The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1898-04-23
IN FAVOR OF COAST DEFENSE
CONTINUED from Eighth Pare)

has no apprehension. because with the
present force of infantry and cavalry, TO.
gether with the well equipped armory at
the barracks. It would be quite possible
to hold a large UNFRAMED force at bay.
The department armery Is supplied with
about 100 guns" he said, among them be-
ing Winchester and Springfield repeating
rides and, also, repeating shot guns. There
is also number of swords. II is a rule
of the Police Commissioners to keep 1900
rounds of ammunition constantly on hand
at the barracks, 50 that in case of an I'M
expected CALL an armed force can be dis
patched to any part of the city on very
short notice.
"Of course. II cannot be told Just what
changes would be made in case the mill
tary are called away. There would he
some changes by the commissioners. no
doubt, probably in keeping more mon at
the barracks or some other method which
would insure the best of service in protect
ing both life and property without
doubt the present organization OF the force
and the arms, ammunition and horses at
hand, Is amply sufficient, in my Judgment,
TO successfully contend with all ordinary
disturbances. But our tactics would not
be to allow men to accumulate in squads
for any unlawful purpose: we would be
likely to hear something of any intended
organization of eany class TO violate the
law, and our move would be to dispense
them. If, however, a street ehould be
bockaded, we can turn out force Of
cavalry on short order and do effective
work"
Chief Mcguire says that in the fire de-
partment there are one or two men who
desire to volunteer. This department is
looked upon also as a home guard, and
the chief states Ii is his belief that In case
of necessity the men can be called on 20
do temporary police duty.
If any of the firemen do enlist however,
they will have the assurance that on re-
turning their old Jobs will be given them
if Chief Maguire's recommendation can
secure them. In speaking OF the matter
he was sangulne that the fire commission
ers would view the enlstlng of the men
generously, and extend them every consist
ent encouragement. He believes holding
their places for them would be nothing
more than just recognition of the eacri-
fees they may be called upon TO make, and
for which something more than what Is
received from the government should be
offered.
A spirit OF patriotism Is being shown
by the men at headquarters, who have
done as many others in holsting the flag
over their building. Not only this, but in
order 10 keep thoroughly posted on the
course events take, the men have put up a
bulletin board on which to keep inf9rma-
ton for themselves and their friends.
The belief seems to be- however,. that
few IL any of either the police or firemen
will leave their places to enlist in the gov
eminent service. 1t is pretty safe, how
ever TO say that the commissioners OF
both departments would be liberal with
the men who wanted to leave. While of
course it is not probable their salaries
would be continued during their absence,
the vacant positions might be filled pro-
visionally and when the old men return,
II would be 70 find welcome to the de-
partment they left. Such an understand
ing will likely be tacit as 1t is not prob
able the commissions will take any action
in the shape OF binding the city to fulhll
hsuch promise.