Rock Island daily Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1886-1893, 1889-12-03
THE WAR DEPARTMENT

THE COAST DEFESSES.
judged by modern standards we are
practically without defenseS. Many of
the structures We have would enhance
rather than diminish the perils of their
garrlSons If subjected to the fire of i'm
proved guns, and very few are SO To-
called as to give fall effect to the great
or range of such guns as we are now
making for coast detenseS use. This
general subject has had consideration
IN congress for some years, and the ap-
preparation for the construction of
large rliied guns made one year ago
Was, am sure, the expression of Il
purpose to provide suitable works In
which these guns might be mounted.
An appropriation now made for that
purpose would not advance the com
pletloD of the works beyond our ability
to supply them with fairly effective
guns,
TIE EXPOSED HARBoRS.
The security of our coast cities
against foreign attack should not rest
altogether in the friendly disposition
OF other nations. There should be sec
ond line wholly ii our own keeping. |
very urgently recommend an appropri-
alton at this session for the construc-
ton of such works In our most exposed
harbors.
THE NATIONAL GUARD.
gGssLisa q. tAs.sss.
I ISIdty OF WIT That provisions De made
| Tor encamping companies of the ma
| tional guard III our coast works for {
| specihed time each year, and for theil
| training In the use of heavy guns. Hi:
| suggestion that an increase of the ar
| tlilery force of the army is desirable i!
also In this connection commended K
| consideration of congress.
RIVERS AND HARBORs.
The improvement of our important
| rivers and harbors should be promot
| ed by the necessary appropriations
Care should be taken that the govern
ment is not committed to the prosecu-
ton of works not of public and gener
| al advantage and that the relative use
! fulness of works, if that clause is 20.
| overlooked, SO far as this @ork can eve,
| be said to be completed. | do not
doubt that the end would be sooner
and more economically reached il fewel
| Seperate works were undertaken al
| the same time and those selected fol
| their greater general interest were
more rapidly pushed to completion
A..work once considerably begun should
not be subjected to the risk aud deter
Grafton which. interrupted or insufficient
appropriations necessarily occasion.
THE JUDICIAL DEPARTMENT.
PRO lection TO FEDERAL OFFICERS
The assault made by David 5. TER,
upon the person of Justice Field of the
supreme court of the United States
at Lathrop, CAL, in August last and the
killing of the assailant by a deputy
United States marshal who had been de
puted to accompany Justice Field and
protect him from anticipated violence
at the hands of Terry, in connection
| with legal proceedings, which have
followed, suggest questions which. in
my Judgment, are worthy the attention
OF congress. | recommend that
more definite provision be made
by law, not only for the
| protection of federal officers but for !
full trial for such cases in the United
States courts. In recommending such
legislation, do not at all impeact
either the general adequacy of the pro
vision made By the state courts for the
protection OF all citizens OF the genera
disposition of those charged with the
execution of such laws to give protec.
ton to the officers of the United States