Morning journal and courier., 1888-01-28
INTENTION vAoHTsaEN.

A Naval Reserve For the Protection
 of our Sea Coast-The New BiIl Re.
 fore Congress-WhoI May be Enrolled
 i'm the Naval Militia.
 The chairman of the harbor committee, Capt. O. H. Townshend, has received from Hon. Carlos French, our member of the House of Representatives from this district, who is in Washington, D. O., a copy of bill that is to be put before Congress to provide for the enrolment of naval militia and the organization of naval reserve forces. Strong arguments are adduced for the measure. England has such force and there is no reason why we should not have such force. In England they have enlisted steamships, coasting vessels and yachts. Now we have
 very large surface of seacoast that is exposed
 and in case of war with England, England
 with the allied powers of France, Italy and
 Germany could send a large fleet of warshlps to four points near our coast, namely, Hall- fax in Nova Scotia, Bermuda Islands, Nassau in the Bahama group of islands and the lsl- and of Jamaica, and from these points they could send their warships at given signal upon our defenseless seacoast without any hindrance on our part; whereas if we had a naval militia and reserve force composed of steamers, ,ceasting vessels and yachts we could send them out against the onslaught of an enemy with good effect. Capt. Townshend con tinuing, said that the yacbtsmen throughout the country are greatly in favor of this bill, and the people who at present are against 1t will after it is passed if it is so fortunate, see what good thing it is and how highly beneficial it will prove in case we should be suddenly attacked by some nation. Capt. Townshend speaks very highly of hnin 6AairOnS forwarding our shipping interests. The fol
 lowing is correct copy of the bill A BILL
 To provide for the enrolment of a naval
 militia and the organization of naval re- serve force.
 In the House of Representatives January 4, 1888, read twice, referred to the commits tee on naval affairs and ordered to be printed.
 Section 1. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assem bled
 That it shall and may be lawful in the en- rollment of the militia of the several States and territories bordering on the sea and lake coasts or naVigable rivers to separately enroll and designate as the naval militia between the ages of IS and 45 all seafaring men of whatever calling or occupation and all men engaged in the navigation of rivers, lakes and other waters, all persons engaged in the con- struction and management of ships and crafts any part thereof upon such waters, together with ship owners and their em- ployes, yacht owners, members of yacht clubs and all other associations for aquatic pursuits and all ex-officers and enlisted men of the navy.
 Section g. That the several States and Territories having enrolled under section 1 naval militia laws from persons composing the naval militia and others such commands as may volunteer to form portions of the fol- lowing naval reserve forces: First, naval reserve artillery; second, naval reserve tor pedo corps, to which when so organized and reported by the Governors of the States and Territories to the Navy department, the Sec retary of the Navy shall be authorized to sup ply arms and equipments and naval vessels when it can be done without injury to the service for instruction and drill.
 Section 3. That the battery to consist of not less than four officers and eighty petty officers and men shall be the unit of the naval reserve artillery, and that the crew, to consist of not less than one officer and six teen petty officers and men, shall be the unit of the naval reserve torpedo corps; and that the further organization, the oficering equip ment and uniform of the above forces shall be prescribed. by regulations prescribed by the President
 Provided that the officers shall be selected and commissioned by the State authorities, and that if found qualified by 8 board of naval officers appointed by the Secretary of the Navy they may be commissioned by the President in the same titles and grades. And provided further
 That the holders of such commissions shall have no claim upon the United States for pay or compensation except when called into ser vice by the President for war or training purposes.
 Section f. That the naval reserve force may be called into service of the United States under the following circumstances and with the following conditions: First, in all cases where existing laws authorize the Pres ident to call out the militia Second, for a period of annual drill at such places as the President may designate not 10 exceed one month. Third, when so called into the service of the United States the off~ men of the naval resAr-'~