Morning journal and courier., 1884-11-04
The Annual Report of Chief of Engi-
 neerS Newton.

The Annual Report OH Cn1eK OH En&A"
 neers Newton.
 WASHINGTON, D. C., Nov. 3.-General John Newton, chief of engineers, in his an nual report to the Secretary of War, says that the sea coast and lake frontier defenses should if possible, be not less than seven miles distant from the ports defended by them and supplemented by torpedoes or submarine mines. What is needed, he says, is sufficient sum for the purchase of tor pedo cases, electric cables and apparatus for all the principal harbors to be kept in readi- ness for mooring in the channels when need ed. The general improvements of present times the report says, require great i'm proyement in our means of defense. Forti- hcations, magazines, engine and boiler rooms must all be proof against projeetiles capable of penetrating sixty feet of sand and thirty to forty feet of masonry. With proper system of submarine mines to detain the vessels of the enemy under the fire of land batteries, it is thought that with the addition of guns of heavy ealibre properly protected our harbors can be made impregnable and the failure to af- ford such protection, General Newton adds. involves a terrible responsibility. Continuing the report, he says: The guns on shore should be as heavy as those carried by the hostile fleet and the armor of the forts should be much heavier than that of the vessel. The more important batteries should be invulnerable to fire from the fleet. Iron turrets for the heaviest guns, iron case ments for the second class, and barbette or disappearing carriages for the lighter guns and riied mortar batteries would constitute the defense of the principal harbors. The best gun is of steel wound with steel wire and is built upon true scientific principles and will not be subject to great improve ment or change in the near future. Thus supplied the Notifications will be in accord ance with the most improved principle and | it does not seem that great changes can ever be necessary. Diplomatic delay could not allow the coun- try sufficient time for the construction of defences or collection of suitable guns in the event of war. It is well understood that modern warfare is sudden and decisive and compels the beaten parties to pay expenses. The utterly defenceless and hopeless condi ton of New York would soon be realized upon the approach of hostile fleet of moni- tors. In conclusion the report gives an esti- mate made by the Notifications board for armament and preliminary earth work and masonry for New York, Boston, Portland, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Hampton Roads. New Orleans and San Francisco, the total being S53, ,5sS, GOO. The estimate for emplacement of guns, exelud- l ing guns, armor and machinery, is $10,388, 900. Although these figures are approximate they have been made with care and the de- fense of the entire coast, it is thought, will not exceed $60,0O0,000. For the defence of Boston $98O, 1000 is asked, for New York $1 ,120, 900, for Philadelphia S1 1,82O,OO0, for Baltimore $132, 900, for Hampton Roads s660, 900, for San Francisco $9O0,000 The report treats the subject of river and harbor Improvements at length incorporating the reports already published of the officers in charge of the va rious works and in most cases recommending that their estimates be adopted.