Los Angeles herald., 1891-12-29
GEN. M'COOK'S VIEWS
His Opinion on The Chilean
Crisis.
Plans for Fortifying the
HarbOrs.
San Diego Would Be the First Place
Attacked by Chile.
Few shore Batteries Would Keep
the Enemy Guessing-rhe Inaug-
uIation of President Montt
Likely to Prevent Trouble.

III do not think the present Chilean
troubles will result in war with the
United States," said Brigadier General
McCook, in command OF the department
of Arizona, to HERALD reporter yes
terday. 81 believe the inauguration of
President Montt will prevent any further
hostile steps by Chile, now that the
junta has been superseded by regular
government"
"What measures has Uncle Sam taken
for the protection OF Southern California
from hostile invasion ?" next asked the
reporter.
swell, in the event OF hostilities with
any foreign nation," said General Nc
Cook, "the enemy will find the United
States we'll prepared for defense in
Southern California. OF course no at
tacks can be expected at either Redondo
or San Pedro, with the objective idea of
sacking Los Angeles. The one vulnerable
point on the South California coast is
San Diego. Even in the remote possi-
bility of war with Chile, San Diego
would probably be the first point
attacked; possibly the i'll feeling excited
by the Jtata affair might bring about an
attack on that point by the Yankees OF
South America, as the Chileans style
themselves. In my last report to Wash
ington, which was forwarded some
months ago, made the following rec
concentrations
"'The necessity for military post at
San Diego is obvious to all who are
familiar with that country. Located
upon this important harbor, about
twelve miles from the Mexican frontier
OF Lower California, troops will be in
proximity to prevent, in future, any
violation of the neutrality laws upon the
land or in the harbor.
"'It is recommended that the batteries
for the defence of the harbor be placed
one on Point Iona; one on Ballast
point; one on southwest corner of North
island, one on the Sand Spit, southeast
of Coronado hotel, at point known as
the B ick Yard.
"rhese numerous batteries become
necessary on account of the peculiar sit.
uation of the city of San Diego. On &C.
count Of the treLd OF harbor, the docks,
whaives, etc., of the city, are within
two miles of the ocean, necessitating
yond shelling distance
SIN accordance with the above recon-
mendations, have made careful sur
vey of the situation at San Diego, and
have reason to expect that the guns
necessary for the fortifcation of the har.
Dor there will be forwarded as speedily
as possible.
sin accordance with the plans which
have been formulated, it is the inten-
tion to place an almored turret on Bal.
last island. This turret could be oper-
ated from bombproof built in the shore
bank, where the machinery would be
perfectly protected. We have also 10.
Gated the site for mortar battery on
Point Iona. and likewise one on the
sand spit southeast of the Coronado
hotel. All of these points are to be sup
piled with high-power guns. and as the
| circumjacent territory has been care
| fully charted, it would be exceedingly
| hazardous for the war vessels of hos
| tile nation to approach within shelllng
distance of San Diego. With batteries
of twelve and fifteen-inch mortars To-
Gated on the aforementioned points,
our artillery officers would be per-
| fectly willing to lay wagers
that they could drop 500 pound
| shot or shell in any space of fifteen
square yards that might be pointed out
on the map within radius of eight
miles. Such a enormous mass of metal
| falling from such an tremendous height
| on the deck of war vessel would crush
in the deck and cut through to the lower
water line, and scutte the ship.'
"Very few Americans are really con-
versant with the elaborate preparations
being made by the United States gov
ernment for the coast defenses. Con-
tracts have been made for 1893 breech-
loading, rified. high power guns from
one source and for 100 high-power
guns from other sources. OF the first
installment mentioned there will
be 62 eight-inch rifed guns, SO
six-inch guns and 30 twelve.inch
rifed guns. The government has also
cont acted for twelve pneumatic fifteen
inch dynamite gane, of which three have
been assigned for tie Pacific coast. The
new guns will be furnished to the United
States at the rate of 45 per cent per an
mum until 1894. Such extensive i'm
provements are being made by the gun
foundries that the output will be
materially increased within the next
two years. We are in early ex-
pectation of proceeding with the
armament of San Diego harbor, and
with the present resources OF the gov
ernment there need be but little appre-
hension that foreign foe will find
Uncle Sam unprepared for him at that
point. Chile is certainly in no condi-
tion to make war on the United States,
and believe the newly established gov
ernment there will make the proper
amend. If an apology and reparation
are not forthcoming am satisfied that
our government will make naval de-
monstration against Chile, and compel
recognition of our rights. Ii HOSTILE
ties should result, however, and consid-
er such contingency very improbable,
why we have taken such measures for
the defense of San Diego as will be am
pie to give full protection to that
point"
A Real Esrate Room