Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1884-11-03

Report Of Gen. Newton. the Chief Of
Engincers-S6O,O 200, 900 Needed-Poto.
mac River Improvements.

Gen. John Newton, chief OF engineers, has sub
mitted his annual report 10 the Secretary OF War.
In discussing the state OF sea coast defenses he
says that a single contribution which could be
levied by hostile fleet upon the city OF New York
would probably pay four five fold the cost OF all
the fortifcations OF the important harbors in the
country. The problem TO solve is the defense OF
harbors against hostile fleets. He discusses the
torpedo system and says that unless the torpedoes
are defended 10y guns OF such power as To pierce
the armOr OF the ironclads they may be removed
with mpunty. He recommends tue purchase OF
torpedo cases. electric cable and apparatus for all
our principal ports He adds that with guns OF
heavy caliber. properly rotected.ou our harbors may
be made impregnabe. He states that the heaviest
guns should be housed In iron turrets TO the
maximum field OF fire, the arrnor OF the
turrets to be much heavier than that
carried by ships Complete shelter for
the more important guns is necessary
1oruhcationS and make powerful guns. is dwelt
upon at considerable length. The board OF en-
gineers for ortifications has prepared approximate
estimates OF the cost of Notifications. including the
ornaments OF modern heavy guns and rifled
mortars for Portland, Boston, New York, Philadel-
phia, Baltimore Hampton Roads New orleans
and San Francisco. These estimates have been
made with care and 1t is believed that the FORTH
ncations, including guns OF all harbors on
an enemy, can be prepared at cost
not to exceed $60000.OO0. OF the defenses OF
y, M as Gen. Newton says that Fort Foot
Is In state OF dilapdaton. but the fort is not
occupied by troops no repairs are recommended; at
Fort Washington the buildings unoccupied by
troops are generally in dllapidated condition. but
no repairs are recommended, as lt is OF More i'm
portance to mount a few guns and TO finish the
magazines and parapets.
POTOMAC RIVER IMPROVEMENTS.
In regard to the improvement OF the Potomac
river ii is proposed to apply the amount available
for the present fiscal year. $553 4 TO the dredging
OF the Virginia channel and the deposit OF the de-
brs on the flats. 70 increase the width OF the
channel and complete the reclamation OF sec 10 a
height OF feet above mean low tide TO dredge the
Washington channel from Long bridge TO the
mouth OF Eastern branch TO a depth OF 20 feet at
mean low tide and width OF $50 feet or more,
the dredging to be deposited on Sec. 3
or the flats; to begin the construction
OF the tidal reservoir In section 2 In order TO sup
ply fresh water to the Washington channel when
the latter is closed above Long bridge construct
the inlet gates for taking fresh water INTO the tidal
reservoir 20 I'LL that portion OF the flats between
the northeastern margin OF the reservoir and the
monument grounds, and between the northwest
ern margin and the sewer canal; to complete the
reVetment OF the slope on the outer edge or Sec
tons and 3, and TO commence the construction OF
the wall on the Washington side OF section 3. The
amount asked for the next fiscal year. $500 O00 Will
be applied TO continuing the work already begun.
and In accordance with the approved project The
entire work 1t is believed, be completed within
the estimate for the completion OF the existing
project, which is $l.Sl6,365.