The Anaconda standard. [volume] (Anaconda, Mont.) 1889-1970, 1896-11-18
IN TIMES OF PEACE
General Miles Urges the People to
Prepare for the Worst
TO DEFEND THE HARBORS
More Money Required to Give This
Country's Ports a Formidable
Front to Any Old At
tacking Fleet.

Washington, Nov. 1.-THE work OF plac-
ing our harbors In a state of defense Is
summed up In the report OF the board OF
ordnance and fortihcations signed by
General Miles, Colonels Frank and
Haines and Major Phipps and made pub
lie to-day. II says:
''Under the increased appropriations OF
the present fiscal year the work of plac-
ing our hafbors in proper state OF de-
fense Is making good progress. and IT
only the same sums are appropriated an
nually for few years our principal ports
will present formidable front 10 an at
tacking fleet. II is hoped, however that
even more liberal appropriations VIII be
made so that We may soon be ready Tor
an emergency that may arise AT any time.
In view Of the present serious aspect oil
European politics It is only common Irii-
dence for this nation TO be on its guard.
for should a conflict arise we are liable to
be embroiled with some power whose
navy. in the present condition Of cur
coasts might destroy or exact enormous
ransom from our chief cities.
"A war, IL II comes at all, Will come
with no warning and no time for prcpa-
ration. China. with undefended ports and
an inadequate navy, was defeated In
few months. In the last war between the
great military powers OF Germany ana
France the surrender at Sedan occurred
only 40 days after the declaration OF war.
The wars of nations occur In cycles OF
varying lengths. but seldom dces gen
Grafton pass without conflict. Already
more than 30 years have elapsed since our
last great war. and another may soon, II
the past be a guide to the future termi-
nate one Of the longest intervals OF peace
We have ever enjoyed.
"Our engineering department Is ready
with the most modern plans OF fortifica-
tions and the ordnance is prepared with
designs OF guns and carriages. IL congress
will but In crease the appropriations TO
the capacity of these departments for use
full and economical work II will not be
long before cur coasts are secure against
the attacks Of foreign powers. An ef-
fective preparation for war Is the best
safeguard against war"
The foregoing summary closes an ex-
haustive report, giving every detail OF the
progress of fertilization, the examination
of innumerable devices of attack and de-
ferse, the testing of guns. gun carriages.
powder, arms, mortars, armor. etc. A long
list Is given Of the devices which have
been examined and not approved and
smaller list OF those approved or under
consideration. The report contains let
ter from Secretary Lamont. He points out
that the board was created at time
when congress was taking the first step
In the execution of a project which in
volved an ultimate expenditure OF more
than 800. 100000, the purpose being to
have a body Of experts pass Oh the ad-
vancing stages of armament. Recent
years. the secretary says. have witnessed
aI.,tln In, t,aot
eign nations had armed and rearmed at
short intervals. Costly material had been
manufactured. much Of It to be thrown
out as defective or because outciassed by
superior Inventors on the part Of pos
sible enemy. Mr.. Lamont suggested that
the work would be expedited II the board
established certain definite types" OF
implements and engines Of war In an
swer to this the board specifies long list
OF implements and engines of war for
which satisfactory types have been de-
termined." The work being done In the
various works and arsenals is reviewed
In detail