The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1897-09-09
The Men Behind the Guns.

In the current number of the Journal of
the Military Serrice Institution, Lieut.. H.
c.. CARBAUGH presents an exceedingly able
rgume for the increase of the artillery
force, to insure adequate coast defence.
The system of seaboard protection we
have adopted includes moro han 500 high
power guns, 200 mortars and $50 rapid
fire rifles, to be grouped at over 40 differ
ent points in about twenty-five harbors and
aided by 5000 submarine mines. To fur
nish only one relief for working these runs
and mortars, in time of war, would require
$4,000 men and II we hould be con-
tent, in time of peace, with three capable
gunners for each gun and mortar,
10000 would still be required. But
Lieut.. CARBAUGH says that $500 artillery
men might be able to take proper care of
the ordnance material and create a defence
organization, although to provide fewer
would be trifing with the subject. Even
1900 enlisted artillerymen, with extra pay
for qualification rs gnnners, would not pro-
luce more than 1000 skilled men.
A force of $500, organized into ten regi-
ments, would give 40 s~eacoast batteries,
besides the ten field batteries now main
J. ILL thio "a otuibloh W u
strength could be had, says Lieut.. CAR
BAUGH, for only about 81 100000 u year
additional. There would then be q full
regiment for Boston and the coast north
one for Newport n the eastern end of
Long Island Sound two regiments for New
York; two divided between Philadelphia,
Wilmington, Baltimore, Washington, and
Hampton Roads; two for the South Allan
tic and Gulf coasts; two for the Pacific.
By doubling the amount of money, the
infantry could also be increased. and could
receive its much desired thrce-battalion
organization, while the great lack of the
National Guard in field artillery could be
supplied. The militia, having complete
control of the field guns and ammunition
thus furnished by the Federal Government,
could become experts in their use and
q great source of reliance in war;
whereas, If they should attempt to become
heavy artillery, they would not rave the
control of the seacoast guns, and would
work them perhaps only once or twice q
year. When we observe the prolonged spe
cial training required for the efficient han
ding of modern high-power guns and their
accompaniments, and also the great
value of a well-aimed shot at a critical
moment" the need of reliance on regulars
instead of on citizen soldiers in this matter
is apparent. The miss that, by a very slight
error in laying the u let's the hostil,
slip run by, may be a fatal miss and
even the expense of practice, in which q
single shot from a 12-inch rifle costs about
$500, suggests that it should be laid out
on professional artillerymen rather than on
Nl.N,n 4, -n l,.ll No. 1850.
Lieut.. CARBAUGH also strongly urges
unity OF command in defending a harbor
this command properly belonging to ar
artillery officer, who may have from six tc
twelve different points of defence to super
wise. In his demand for unification he
would transfer also the charge of the sub
marine mines to the artillery, and that o.
the scarchlights, range finders, electric and
steam plants. and the apparatus for com
municating between points.
We regard this subject as one of the mos
pressing OF those that will come befor,
Congress at the next session. The articl,
by Capt. ARTHUR WILLIAMS on Readiness
for War;" preceding Lieut.. CARBAUGH's
explains IN general the need of a large
army, and also well deserves perusal b.
congressman. 1t should be remembered
that any added artillerymen will be avail
able for that enforcement of national law,
whichyts sometimes required. as at Chicag