The herald., 1898-10-26
year, the construction of permanent modren
defensive works was in progress in 25O locali-

year, the construction of permanent modren
defensive works was i'll progress in 25O locali-
ties.
In consequence of the war with Spain and
the possibilities OF hostile attacks upon our
coasts, urgent and pressing demands were
made by Senators, Representatives ami
local business men for the immediate cree
ton of seacoast batteries at numerous
points not contemplated in the general
scheme of national defense. In absence OF
any available modern armament the Secre-
tary OF War directed the immediate con-
struction of temporary batteries, mount
ing od-style armament and siege guns for
the defense of a number OF exposed locali-
ties, including some which are embraced in
the national scheme of defense. The locali
ties at which the temporary batteries were
ordered are: Bar Harbor, Maine; Stoning
ton, Bridgeport and New Haven, Conn;
Port Royal, and Georgetown, S. c.; Bruins
wick and Darien, Ga; Mouth of st. Thomas
River, St. Augustine, Miami and Tampa,
Fla, and Sabine Pass, Texas. In addition
to the foregoing temporary batteries, pre-
parations were made against hostile attacks
| by overhauling, cleaning and putting in
serviceable condition the existing armament
and by temporarily mounting with them
| additional guns at the following old type
| forts: Fort Knoxport, Pepham, Fort Trum
bull, Fort Monroe, Fort Macon, Fort Pull
ask, Fort Clinch, Fort Morgan, Fort Jack
son, and forts in San Francisco bay.
while no hostile attacks were made upon
our seacoasts during the war with Spain
the operations OF the American fleet on the
coast of Cuba and Porto Rico have amply
demonstrated the value OF coast defenses
including shore batteries and submarine
mines, in resisting naval attacks. 1t may
be confidently asserted that the completion
of the projects upon which operations are
now in progress will practically insure the
safety OF our present harbor and sea-
coast cities against any attacks from the
sea. One other important deduction may
also be drawn from the results of the war;
namely, the great value and efficiency of the
rapid fire guns. 1t is gratifying to report
that not only have considerable number
OF these rapid-hre guns been mounted during
the year, but that provision has been made
for the manufacture and placing Of an ad-
ditional number"
Since the Inauguration of the modern
coast defense system appropriations amount
ing to $40, lie, ,333 have been made and there
was allotted from the $50000,O00 defense
fund placed at the disposal of the president
S5,653,0O0 for work under the engineers.
| Provision has been made for mounting 2S8
heavy coast guns, 25i rapid fire guns and 3l2
: HlCItdis, VI dDout ~ per ccIU Oh UHc lOtdl
projected armament of heavy guns SO per
cent of the rapid fire guns and 81 per cent of
the mortars. This armament is disposed at
seventy-one localities in SXty-nine harbors
of the United States.
The estimates for the next year are Gun
and mortar batteries, $44l0,00O; purchase
of land for Notifications, 100000; protec-
ton, preservation and repair of fortifca
tions, 100000; preparations of plans for
Notifications, S500,0O0; sea walls and EN-
banl;ments S25C0
| Torpedoes for harbor defense.
For the purpose of submarine mines and
necessary appliances to operate them for
closing the channels leading to our principal
/ supports for needful casemates, cable, etc.
to render it possible to operate submarine
mines and for continuing torpedo expert
ments, total, S4,9l7,000.
! Taking the important subject of river and
harbor improvements, Cen Wilson SAYS
that experience has shown that the system
OF providing funds for carrying on contin-
uously or completing this work has hereto
| fore resulted in materially reducing the cost.
lie says, significantly, that if this system is
restricted to works fully justified by the
interests OF commerce, it will prove an eco
nomical one, providing the alterations are
made as to avoid delays in improvements.
He said he had been convincing contractors
that they may look to congress for full pay
ment if they finish their contracts The
total amounts spent for the improvement of
rivers and harbors and incidental expenses
ending June 30 last was Sl7, 16l ,799 The
total estimates for the year 1900 on the same
account is Sl2,sS3,437 for continuous work
and Sl5,5SS,34l for projects not covered by
continuing contracts. The chief of en-
gneers asks that congress authorize him to
present special estimates for such works as
are necessary to navigation.
Detailed estimates for next years river
and harbor work include the following:
San Diego Harbor, $4,000; deep water
harbor, San Pedro bay, $4O0.00O; San Luis
Obispo Harbor, $4,000; Oakland Harbor,
S13300O; Sacramento and Feather River,
$25,O0O; Humboldt Harbor, $l43,1l5.