Washington sentinel., 1853-12-13

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OF language, and Of literature, demanded by the
interests OF the service. The officer OF the army
may often be required promptly to decide upon
questions Oh national law, where errors would be
seriously Injurious TO his country, and his reports
and memoirs are the channels through which
deeds most illustrating his country's history are
transmitted 10 other people and 10 other times To
raise the standard of requirement to be possessed
previous to admission to the academy would in
some degree, deprive the institution Of its present
popular character, by excluding those who, from
the want OF early advantages, could not then pass
the preliminary examination. The grade of cadet
being the lowest in commission known in our
army, should be, as il now is, within the reach Of
youths in every condition OF life; and this, together
with the fact that, by the mode Of appointment all
sections and all parties fairly represented gives
to the institution that character which should be.
long tot as part of the military establishment of
the United States. II, then a more finished edu-
cation than that which is obtained by the course
now prescribed be desirable for the officers of the
army, the Recommendation Of the board for an in
crease the academic term presents, il is believed
the least objectionable mode OF efecting that OBJ
Ject, The estimates submitted for the current
year are recommended 10 favorable consideration
The appropriations made at the last session Of
Congress-, all in the course Of applicstion 10
the several works for which they were RESPECTIVE
ly granted These works were designed to pro-
tect interests of great value but there are other
points OF seacoast and interior frontier which
Ciuahy require pfOttcllOn, anu the estimates sub
mltted for these, also, are recommended to favora-
bic consideration, under the belief that when COM
pleted, these notifications will be the most reliable
and by far the most economical mode Of defence
the government could provide. An opinion has.
TO some extent, prevailed, that the growth of our
country the increased facilities OF TRANSPORTATION
the application of steam TO the propulsion of war
vessels, and the improvements in implements of
war, have lessened, il they have not removed. the
necessity for fortifcations upon our frontier This
N xuh ic ttrEa A. &.
tinued state ofpeace and which history teaches has
been usually abandoned when nations have been
submitted TO the test of defensive war President
Monroe, than whom few will be considered higher
au'horty on inns subject, IN special message TO
Congress, March 26, 1922, urged the compie,ion
oil the system OF defences, which was adopted i'm
mediaey after, and in view ofthe effects ofthe war
OF 1912, and urgedhi recommendation by The enor-
nous expense, the waste of life and propertv and
lne general distress OF the country which had re-
suited from the want ofsuch preparations before the
commencement ofthat war and he further pives
this impressive admonition: Should another war
occur before II is completed, the experience ofthe
past marks in characters too strong to be mista-
ken, nsineVtapie consequences; and should such
war occur and find us unprepared for il. what
will be our justification TO the enlightened bodv
whom we represent for not having completed
these defences?o The increase OF our popuiation
attended by extraordinary progress in all the mr.
suits OF peace, has not led 10 any change in tLe
the future purpose 10 sustain large military es-
adjustment, or to wage aggressive war lfthen. in
the future as in the past the policy of our govern
ment Is 10 be that of peace and the citizens of The
country are TO be relied on for its defence when
ever war shall occur it is not perceived how The
past or prospective growth of our country can re-
move the necessity or propriety of the proposed
defences. The Paixhan gun, and other improve
ments in the art OF war, and the application of
steam to the propulsion Of vessels OF war seem -
eaA 49,. I. =
value of fortifcations The rapid progress Of a
steam fleet, by diminishing the opportunity for
PREPARATION after the point of attack is deter
mined, increases the necessity Of fortifying the
nam avenues OF approach. The Paixhan gun
adds TO the efficiency, and consequently 10 The
value OF Notifications; for the fire Of large shells
Is more formidable to the tmbers and rigging of a
ship, than TO the masonry Of a fort; and a steam
vessel must expose larger surface subject 10
injury, than sail vessel of the same class
The report of the Secretary of War in answer
10 the resolution OF the House of Representatives,
of the 81 OF March, 1851, containing the views Of
The chief engineer of the army, and other officers
d inat corps and Of the navy, presents the whole
supIect under consideration SO fully that il is not
1eemed necessary to add more on this occasion
The action of Congress- at its last session is con-
sidered an indication of the intention TO coninue
ms system Of defence, and gives reason 10 hope
mai the appropriations asked for at this session for
The further prosecution Of these works will NOT be
withheld n -o'''
The exposed and defenceless condition Of The
Pacihc coast, claimed and received the early at
entlon OF the department, and prompt measures
were taken for the application the appropriation
made at the last session of Congress for the de-
ence Of the harbor of San Francisco. But the
minute examinations requisite before the COM
nencement OF the works, and the inquiries 10 he
made as 10 the places of supply and the means Of
procuring materials, have limited operations 10 the
preliminary preparations for construction, such as
erecting the requisite accommodations for work
men, leveling sites and making the detailed sur
,eys for the fortifcations. -
TO be continued