The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1846-01-10
HARBOR DEFENCE,

The subject Of our national defences, especially
the defences Of seaboard, is, naturally enough,
Just now, much in the public mind. 1t is hardly too
much to say that within the last twenty-five years,
hostilities, both on land and sea, have become a
new art. No nation with an extended seaboard can
now be deemed we'll guarded, while relying alone
on such system Of Notifications as would, in times
past, have been ample security against attack. But
it may well be doubted--though, perhaps, the case
is too clear even to be OBSERVATION-DISCLOSURES the de.
ences Of our harbors are at present in such con-
diton as to secure against even the old and ordi-
nary means Of naval annoyance and aggression. 1t
is certainly to be hoped, and for ourselves we be-
eve that this question is not soon to be put to the
test of actual war. And should that contin-
gency occur, we look with all confidence to the
sumbering energies of our country to rise in such
an attitude, and armor, and force as will teach any
assailan, however formidable, lesson not soon to
he forgotten, of the danger attending attack upon
a great and powerful nation, in which every man
feels himself to be part of the governing and de-
Tending power.
Still, it cannot be denied that the old maxim, not
the less true for its trteness, which bids us pre-
pare for war while peace is yet unbroken, presses
upon US at this time with new and augmented force
Especially is this the when at present. we find
ourselves in the possession Of new means and de-
vices Of defence Of an economical character already
tested by successful experiment; and demonstrated,
so far as there can be demonstration without the
trial of actual hostilities to be most efficient to the
end they have in view. The trial Of such means,
if they only promise we'll should, as it seems to u.s.
at time like the present, engage the serious atten
ton Of Congress. The application Of them on a
scale in some degree commensurate with wants,
in the event Of successful issue Of such trial
would seem to be plain dictate of prudence and
sound policy
These views have occurred to M in looking over
report of the naval committee Of the House Of
Representatives during its last session, commencing
to the favorable consideration Of the House series
Of plans and inventions for harbor defence, and for
other kindred purposes brought to the attention Of
Congress by Mr. George w, Taylor, civil cngi-
neer of high ability and attainment. Submarine
explosion seems to be the essential process and OPP
Grafton Of Mr.. Taylor's plan, 1t would appear al
first sight, in the present state Of military engineer
ing art and science, to be that mode Of defensive
operation most likely to combine with compar-
atvely small outlay, the largest measure Of
efficiency and success. series of carefully
conducted experiments, made under the eye Of
most competent judges Of high professional stand
ing SEEM in the present case, to have confirmed this
presumption. In view Of the evidence on this sub
|ject, submitted to the naval committee and by them
reported to the House, we cannot but think that
! the committee acted wisely in bringing the matter
favorably 10 the notice Of Congress and OF the
TRY.
II is to be regretted that this should have been
done at so late perod-the last day Of the session
as wholly to preclude the possibility Of further ac-
ton at that time. We hope the subject may again
engage attention in the proper quarters Mr.. Tay-
( lor, we understand, is now in Washington. We
throw out these suggestions as indicating only one
! Of the many modes of harbor defence which the
new state Of the art Of engineering presents for adop
ton. Among these methods, that Of steam-vesses
adapted especially to harbor service seems likewise
well deserving Of attention. That wonderful agent
which an American citizen was the first to apply to
most Of its great uses, seems ultimately destined to
make itself the great pucifcator by first becoming
&she great combe,ant among the nations.