Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1897-01-23
COAST DEFENCES.
NO SUGGESTION LOOKING TOWARD
ANY SPECIFIC APPROPRIATION
STATE ARTILLERY FORCES.
The Naval Rcservc-A National
Const-Defcnce Association-Gener
Horace Porter to lie First Presi-
dentsAdjournmen

TAMPA, FLA. January 22.-The Coast
Convention was called to order at l
O'clock by Ex-Governor Mitchell. OF Flori-
da, first vice-president. I'm the absence OF
General Schoheld, who had been called
away. The session was presided over by
General Il. A. McAlpin. Of New York, who
read an interesting paper upon the pro-
gress being made in the way OF coast de-
fence and the Importance OF pushing the
work to an early completion. The Com
mittee on Resolutions submitted its re-
port through its chairman. and the same
was adopted without debate. The resolu-
tions provide that the convention shall not
submit any suggestions to the United
States Government looking towards the
appropriation OF any specific sum or
money for the national defence. leaving
the matter entirely TO the recommends
tion of the proper authority. The army
reorganization or Lamont bill Is fully
endorsed, and an early consideration OF
the same by Congress Is urged. and its
passage recommended. An increase I'm the
annual appropriation for the State militia
Of the United States, and the distribution
of the Springfield rifles turned i'm By the
United States army among the militia or
National Guard OF the various States. arc
recommended.
sea-coast States wherein are located
works OF the United States is called to the
necessity of adding to the existing forces
of militia or National Guard OF each State
such batteries, battalions. or regiments or
foot artillery as may serve as a reserve
ready FOR instant reinforcement OF the
regular foot artillery OF the Urited States.
Assistance is recommended by the Ma
tional Government In the development OF
the National Guard reserve of coast ar
tillery.
The naval reserve is recognized In the
matter of the national defence as second
to the military arm of the militia, and IL
Is recommended that the coast States 6nd
those Oh the great Lakes be urged ana
encouraged to foster this arm OF our
volunteer defence Congress Is urged 10
enact such legislation as will give proper
aid to tne naval reserves of our country.
The yearly addition OF fighting ships
and torpedo-boats TO the strength or the
navy Is recommended. The attention OF
Congress is called to the necessity of i'm
| mediate protection for the seaboard OF the
country. and the members OF both houses
are urged TO do all in their power TO Sc
cure an appropriation sufficient to carry
out the plans formulated by the War De-
partment. TO the end that the same may
be made available at once and the work
| completed without delay. 1t was decided
| to organize national coast-defence asso-
| citation, and the officers to be appointed
are three vice-presidents, national COM
mittee Of one from each State. and
| legislative committee of three from each
| State. The first president is to be General
| Horace Porter of New York.
The following was introduced and
adopted:
| Resolved That when this convention
adjourns 1t adjourn subject to the call
OF the president. and pending the next
meeting of this convention the Executive
Committee is authorized TO maintain the
organization by filling all vacancies that
may occur.
Resolved. That the next meeting OF
1 this convention be held at Washington,
| ID. c."
The convention. having disposed OF all
business properly coming before II. then
adjourned.