New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1862-01-24
act by Congress guaranteeing the reimbursement Of
the amounts exrprded,

is burdened and staggering under tie Immense OK.
pendi'ures caused by the present wicked rebellion,
cheerfully tender from her own imperial resources
The funds which will be needed trusting 10 itseveDt-
nal repa yment" The works If undertaken, should
Of course be under the direction and supervision Of
the United States Engineer Department.
The report refers 10 the fact that the work at Fort
Richmond and other works on Staten leland were
constructed the expense Of tie STATE on neglect OF
Congress to respond TO the prayer of the petition
ask ng their erection by the General Government.
States.
The works necessary for tie proper defense Of the
iaroor would occupy many years IN their completion,
ana IN view OF the immediate necessity Of the In
cIease oil the cefenses the condition and efficiency II
the existing forts and batteries surprising them TO be
fully armed and manned, lie considered.
Gen. Arthur states that it is now generally con-
sidered that the neaDs OF maFitia,e attack have
assumed such magnitude thai every species Of bat
terry. armed with the best artillery, which W. now
possess cannot I've relied on for certainty TO pre-
vent the passage of large vessels of recent constuc
lion, with steam, tide, and wind in their favor; and
be aDludes in proof the successful and repeated
passages of the batteries at Port Royal by the wsr
vessels in the expedition under Com. Dupont.
He states thar ia case OF any sudden ss'y for
the defense Of the harbor recourse must be bad to
barriers and Instructions, either floating or fixed, to
arrest the course Of heavy ships aud compel them to
fight the land batteries. He ailgdes to the fact that
in view Of the probable necessity for using such OBJ
sfructions the Governor convened a Board OF seven
Of the prominent engineers of the State, who, in
connection with him, Gen. Arthur, might consider
and determine upon the description ana method CT
such Instructions.
This Board has been constantly in session since
December "a awaiting Themselves OF the experience
Of sbiobuilders, navgators and plots, and report
will ne made by them at early day touching thoso
subjects and giving full details, plans and estimates
Of cost II is confidently believed that lines Of float
ing distractions be constructed and PLACED
across the Narrows hat will eecnslly preveot tho
rassage Of large SHIPS, and without injury to the
chanIel.
He alludes to the purchase of large quantity Of
heavy timber at the lime when the aspect of our
foreign relations appeared most unpromi-ing, and
shows the absolute necessity Of that purchase and
tie use TO which II was designed on an emergency
taking place.
The Governors promptness and decision in this
matter was a proof Of his foretbougbt and Of HE
anxiety TO protect the State from lnvasion and
while the purchase wee Us the satisfaction OF
knowing that there is now sufficient supply Of this
timber on hand to use for tie purposes designed, in
case of necessity il cannot he attended by any loss
to the State, even should it be determined that il is
not needed, AS it would fetch in market than
the price paid Tor II.
Alter considering the possibility Of these obstruc
10 g. Gen Arther calls attention to the fact that
sudden declaration OF war KIT not even leave time
and lie therefore recommends the mos, eifectual
pl4n that cou in such an emergency Q resorted to
Tor Defense the sinking of obStIuctiJDs in the Fort
Schuyler channel. and in the channels leading Into
the lower bay, as the depth Of water 10 the East,
Swash and Fourteen Feet Channels, and even In
part of the main channel passing the Hook, will adj
nit the sinking OF concealed distinctions, resting
On the bottom.
These distractions would drive vessels into tho
INN diate range Of the guns on Sandy Hook. The
Il l. ...,.- onA sf -
shown that they could be placed and made eiectGA
in a brief hme-probably TWO or three weeks. The
,uuken distractions however, should rot be resoed
10 except in care OF sudden and absolute necessity,
in case Of damage to the channel; bat Gen. Arthur
submits fu plan that might be eiectnal IN raising
such obstructions when they bad filled their purpose
The report next considers the danger OF an inva-
sion by land by an enemy landing on the south
shore Of Long leland, or on Gravesend Bay shows
the great difficulties that would attend such plan
of attack, but points out In g neral way at some
length the provisions thar should be made TO resst
H. In connection with the subject OF the dsense OF
the harbor the importance Is urged OF proper train
ing of the local militia Of the State In the manning
ard serving Of the heavy guns at the batteries ana
sets forth a well-considered plan for accomplishing
his object
The report also reviews the present condition OF
he defenses of the whole Northern frontier, show
NJ in fill the works now existing aud their condi-
ion aud recommends the construction OF new works
1t ex posed points where their erection Is called for,
n order to secure full and proper deiepse. This
.ortion of the report will be read with Interest BY
The citizens of tie Western and Northern frontier.
In conclusion, Gen. Arthur recommends:
First. An ample appropriation 10 be immediately ex:
pended in manufacture OF large guns for 'be state and an
ther sppurrnsnces for completing me arm msn o. at 'ne
existing work. Of the State for such temporary wok.
would be conducted time OF snd 10y TIE sruing OF
ste, need At the pre.en, moment aud shows
of the establishment of foundees 10 be uode the eaeia
control o. the state valuable taoe. are
number o. each csbef 10" needed ana the eoss
Of their manufacture A.,
snd prcecs for suen guns are now mounted aud Tor
those Witch may be m,nniactur'd .-,,.. ,..u..
gunboa. the Lakes to be built in sections
transportation. 49, ,
Gestures Of deeae may be determined commanding 20
ton selected and proper plans for the construction oil WORKS
Fi,S Th., such plans as may be devised for defense az
tie Nsow other channels by floating obsuet0n' should
So Tbs, the militia of the stste all places where Il
practicable should be trained to the management and his
Srsh That legislative ensctmeps should be
ted providing for the procuring OF sites Tor purposes o. de-
tense
GENERAL SHERMAN AND THE NEw-YoRK TINES
CoRREsPosDESr-Mr. Henry j. Winser, late cor
respondent of The Times at Port Royal arrived
here Yesterday in the steamship Atlantic, having
been compelled to return by the military authorities.
Mr. Winser rays in bis card:
In NV account Of the affair Port Royal Ferry sad In
object Of the movement hA Gen Sner-
man wa, induce to permit the attack" leaving the infer
nrs tbat Gen Stevens entitled whatever credit nay
attach having projected aud planned H. inns sssei,o. va
snd m de it with desire 10 be just am con.ci US maj
Intended dsertct towsrd Gen Sheruan nor " any hsn
ner 70 rcfec, upon his course.
lie ever, has chosen TO think Otherwise ana ou1s
recent interview he charged me with having attempted IN
Win The Of the Pres. generally, TO
ming him into disrepur aud contempt with ms c"rns ma,
His on tins occasion passionate snd Hns' o
hs 40 scu.ica tint in charity shal not no" MAKE
nnbc A. soon hi, burst Of rssc had passed nsds Al A
pl,nation which thought sa c'oS TOR then a,'uo
- that =, hat be had said did apply 20 refso'
rather to other ponden who hsd CHOSEN 10 "' 'u