The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1889-11-03
.$2l.4B.6ls %


The above indicates in unmistaksble Ian
guage that the iefenses of the Pacific coast
and the troops serving in this division have
not received their propOrtionate share OF
the appropriations of congress, and, Ia con-
sequence. the coast is not in proper condi-
ton of defense, and the troops have been
obliged TO be stationed where they are not
needed, in unhealthfni localities and poorly
sheltered. In order that this may not be
continued, and that they may be
properly located and comfortably sheltered
recommend that at least $4,000 be APP
propriated for this division for the con-
struction of quarters and barracks, in ae-
cordance with the plans already adopted
by the war department
PACIFIC COAST pEFESsgs.
The most important subject of q military
character 20 the Pacific states, and one
that should receive the earnest and Imme-
date attention of the government, is the
defense of the Pacific coast. Ii is of such
vital national Importance E.at ! regard it
neither wise nor patriotic to longer delay
its improvement. We have not reached
that perfection OF human society in which
it is safe to trust ourselves in a defenseless
condition. It is but eighteen years since
one government OF Europe forced an in
demnity OF 81 000, 900 600 from another, and
it today is compelling people of one sec
ton OF country to live under flag and
government which they regard with in
tense hatred. The people of many civilized
nations are sustaining systems OF govern
ment that. were it not for the arbitrary
ROVER OF arms, would be entirely different
4 large portion of the human race is liv-
ing under the arbitrary power of foreign
governments simply by the force Of arms.
As the entire system OF warfare has
charged within a generation, we cannot
rely apon the achievements of our fathers
or the hoasting OF our own people to defend
our political rights, property or lives.
The condition OF this coast is one 20 tempt
the avarice and cupidity OF any fourth rate
naval power on the globe. and that II could
? be occupied by any hrst-ciass naval power
is fact apparent b any thoughtful we'll
informed citizen. Such occupation would
not only be of temporary character. but
would he for q term OF years. in which all
business interests would lie paralyzed and
all values of property seriously deprecated,
and the wealth accumulated during gener-
atoms by economy and industry be de
stroved within q few weeks time. IL is
but few years since the ports OF large
section Ct our country we're so thoroughly
bEoekaded as 10 cripple the military power
Of nine millions OF people. No competent
Judge will deny the fact that IL Is equally
possible 10 blockade every important port
Of our country in the same way within
ninety days. and that it would take many
wears to make a successful resistance
against such a power In fact. IL has been
estimated by competent authority that
our country might be placed under an
indemnity % the extent OF five billions
in money. ON this coast alone there Is
mere than five hunded millions of dolars in
value Of destructibie property within the
reach Of naval vessels The indemnity need
not necessarily be in the shape Of money.
Zoe the staple products OF the country
would he just as valuable to any foreign
nation: and should oRe.haif Of il beV ased
to reduce their national debt and the other
to double or quadruple their naval power,
the time OF our successful resisiane e, when
once forced out Of deep water by such a
rswel. would Re ~ least indefinite. rs there
are several strategic positions on the Pa
cite coast which. il captured AID reversed.
could be used against Us and rendered IS
AfHflFE|1f1ff8% ~ 1EaD4aAaAA~ Ats@a Nt7a.7ssa%
might not De fatal 10 our republic, but it
would he q most serious embarrassment.
Although tue government and people o.
this cumutry have exT@nded millions Ot
money in the construction Of ioar great
srans-sont.neniAl railways across the eonti.
ucut. partly 70 protest and strengthen our
military POSER. they woald BE useless even
coald they transport a million u bragf.
patriotic men, without the appliances 10
core with the modern engines 81 var.
VITA al cur boosted intelligence and
pride q institutions, inventive geuins, ard
slusriofsfv In MANY Of the arts Industries.
ard commercial enterprises, We are @s lar
behind IN TIE modern appliances Of war ~
The people 81 China and japan
Military and E&vhi officers have reported
and recommended for years ihe smpgovs-
meat IN tire condition II the defense OF slzis
e.sast Legislatures. b0AFd a trads. cham
lsTs q eommerrs. sgd Y-slisical c0nYen-
tons hsvs yxt5siened afa pFAgesi the gen
erzl government 10 tax seton in tbs Faa1-
teF and ves tie w.reIcaed defenseseSs con
slitsaa ~ ne eozsf has cDnbnaea 10 tie
present moment. EIye years $50. while Ia
command oE the department. 81 the Colass-