The Weiser signal. [volume] (Weiser, Idaho) 1890-1904, 1896-12-03
TALK ON WAR MATTERS
SECRETARY LAMONT's REPORT ON
NATIONAL DEFENSE.
of Guns I'm Place for Atlantic
Az, Pacific Ports.

Washington, Nov. 26.-In his annual re-
port, which was made public today, Sec
rotary Lamont renews his previous rec
ommendation that the infantry be reor-
ganized on the general idea of three light
and mobile battallons of four companies
each to the regiment, instead of the cum
bersome 10 company formation adopted
a century ago and abandoned by other
nations since the development of modern
magazine rifles, and he quotes General
Sherman, Sheridan and Lieutenant Gener-
al Schofeld in support of the necessity
OF this reorganization Of the infantry.
The completion already of some coast de-
lenses and the approaching completion
Of other modern batteries render neces-
sary a larger force of artilleryists, but
no increase Of the army is asked for.
The plan of sea coast defenses involves
hundred distinct batteries in over 20
harbors.
Investigation this year has shown de-
iiciency In the arms and equipments Of
the state militia. Now that the states
furnish the armories and defray expense
| incidental to keeping their forces in
training, Secretary Lamont suggests hat
the United States should provide them
with the implements which they will need
prolonged field operations.
| The secretary recommends that the
Springfield rifle, calibre As, be issued to
state troops; that the states be allowed to
return to the war department obsolete
arms and equipments to be sold and the
proceeds credited to the states and that
| the states be allowed to purchase from
| the department supplies at regular prices
| Gain In Armament.
the report shows that whereas on tire
| Isl OF july 1893, IN our modern defense
but one nigh power gun was mounted
py the lst OF July next we VIII nave IN
position ~ hlgh power, preecnloadlhg guns
| ana 10 breechloading mortars OF modern
| design ana by the following July, en-
completion or the work already under
way or provided for, l2S guns and Jos
mortars battery OF two or three guns
taxes the place or FORMER pretentiods
tort ana Is vastly more eitectiVe. Inc
defensive system now under consideration
is distributed among the ports OF PORT
land' Me- portsmouth, N. H. Boston,
Nauagansett bay eastern entrance TO
Long Island eastern ana southern en-
frances 10 new YORK. i'hiiadeiphia' Saul
more washington Hampton ROADS, VIII
mlngton' Charleston Savannah key
| "eSt, enSaooia' we" orieons' Hai'eStoii,
san Dlego san FRANCISCO the mouth Oh
the Columbia river and Puget sound All
OF the enpiacements nave been located
with view TO carrying out the project
OIL the hndlcout poard or iortincatlons'
organized under act OF congress- March
=, 1888, as revised by the permanent board
OF engineers.
The secretary says that the depart
\ making these 1llOtmentS
guided by a desire to protect as many
OF the seaports as practicable against
marauding attacks Of Isolated cruisers
as well as to provide a more efficient de-
| Iense Tor the important places and elsc
to utilize to the best advantage the guns
for which carriages could be most speed
lly furnished.
The total number OF emplacements pro-
| vided for to date Is IFS for guns and lot