Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1896-06-13

and nothing more. But q skilled military
engineer in a boat could observe much
more than this, for his trained eye would
detect guns scattered in the dense foliage
all along the hillside and on the water
level, but at some distance from the old
fort
One feature of the modern system of de-
Tense which is in strong contrast with the
old schemes, is the division and conceal
ment of the guns. They are no longer con-
centrated behind stone walls, that would
crumble away like dust under the impact
of modern shells, but are concealed and
scattered. though all privately connected
by telephones and sunken ways. so that
while the fire of an approaching fleet might
be attracted to the stone wall of old
Fort Washington, the vessels would be
catching rain of shot and shell from hid
tien guns using smokeless powder, upon
which no destructive fire could be effective
ly concentrated.
Even where there are no hills and no
foliage, and nothing but a swampy en-
trance at the mouth of the Mississippi,
or sand fiat as at Coney Island, there
may he guns concealed in pits below the
earth's surface ordinarily. but rising on
needed.
Given an opportunity to approach within
range Of a good field glass, however, an
expert military engineer will spot most of
such guns, although he may not be able
to tell their caliber and power. Also, he
may by corrupting laborers and soldiers
engaged on the works secure valuable in
formation as to their nature. In both re-
spects the United States government is
lementably weak and without recourse.
low 1t is Done in Canada
All European governments have laws pro-
viding for the arrest and severe punish
ment of persons gathering such informa-
ticn. and even Canada Is well guarded by
laws in this respect. Within the year the
publication in the social notes Of The
Star of a guileless little item announcing
the departure of a young army officer for
Canada on tour of inspection of mill
tary posts caused the immediate cancella-
ton of the desirable summer orders of
that social light and incidentally carsed a
wild scamper across the line and back
into the United State, Of another Disguised
young United States army officer supposed
ly engaged In harmless fishing trip whose
Ger science led him to dread the applica ton
of the Canadian law.
The United States on its part cannot pro-
tect ITSELF for the law knows no spies save
In time of war. In Europe the spy in
peace is relentlessly punished when caught
and both France and Germany have Gagged
In their jeils many of each others citizens
convicted of spying. Every foreigner in a
garrison town in continental Europe is
most closely watched by the authorities
Unhappy is the lot of the American kodak
flend in such places. for at every town he
is tapped on the shoulder and warned not
lists who are foolish enough to try to
sketch some bosky grove that might, I'M
known to him, conceal Cruzot shield with
its gun Is pretty sure to spend a most
miserable half hour explaining his fam
lily tree and present aims in life to an au-
tocratic military governor.
Suspicious European Governments.
About two years ago Capt. Borup, United
States military attache at Paris. fell under
suspicion of having surreptiticusl- obtain
ed some valuable information about high
explosive that the French military officials
were developing. The offense was never
clearly proved, hut the War Department
was obliged to recall the officer because Of
the angry demands Of the French govern
ment In all Europe is this watchfulness
over military secrets maintained and even
our English cousins know how to keep a
good thing themselves.
A striking illustration of this fact was
afforded by the experience Of some Amer
lean naval officers several years ago. Com
Ing home from three years tour of duty
On the South Atlantic station these officers
touched. with their ship. at the pretty
island OF st. Lucia, lying between Cuba and
Venezuela. They were cordially welcomed
by the officers of the British garrison, who
came Off to pay their respects and were
handsomely entertained aboard ship. A
few days later the British officers sought
10 repay the obligation by inviting some
or the Americans to mess.
The invitation was accepted by several
naval officers, who were met on coming
ashore by their hosts and escorted to a GER
tain point. where halt was called and the
Americans were politely requested to al
lew themselves to be blindfolded before
proceeding. Some Of them Indignantly re-
fused. while few others. sympat hizine
with their embarrassed hosts. and, perhaps
also moved by curiosity. assumed the ban
dages. which they retained until they
reached the mess hall, where they were
hv
The reason for this mystery was that the
British government was engaged at tina,
time in terrifying the island which has
since been converted into the Gibraltar of
the Antilles, and had given the most rigid
orders against the inspection of the works
by foreigners.
An Experience In Cuba.
Coming nearer home the Spanish have
carefully guarded the secrets of the Cuban
Notifications. Years before the present re-
bellion. this policy prevailed, and a dis
tinguished officer In our army, at the time
commanding the military academy, who
happened to be on the lever faithful
isle" for the benefit of his health, was
| surprised beyond measure while strollins
outside OF one of the towns one day to be
| suddenly accosted by Spanish officer and
| politely. but firmly. directed to retrace his
| steps Immediately. and without casting his
glance backward at the Notifications
WOThs ne Hdu uHWittlnSIy happened upon.
| That such precautions are not entirel,
| useless Is demonstrated in this very case
! by the fact that while in the opinion OF
| Senator Morgan and a number of his col
| leagues the United States is perilously neal
| war with Spain. army and navy officers
| have been utterly unable to learn the de-
| tails Of the Notifications of Havana har.
bor the key to the possession Of Cuba, anG
| so would be at great disadvantage in 8
| hostile movement. at least in the beginning
In the opinion of our ablest strategists
| there must be some reciprocity in thi.
| matter. and no longer should a false pride
| be permitted to endanger the nations safe
| ty. All proper concession should be made
| 1t is said. to the repugnance entertained
| by the American people toward the iror
| military systems OF Europe. but. after all
| there can be no reasonable objection, 1t |:
urged. to the adoption of that small meas
ure Of precaution that looks to the fran
| ing of laws to punish persons who are
| guilty of willfully spying upon the officer:
| who are working to protect the nation.
| life. and 1t is probable that Congress will
| soon be esked to do this
! Duplication of Old Names.
The curious duplication of noted name: