Sacramento daily record-union. [volume] (Sacramento [Calif.]) 1875-1891, 1888-01-31
A NAVAL RESERVE.


Following the example Of the Cham
bers of Commerce of San Francisco and
New York, the Board of Trade of Chicago
has passed strong resolutions approving
the recommendation of the Secretary of
the Navy in favor of naval reserve
The proposal Of the Secretary had its ORR
gin in the suggestion of Admiral Porter OF
the United States Navy. The idea gains
in strength as it is discussed. The purpose
is to enroll vessels fitted for naval service
and men to be drilled as 4 torpedo and naval
artillery reserve corps. A portion of this
reserve is, of course, intended for the great
lakes, the maritime Importance of which
is rapidly and greatly augmenting. The
shipping now laid up at Chicago alone ag-
gregates 154, 528 tons net. There arrived
at Chicago in 1887 1850 vessels, repre-
senting an aggregate of 1925, 292 tons,
while the clearances were 1923 vessels,
representing APP, $50 tons. The ship
ments of grain for 1887 aggregated 10,503,-
$40 bushels, of which 1854, $3.50 were corn,
1,l66, $50 wheat, and 3,4S3,675 oats, and
the duties collected were S4,734,9 $50 81. a
commerce so great as this demands that
every proper predatory step be taken to
protect it, that in case of war we NAV not
be at the mercy of any foe.
If the commerce of the great lakes is
thus important, how vast is that of the
seaports, and how exposed it will be in
case of war. While we believe that our
navy should be much enlarged, the per-
manent naval force considerably aug
mented, and the coast defenses improved,
to the great reduction of the surplus, it is
not held that the permanent naval forces
should be so large as to give complete pro-
lection to the thousands of miles of our
exposed coast line. Such policy would
require navy and equipment in excess of
that of any nation of the globe, and it
would possibly constitute dangerous ele-
ment, TO say nothing of the almost i'm
measurable cost it would involve But as
the Secretary Of the Navy asks, if perma-
nent land forces may be wisely backed by
auxiliaries in the shape of State militia or
national guards, why may not the same
policy be applied to the navy?
Of course it is seen, as already intimated,
that the training under Government SUI
pervision and patronage of our able sea-
men in the art of naval warfare and the
handling Of guns and torpedoes, and the
enrolment of proper ships, would qualify
a reserve that would meet the sudden de-
mand for men and vessels upon the out
break of war. Upon this subject the Sec.
rotary of the Navy says:
Inquiries have also been made at the Depart.
ment from cities of the great lakes, and meet
ings have been held III cities of the South in
uoTslng the formation OF such a national organ
Hatlon. The Department has informed Itself
fully of the different systems of organization for
coast defense and naval reserves at present in
force IN foreign countries. and is prepared to
formulate general plan for similar organiza-
ton To meet the requirements and conditions OF
our own institutions. 1t should resemble in
organization that of the National Guard, rest
upon the foundation of local interest contem-
plate the employment and rapid mobilization
of steamers enrolled on an auxiliary naval list,
and be calculated 10 produce the best results
upon comparatively small national eXpendi-
ture, In time OF war troop ships or transports
are in great demand. Several European Gov
ernments make an annual contribution, based
on tonnage, to companies constructing new YES
sells. The consideration to the Government is q
counter agreement, permitting the Government
TO take such vessel for a transport in time OF
war upon terms named in the agreement. The
Government officials are also consulted as to her
mode of construction and she goes on the ua-
We reserve list. These payments are incident
ally in the nature of a subsidy TO the ship.
owner and this, with the liberal payments for
government transportation of mails, etc, keeps
large fleet of merchantmen afIoat as a reserve
ready for time OF war. Without ships and
trained seamen thcre can be DO naYal rfserye