The L'Anse sentinel. (L'Anse, L.S., Mich.) 18??-current, 1898-12-10

| found itself engaged In deadly conflict with
| a foreign enemy. Every nerve was strained
The initial cali for 10000 volunteers was
instant and complete. as was also the resuit
Of the second call OF May 25 for 1000 adj
| dltlonal volunteers: The ranks OF the reg
| ular army were increased 10 the limits
provided by the act of April g; The enlisted
force OF the navy on the 10Th OF Angust;
| when Il reached its maximum numbered
| H,l23 men and apprentices: one hundred
| and three vessels were ADDED to the navy
government. one leased. and the four ves-
sells Of the International Nayigation com,
| pany. the St Paul, ST. Louis, New YORK and
| the revenue cutters and lighthouse tenders
were turned over to the navy department
| and became temporarily part Of the aux
Hilary EaVy.
strength of the Navy.
The maximum effective lighting force OF
| the navy during the war. separated INTO
| classes, was as follows: -Four batt,eshlps
| OF the first class. one battleshp OF the Sec
| ond class. two armored cruisers, SIX coast
defense monitors, one armored ram, y
hree one Dynamite
cruiser, II torpedo boats. II old vessels OF
the old navy. including monitors. Auxil,
larry navy: Auxiliary cruisers. ~ converted
yachts: "a converted tugs ID converted col
Tiers. 10 revenue cutters. four lighthouse
tenders and 10 miscellaneous vessels.
Defense of the COast.
Much alarm was felt along our entire
Atlantic seaboard lest some attack mfgft
be made by the enemy. Every precaution
was taken to prevent possible injury 10
Temporary garrisons were provided, drawn
from the state militia; infantry ana light
batteries Were d dGa r IRON ,ne tSn e
ployed. The coast signal service was es-
tablished for observing the approach OF an
cncmys ships to the coast of the. United
States and the life-saving and lighthouse
services cooperated. which enabled the
navy department to have all portions OF the
Al, IL, fran Muin n Va n
observation. The auxiliary navy was Gre |
ated under the authority of congress, and
militia of the several states. This organ,
iZation patrolled the coast, and performed
the duty of a second arm of defense.
Planting of Mines.
Under the direction of the chief of engi-
neers submarine mines were placed at the
most exposed points. Before the outbreak
of the war permanent mining classmates
and cable galleries had been constructed
ut all important harbors. Most of the tor
Dedo material was not to be found in the 4
market and had to be specially manufac-
ured Under date of April 10 district OIL
crs were directed to take all preliminary
measures, short of the actual attaching OF
he loaded mines to the cables, and on
April % Geographic orders were issued to
place the loaded mines I'm position. The
aggregate number of mines placed was
535 at the principal harbors from Maine
o California. Preparations were also made
or the planting of mines at certain other
larbors. but owing to the early destruction
# the Spanish fleet these mines were not
placed.
The Signal Corps.
The signal corps was promptly organized
md performed service of most difficult and
important character. Its operations dur
ng the war covered the electrical connec-
ion of all coast Notifications, the estab-
of telephone and telegraphic facil-
ties for the camps at Manila, Santiago
nd I'm Porto Rico. There were constructed
90 miles OF line at ten great camps, thus
movements |
hose points in manner heretofore un-
,nown in military administration, Field
lines were established and main
aimed under the enemy's fire at Manila
nd later the Manila Hong-Kon cable was
In Porto Rico cable communi-
atoms were opened over a discontinued
QUITE. and on land the headquarters of the
commanding officer was kept In tele-
-raphic or telephone communication with
ines of operation. There was placed In
'uban waters n completely QUILTED cable
hip with war cables and cable gear suit
BILE both for the destruction of commune
atoms belonging to the enemy and the
of our own Two ocean
abes were destroyed under the enemy's
he landing of Gen. Skaters corps at Cal
nanera, within 20 miles of the landing
lace, cable communications were cstab-
ished and cable station opened, giving di-
ect communication with the government
Il Washington. This service was invalu-
BILE to the executive In directing the opera
IONS OF the army anu navy |
With a total force of over 300, the loss
vas. by disease in camp and field, officers
md men included, only five.
War Revenues.
The national defense under the $50, 000. 900
und was expended in large part by the
Irmy and navy and the objects for which
was used are fully shown in the reports
IF the several secretaries. 1t was most
timely appropriation, enabling the govern
merit to strengthen its defense ard making |
preparations greatly, needed in case of war.
This fund being inadequate to the require
nents OF equipment and for the conduct of I
he war. the patriotism OF the congress pro.
yided the means In the war revenue act OF
Tune 13. by authorizing a three per cent,
popular loan not to exceed si00000,O00 and
~ levying additional ilnposts and taxes. |
)f the authorized loan. 5000 900. 900 were Of
cred and promptly taken, the subscrip-
lions so far exceeding the call as to cover |
/ many times over, while, preference be-
ng given to the smaller bids, no single allot-
nent exceeded $1,000 This was n most en-
and significant result. showing |
he vast resources of the nation and the |
Of the people to uphold their |
honor.