The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1896-11-18
THE ADVICE OF THE BOARD IN
CHARGE OF HARBOR DE-
FENSES.
PEACE THE PROPER TIME.
WITH HOSTILITIES IN PROGRESS
OPPORTUNITY WOULD BE
WANTING.
PRUDENCE CALLS FOR ACTION.
Work of the Past Year Reviewed
and the Needs of the Coming
Year Explained.

WASHINGTON, Nov. 1.-THE work
of placing the nations harbors in a
state Of defense is summed up in the
report of the board of ordnance and
fortifications. 1t says:
Under the increased appropriations Of the
present fiscal year. the work of placing our
harbors in proper state Of defense is max
ing good progress, and If only the same sums
are appropriated annually for few years
our principal ports will present formidable
front to an attacking feet. 1t Is hoped,
however, that even more liberal appropria-
lions will be made in order that we may soon
be ready for an emergency that may arrive
at any time. In view Of the present serious
aspect of European politics, it is only common
prudence for this nation to be on its guard,
for, should conflict arise, we are liable TO
be embroiled with some power whose navy,
in the present defenseless condition Of our
coasts, might destroy, or exact enormous ran
some from our chief cities.
A war, IL 1t comes at all will come with
no warning and no time for preparation.
China, with undefended ports and an made
quate navy, was defeated in a few months.
In the latest war between the great military
powers Of Germany and France, the sur
render at Sedan occurred only forty days
after the declaration Of war. The wars of ma
lions occur in cycles of varying length, but
seldom does a generation pass without a
great conflict. Already more than thirty years
have elapsed since our last great war and an
other may soon, if the past be guide to the
terminate one Oh the longest intervals
OF peace we have ever enjoyed. Our en-
gineer department is ready with the most
modern plans for Notifications. and our
ordnance department is prepared with designs
Tor guns and carriages that are equal to any
IN the world. If congress will but increase
the appropriations to the capacity of those
departments for useful and economical work
IL VIII not be long before our coasts are
secure against the attack of foreign powers.
An effective preparation for war Is the best
safeguard against war.
The foregoing summary closes an ex-
haustiye report, giving every detail of
the progress Of fertilization, the ex-
animation Of innumerable devices of
attack and defense, the testing of guns,
gun carriages, powders, arms, mortars
and arnlor A long list is given of
devices which have been examined and
not approved, and q smaller list of
those approved or under consideration.
The report contains q letter from
Secretary Lamont In which he points
out that the board was created at a
time when congress was taking the
1lfst step In the execution of a project
that involved an ultimate expendi-
ture of more than $1000 900, the pur-
pose being to have a body Of experts
to pass on the advancing stages of
armament.
Recent years. the secretary writes,
have witnessed a rapid evolution in
war material. Foreign nations have
armed and rearmed at short intervals
Costly material has been manufac-
tured; much Of it to be thrown away
as defective or because outclassed by
superior inventions on the part Of a
possible enemy. Mr.. Lamont suggests
that the work would be expedited if
the board established certain definite
types" of implements and engines of
war In answer to this, the board
specifies a list Of implements and en-
n ainJ, 4fc.fo,
types have been determined.
The work being done at the various
gun works and arsenals is reviewed in
detail.