The Anaconda standard. [volume] (Anaconda, Mont.) 1889-1970, 1889-12-03

In discussing the unprotected coast OF
the enterprising and rapidly growing
cities which form the hilwarks of our
commercial prosperity in that quarter,
which il is physically impossible to pro-
tcct by any land Notifications. To aban-
don these cities. defensihie only by the
navy, tn the possible attacks Of AN enemy.
and to subject to needless risk this coast
aud the vast region which u borders. "a
region second in Importance to no other
OF an almost criminal negligence.
The secretary Says that the necessities OF
creation of two fleets of battle ships. OF
which eight should be assigned To- the Pa
cific and twelve tn the Atlantic and Gulf.
sells for coast and harbor defense are
atiircd. In reference To the g,Iti-tpoat
.s !, must ths i. % com'i.mScd. such vessels adj,
nothing to the real strength Of n naval
force. Apart from the want of battle
ships the most marked defect of the pres
ent fleet is i'm torpedo boats. The seq
rotary recommends that the construction
of Ave torpedo boats bc authorized.
In discussing the enlisted men of the
r equal importanc. with the construction OF
personnel a ship is worth what her captain and
rev are worth sh. Is no use unless MI her ",icrrs r.
sure the thorough efficiency Of the corps ~ en-
sryd sry nfP Fn m . % nsSS ha 'ss se aI Of
American citizens ar of those who have declared
they shoIii have adequate training for their
work. and thirdly. that the system at enlistment
aud discharge should be regulated to
cure the retention OF good men in the service.
sells In part composed of foreigners, Of
men whose nationality Ii uncertain, and who are
ready to serve any government that Will pay
them. IL can not u. expected that crews COM
posed will be "a safe reliance for the country IL
their services should be needed I'm war. such
| men held 10y nothing but their contract of
enlistment, and subject at the hrst temptation TAI
desert the flag of "A country in ~hi'h they have
| never resided, aud Ia which they are bound 10y
ties of birth allegiance. To them the flag
| represents nothing The American who deserts
deserts the American service goes Ia his own
home. For "A man so placed desertion has no
/ penalties.
The peport says that the question OF the
creation of "a naval reserve demands the
| early attention of congress. The report
| the coast north Of the AID parallel and ss.-
! lcct N suitable site for "A navy yard and dry
dock, Is submitted and the secretary adds
| The commission narrowed down their selection
/ tn the shores Of Puget sound. and among the
various sites in that neighi.orhossi there were
One of th.>.. upon Lake Washington, "a Large
sheet ~ water ing back of the city of Seattle
| The other AT Point Turner, ON the opI,oslts
| side Of the sound. The commission, while stat
! ing their opinion that IA suitabl. site he
! found IN. lake decided in favor Of Point
4 Turner. mainly strategic grounds.
! As LAX. Washington has no natural naytgabit
outlet, could only be made aNa aiable 10y th. con
strtIction of "a canal of four miles In length
/ The commission believe that such canal can b.
built, the only questions being those of cost anc
cNp-dIency. neither OF which did they Zee.
called upon to express OF form an opinion. Th'
department, in presenting the report, is not sal
isbed as the hnality of its conclusions. Upoi
| tie military problem Involved some difference q