New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1895-11-15
UNPREPARED FOR VAR.
pEFENCELEss CONDITION OF THIS CoUN-
TRYs COASTS
ADMIRAL. WALKER ADVOCATES THE BUILDING OF

ADMIRAL. WALKER ADVOCATES THE BUILDING OF
AT LEAST SEVEN MORE BATTLE-sHIPs.
Washington. Nov 1.-THE defenceess condition OF
Tho American coasts to which General Miles has re-
cortlv called attention, with much precision Of de-
tail Il the principal subject OF conversation among
Army and Navy officers General Miess declara-
ton that England. notwithstanding her great navy,
would be practically helpless against powerful
adversary but for her system OF coast defences Is
fully indorsed by both branches OF the service Ad-
miral John G. Walker. who represents the progress
sva element OF the Navy, regards coast de-
fences and a navy the complement OF each othef'
No great country can protect itself without oo'h
systems OF defence. What Admiral Walker says IL
significant, not only because of his knowledge OF
military matters. but for the further reason that ne
believes a war between the United States and a
strong European Power would demonstrate now
poorly this country is prepared for such an encoun-
ter.
II am a good American" said Admiral walker
,hls morning. but cannot smut my eyes to cold
facts We are not prepared to-day to engage IN
war with any nrst-cass Power. We are In the posi-
ton that China occupied in her recent struggle
with Japan. We have a vast pOpulatloh' great
wealth boundless resources and intense PATRIOTISM
but We cannot maintain offensive or delehs''e
attitude against any one Of half dozen iofeis"
countries. What General Miles says ABOUT me "e-
fenceless condition OF coast cities l. eHtieIS
correct II Is true that New-York and San Fran
cisco are better protected than other commerc.a'
cities but even they would be helpless against the
( assaults OF dozen powerful roncads. so iar ar
the remaining cities are concerned. they nave Ho
protection whatever" ~,
"Nhat do YOU think the Government ought to do!
Congress ought 70 make liberal appropriation ioi
coast defences and for additional ships OF war. NOR
| than ANYTHING else we need strong Navy Ii We
had a dozen battle-shiqs OF the Indiana CLASS OIL
the Atlantic coast could defy as powerful :"
maritime country as Great Britain we nave 'o"
four battle-ships building. and two others nav
been appropriated for We need at least seven nv g
| II Congress would vote the money two OF t"e'e
ships ought to be slven 70 the Cramps, two to the
Huntington yard at Newport News, one TO 'he
Union Iron Works al San Francisco ana 'ne o'"e'
ought to be built at the navy yards at p'oo''' >.
and Norfolk With anything like fair system Ir 81
abilItv OF war There would be no more Corinto
incidents; more talk of foreign age, iS ha me-
eminent on the American Continent. The greatest
preventive against war is TO be fully prepared io'
What about the Pacific Coast?' ,or those
Three ba;e-ships would be sufiicent b hIs there
might be with the countries the south OF US anu
three such vessels would amply protect us from 'ei
Then you don't think we are prepared for war al
we are very far from it, Our ships are the best
OF their class in the world but We have not enough
OF them We need more lighting snips.osat t H.
to the army. II Is the fighting part OF me h oas
But IL should be supplemented by torpedo-poats,
eoast-defence vessels and swift cruisers JusI as en
Infantry is made more effective by the employment
OF cavalry and artillery. The batteship IS not needo
ed times OF peace but It Is indispensaoIe IN
Of war When no; actively engaged II can De la az.
up in ordinary. and The police work OF me
ocean can be performed by small gunboats wnicn
would not be effective IN battle, but which are use.
ful 10 carry the flag This is the policy pursued Dy
Great Britain who sends her gunbOas abroad, Wnl.e
her powerful ironcads. which are more expensive
10 keep in commission, remain on the hoiHe S'a
tons" ~. -.
Gould Great Britain, for example, send all OF ner
navy 10 the United states In the event OF war De-
tween the TWO Countries?
mo: / doubt If she could send half Of her vessels:
Cor she cannot leav her interests in other parts OF
the world unprotected. But even part or ner
great navy would be sufficient 10 give US great
trouble-at the start least on the other hand II
we met her with dozen powerful battle-ships on
the Atlantic coast, with such other resources as We
possess we would no doubt win the struggle Mean
while We could throw half million men into can
ada within a few weeks so that the fight would not
be so one-sidei it might at first glance appear
But you think at the present time England OF
any OF the Continental Powers would have US at a
Disadvantage" $500
"T'nioubteily. It is useless 10 talk about war
wiki any strong European country in our present
| nrlif for