The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1893-02-28
MIR. SQUIRE'S WORK.
Urges Necessity of Defenses for
Puget Sound.
FAvoRs ANNexlMc HA
4 speech Called OCT In PPesentine Two
4smorials-Lookine After the In.
forests Of Postmassors,

WARRINGTON CIrr, Feb. T.-ISpecial +
Several Washington state business organi-
xations had their views expressed in the
senate today through Senator Squire. He
said:
Iprssent . petition Of the Chamber Of Com.
merce Of Seattle, representing that the CONNER
cial relations now existing between this nation
ana the Hawaiian islands are close and impor-
tan1 with the promise OF greatly increased
vaiu: to the United States whom the Nicaragua
canal snail b completed. The petitions also
represent that the commercial condition now
existing On the Pacific coast makes IL highly i'm
p0ftans that the relations heretofore existing
Win the Hawaiian islands should not be made
lees close oy reason Of the political changes
which have taken place on these islands. The
petitioners on those islands pray that our gov.
eminent adopt such measures In its relations
70 the Hawaiian islands, not inconsistent with
our long established policy, a will securely
guard against all dangetof foreign domination
OF these islands. and Of European interference
with their Affairs, and will guarantee uuin-
tefruptedy and permanently to our naval and
commercial vessels IN adequate and convenient
coaiing station thereon, such q will be best
calculated to promote the interests and welfare
OF our country and Of its citizens in that local
ity, and will foster. encourage and augment the
commercial intercourse between these islandS
and the United states.
also present petition from the Chamber Of
commerce OF Port Townsend, representing that
the whole sea coast Of the state Of Washington
from the Columbia river to its connection with
the foreign territory Of Britsh Columbia ID in An
utterly defenseless condition and open at any
time 70 the attack of an enemy, who could ap-
pfoacn from the ocean aud enter the ports of
Willapa bay and Gray's harbor on the Pacific
coast and penetrate into the interior Of the
state, but especially BY the great ocean arm of
Puget sound from Cape Flsttery to Olympia;
that from Cape Flattery as the entrance Of Fuca
straits to Olympia, the capital, distance of
some 200 miles. are numerous cities and towns
OF Importance, comprising Olympia, Tacoma.
Seattle, Everett, Port Town send, Port Angeles,
Port Crescent and Clallam, ell of whose inhabit-
ants aud property have NO protection from for
eign invasion The petitioners further repre-.
sent that the United States has valuable inter-
ests on Puget sound-the public buildings on
McNeiPs island used ~ . penitentiary; the
navy yard and dry dock ct Port Orchard, now
being constructed: the military post 1t Port
Townsend; the public building for custom
house, postofhce and United States court and
the marine hospital property at Port Towsend:
the Lighthouse ct Point Wilson; the quarantine
station at Port Discovery, the lighthouses at
smith's island. Dungeness, Port Angeles and
Cape Flattery = that are all without pro-
lection. A single gunboat from any
sOSeAku county WuACn might assume q
beliigerent attitude could destroy not only all
the government property named, but every city,
town and mill site on Puget sound, and levy .
contribution upon its inhabtanta In view of
these facss, these memorialists urgently request
this congress TO take some action in the prem
tsea, 90 that the defenses OF Puget sound and the
entire Pacific coast may BE- commenced forth
with ct such points and In such manner - the
wisdom of congress may determine, and that
such work may Be continued until the frontier
Of the Pacific states are properly protected from
the assaults OF enemies.
Mr.. President, I do not intend to make .
speech. but do desire most earnestly to call the
attention Of this body 70 the representations
which are being made from time 10 time in
reference to the OF coast defenses and par
ttcularly on the Pacific coast think we are do
ing wrong in neglecting the preparation which
may be made. As a member Of the committee
on coast defenses, have heretofore repeatedly
urged upon this body that steps be speedily
taken to properly protect our sea coast cities
aud towns, and these petitions emphasize the
importance Of the views thus expressed.