US nor does
the most prudent forecast dictate any precautions found
ed upon the opinion that our relative strength will de-
crease and theirs Increase The lake frontier indeed
presents peculiar considerations; and ,hnl ,b
views submitted by the Engineer department rasn,c, |
ing Lake Chomp!ain, are entitled to much wrisht-l
This long narrow sheet Of nayigabe wafer opcns d;
rect communication into the States Of New York and
Vermont while its outlet is in foreign country and is
commanded by position Of great natural strength. It
is also within few miles Of the most powerful and pn
puous portion Of Canada and open to all its resources
and energies With view, perhaps, to possible rather
than to probable events it may be deemed ezpedert to
construct work at some proper site within onr boun
dsry which shall close the entrance Of the lake to all
vessels ascending its outlet As such work, however
would be advanced post and som circumstances, Pc
cuIarly liable to attack its extent aud defsnces should
be in proportion to its exposure.
There is already considerable commercial marine
upon the four great lakes, Ontario Erie Heron, and
Michigan, which opened to the enterprise Of c
zens And this will increase with the augncntne Do.
pusa.ion which is flowing in upon the segons washed
by these internal Il is obvious that from naturul
causes The physical superiority will be found upon the
southern shores Of these lakes The resolution Of the
Senate embraces inquiry into the expediency of con-
,tracng permanent Notifications in this quarter. And
his inquiry properly divides itself into two branches
Isl. The policy Of terrifying the harbors upon the
skes; and .:ss.s 4,
I'd The policy Of Commanding, BY permanent works,
be COMMUNICATIONS between them /