The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1897-01-20
FOR OUR COAST DEFENSE.
THE CONVENTION IN TAMPA WILL
BE A BIG AFFAIR.

Nearly Every State Interested Is
Represented-The United states
Army and Navy Have Representa-
cal Warfare and Defense VIII lie
Discussed-The Plant system VIII
Entertain the Guests.
Tampa, Fla, Jan. 19.-The coast de-
fense convention promises to exceed the
hopes of the most enthusiastic citizens.
1t is very doubtful If Gov. Mitchell ever
supposed that the call which he issued to
the governors of the South Atlantic
states would be so enthusiastically re-
ceived or would meet such a hearty re-
sponse. From every state to which the call
was issued. word has been received that
delegates will be present.
Among the most prominent arrivals
are: President and Mrs. H. B. Plant,
President Flagler of the East Coast road,
Gov. Bloxham, and Hon. A. Green Smith,
ex-attorney general of Indiana.
For days the committee on arrange
ments have been making elaborate prepa-
rations for the reception of the visitors,
and tonight the town presents a gala
appearance. The court house is decorated
with red, white and blue bunting, which
reaches from the top of the dome to the
ground completely covering 1t. Almost
every business house in town is decorated
with similar decorations, and two ponder
Gus arches covered with palmetto fans
greet arrivals at the entrance to Frank
-,
Ex-Gov. Mitchell informed your corre-
spondent that he has just received a COM
munication from a gentleman in Mobile,
Ala, wishing him to call attention to a
recent invention of his which he claims
will revoluuonize modern warfare. He
claims for his invention that it moves
noise.essly, can destroy almost any ves-
sci, and escape unobserved.
A committee of the most prominent cit
izens meet all trains and a reception to-
night was given at the Tampa Bay hotel.
The meeting will be called to order to-
morrow at II o'clock. and an address of
welcome will 'be delivered by Mayor Gill
Hugh c. Macfarlin, and on behalf of the
state of Florida by Gov. Bloxham.
The following subjects will be discussed:
The necessity for an increase of the
standing arHHys------------
The necessity for increase of the navy
The best manner of protecting the coast
and harbors.
The programme will be as follows:
The convention will be called to order
q I hxy
senden of the board of trade. Addresses
of welcome will be made by Gov. Blox-
ham for the state, Mayor Gillette for the
city, and Fleming duBgnon of Savannah
on behalf of the Plant system.
The response for the delegates will be
made by Gen. A. j. Green Smith of In
diana. J. II. Fessenden will be temporary
chairman, and Hon. Jeff b. Brown Of Key
West is being doomed for permanent
chairman.
Papers on coats defense will be read
by Capt. Ira Harris, Maj. Thomas A. Frye
of Massachusetts, Capt. T. NJ. Woodruff
and others.
Discussions will follow, and resolutions
will be adopted urging congress to take
immediate action to attain the desired
end.
series of entertainments and excur-
sions have been arranged by the Plant
system. The convention will last till FRI
day night.
Gov. Bloxham and party arrived to-
night. III. NJ Flagler and j. r. Parrot
are also here, in a private car, from
Miami.
The United States army is represented
by Gen. Schofield; delegate-at-large from
Florida; Col. Miller, Lieut.. White of st.
Francis barracks, Capt T. M. Woodruff,
assistant adjutant general of Florida;
Lieut.. Thomas b. Freese, Fifth Infantry,
and Capt. Davis, official representative of
Gen. Miles.
The navy is represented by all the Of
fcers of the cruiser Raleigh, which ar
rived at Port Tampa to-day, drawing 20
feet 4 inches.