New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-10-12
DIRECT COMMUNICATION GAINED.

Tests OF the wires were made at the beginning
of each watch and daily telegram was sent from
there 10 these headquarters using a cipher word
which indicated that all at the 5 station were nd TG
equipment and telegraph lines were In good order.
to give the Coast signal Service the right Of way
over their wires, and uninterrupted and direct COM
IN adyance Actual trials proved that it did not
take more than half an hour 10 clear the wires and
70, atiSSs or ami Fla angemsnts were
also made to send notice direct for each district
oTca saa the prnepa forts and batteries in the
district of the presence OF enemy, the sighting
of SgspeqS whch might Be Of importance to
them. This saved the loss OF time whlcn would De
necessitated by transmission through these head
From From the practical operaton Of the Coast signal
would have served the use for which it was. es-
abs edo observe ana report ne oil an
purpose in keeping the Na S"s adv an
Was Particularly serviceable In several instances.
such as the reporting to and putting the Depart,
states ship Oregon after her long run from the
Pacinc and while the whole country was ANXIOUS
states ship san Francisco when that vessel needed
assistance and quick correspondence with WASH
ington was OF the utmost Importance II was also
useful in keeping the various navy yards advised OF
the approach of vessels. thus giving them advance
hours in which to make W4r b 5Gr the FENDER I
psrtment of the Army. in keeping in close touch
with the hospital and supply ships and transports
and by transmitting messages TO them While they
In the Ortns. , ~. -,
Perhaps how ever the most valuable result OF the
eervice has been The determination OF those points
at which signal stations necessary in order 70
eupplement In time OF the system Of the Life
saving Service Lighthouse Service and the
Weather Bureau (which are the existing means OF
observing the movements of vessels In time OF
peace and in perfecting the training OF a large
number of men outside OF the Navy In the trans
mission of information by signals under the con-
dltions that prevail on the water. so as 10 make
complete continuous service covering every mile
OF the coast from the most easterly point OF Maine
TO the most westerly point Of Texas. We now
know where TO hnd officers and men 70 man these
stations promptly and competently. The land Tor
them (where not already owned by the Govern
ment can easily acquired or controlled FOR future
use. and the men ought TO be kept together as a
part OF a United States naval reserve. the ranks
OF which should be constantly Increased Dy the
admission Of those who are found quslined 10 per-
form the duties. 49,,
The result OF my experience leads me to believe
that the Coast Signal Service should be an integral
part OF naval coast-defence system, Ii Is most
Intimately connected with IN and should be In
closer relation than that OF allied branch; also
that the personnel OF this service can be entirely
furnished by the men who have been trained In the
State naval mi.itias. They nave proved In our re-
cent experiment we'll disciplined, trustworthy.
competent and jealous, and can speak in the
highest terms OF the Officers and naval militiamen
who entered the Co t Signal Service