Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-03-13
CAN WE WHIP SPAIN
FACTS ABOUT THE UNITED STATES
ARMY AND NAVAL FORCES.
THOUSANDS WOULD BE- NEEDED.
Men We Could Count on at n Mo-
ment's Notice-Quotas of the Re-
fences.


war with Spain, which many at this time
think inevitable? 1t is time that Uncle
Sam took stock of his resources, and
without exaggerating his strength in the
least. ascertain what number Of men and
guns in time of peace stand prepared for
war.
Here are some facts gathered from
sources whose reliability cannot be ques-
toned:
First, the men, An army OF close 70
10000 could be relied upon to be within
call Immediately upon the declaration Of
war. OF course, milliona would be avail
able, but the quick blow is the blow that
counts at the outbreak Of hostilities. and
the United States has nearly 10000 ready
for sharp descent on the salient points
the instant the first gun is fired.
They would come from those States
nearest to the vulnerable points. New
York State would furnish 1912 armed
and disciplined troops; Massachusetts,,
An; Pennsylvania, S,4a; New Jersey,
i2S2; Ohio. 6,4S2; Illinois, 6,2S9; Georgia,
4.3H; Virginia, 3,0s7; Alabama 1884; Texas,
2,9i7; Indiana, 2,Ss3; Wisconsin, 2.651; Iowa,
1888; Missouri, 23Il South Carolina,
3,724; North Carolina, lao; West Virginia,
81; Maryland, 1856; Connecticut, 1858;
Rhode Island 1904; Maine. 1,256; Vermont,
74S; New Hampshire. 1,2s7; Delaware, 1872;
Florida, 1863; Mississippi. 1895; Ken
lucky, 1887; Tennessee, 1.6i3; Michigan,
2,52i; Kansas, 1855; Minnesota, 1852, and
Louisiana, 1.Si1.
A COMPACT ARMY.
Here is an army, compact, equipped,
ready to be concentrated at days notice
on any given point-every man burning
with enthusiasm 10 avenge the wrong done
10 his country. Not pressed men, torn
unwilllngly from their homes, but patriots
who rush TO the front at their countrys
call. They could be distributed or con-
centrated at the option OF the Comman-
der-in-Chief. The immense railroad sys-
TEN of the country makes either pos
sible in the quickest time ever made by
moving troops.
This army OF 10000 would represent
the available force OF the regular army
and disciplined militia OF the United
States. Behind them would be the gi-
gantic strength Of the nation.
The 10000 would form the Unions first
line Of defence, 10 jump into the breach
while the country was arming with its
real strength.
IL must be remembered that the pros-
pect OF war with Spain is not so seri-
Gus as one with Great Britain, for the
reason that all our northern rorder is
protected, instead OF being in the pos
session OF a foe. This lessons the line
that needs defending in the event OF
war with Spain, and consequently fewer
men would be required for the defence
OF the country.
Our coast lines at the best, however.
are so extensive that it will be neces-
sary 10 have several armies OF observa-
ton ready 10 move promptly TO any
point attacked in force IL is possible
10 transport across the ocean al one time
an army OF 5000 TO 1900 men. with their
horses, ammunition, etc. 1t has been
seen by experts. therefore. that the
armies we could make up OF available
militia and regular army would not be
large enough TO carry on a defensive
war against any hostile power. We
should need $500 artillerymen 10 man the
harbor fortifcations alone in time OF
war.
THE NUMBER OF MEN REQUIRED.
Suppose that an army OF 5000
regular soldiers had landed in
America without opposition, which would
not be 4 Wild superstition. IL would be
necessary for the United States TO oppose
them by having under arms force num-
bering no less than 5000 men. One
hundred thousand OF these would be re-
Quired 10 prevent the onward march Of
the hostile force, and 20o,0oo 10 drive them
INTO the sea.
According 10 a high military authority
the army should be divided up as fol-
ows:
Army 10 man Notifications. $500 |
Army TO watch Pacific COAST. 1900 |
Army TO watch Gulf coast 1890 |
Army 10 watch South Atlantic
coast ............................ 1900 |
Army 10 watch North Atlantic
coast ..-.-......-............... 15.e00 |
Army for Middle Atlantic coast. 1900 |
5000 |
This vast army should require 5000 or |
S .o0O officers.
IL would be made up, with the ex-
,eption OF the 10000 mentioned before
wholly OF volunteers, drilled, trained. and /
.quipped hurriedly at the first note OF
warning. Such an army would be gotten
ogether In America without taxing the
esources OF the country TO any appre-
ia bic extent
When IL is calculated By cool-headed
military men that 100000 fighters could
'e raised in this country in tight 70 the
Ieath. II will be admitted that the get