Little Falls transcript. [volume] (Little Falls, Morrison County, Minn.) 1876-1894, 1883-12-14
WAR AND THE NAVY,
TIE INDIANS MOSTLY QUIET.


From the report of tho secretary OF war it
will be seen that in only single instance has
there been any disturbance of the quiet condi-
ton of our Indian tribes. A raid was made
from Mexico into Arizona by small party Of
Indians, which was pursued. by Cen Crook
into the mountainous regions from which it
had come. 1t is confidently hoped that serious
outbreaks will not again occur, and that the
Indian tribes which have for many years dis
turbed the West will hereafter remain in
peaceable submission.
STATE MILITIA ENCOURAGED.
On several occasions during the past year
officers Of the army have, at the request Of
State authorities, visited these military co.
campments for inspection Of troops. From
the reports Of those officers am induced to
believe that the encouragement Of the State
militia organization by the National govern
ment would be followed by very gratifying re-
suits and would afford it, in sudden ener-
gencies the aid of a large body of volunteers
educated in the performance of military du-
ties.
AN EXPOSED sEAcoAsT.
again call your attention to the present
condition of our extended seacoast, upon which
are so many large cities whose wealth and i'm
portance to the country would, 10
time of war, invite attack from mod
ern armored ships, against which our
existing defensive works could give no ale
fore the Introduction Of modern heavy ritled
guns Into maritime warfare; and if they are
not out in an efficient condition, we may easily
be subjected to humiliation by hostile power
greatly inferior to ourselves. As gerznane 10
this subject 7 call your attention to the i'm
portance OF pert q cling our submarine torpedo
defenses
The board authorized by the last con-
gress to report on the methods for the
manufacture of heavy ordnance, and
adapted to modern warfare. has Wis.,
tied the principal iron aud steel works
in this country aud in Europe. 1t is hoped that
it's report will be soon made, and that congress
will thereupon be disposed to provide suitable
facilities and plans for the manufacture of
such guns as are now imperatively needed
The secretary Of the navy reports that, under
the authority Of the acts Of Aug. 5. 1882, and
March g. 1888. the work Of strengthening our
navy by the construction of modern vessels has
been auspicio11sly begun. Three cruisers are
in progress of construction--the Chicago, of
4. 500 tons displacement and the Boston and
Atlantic, each Of 2, 500 tons. They are to be
built of steel, with the tensile strength and
ductility prescribed by law, and in combination
of speed, endurance, and armament are ex-
pected TO compare favorably with the best I'M
a. A ' fourth vessel, the Dolphin, to
be constructed of similar materials,
is intended to serve as a fleet dispatch boat
Inc QOuDlS-GuFIebSQ ulOultOtS uElt6N. aIHDll~
trile and Terror have been launched on the
Delaware river, and contract has been made
for the supply Of their machinery. similar
vessel, the Monadnock, has been launched in
California. The naval advisory board and the
secretary recommend the completion of the
monitors, the construction of four gunboats,
and also of three steel vessels like the Chicago,
Boston and Dolphin, as an important measure
Of material defense. -
INTERIOR WATEhwAYa
" The secretary. urges the immediats creation
Of an interior fast line of water ways
across the peninsula of Florida, slongth the coast
from Florida to Hampton Roads, between tbs
Chesapeake bay and Delaware river, and
through Cape Cod feel bound to impress
upon the attention Of congress the necessity Of
continued progress ID the construction of the
navy. The condition of the public treasury,
as have already indmatsd, makes the pres
ent an auspicious time for putting this branch
OF the service in q state of efficiency 1t is no
part of our policy to create and maintain a
navy able TO cope with that Of the
other great powers OF the world.
We have no wish for foreigF conquest, and the
peace which we have SO LONG enjoyed is in no
seeming danger of interruption; yet our naval
strength should be made adequate for the de-
Tense Of our harbors. the protection of our
commercial interests, and the maintenance Of
our national honor--a proposition from which
no patriotic citizen can withhold his assent