Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-04-03
DEFEND THE ROADS.
TORPEDO SYSTEM SAID TO HAVE
BEEN COMPLETED.
NORFOLK is FEELING MORE SECURE.
The People Think n Spanish Mnn-of-
War Could Hardly Get BY the Forts
and Torpedoes - Unensincss In
RfchmOud.
Rich nOnd

A gentleman from Norfolk, who was
in Richmond yesterday, was very much
interested in the fortihcatlons 10 protect
Hampton Roads.
lie said he had 1t from an authority
which could not be questioned. that the
bottom Of the harbor OF Hampton Roads
had been covered, fguratively speaking,
with torpedos, which could be exploded
by an electric current from Fort Monroe
or other points on land.
The work Of placing these defences
was begun less than month ago. and
conducted with the utmost secrecy, 1t
being done entirely at night Hampton
| Roads had been plotted off some time
| ago for this purpose, but 1t was not until
recently that the work was completed.
FEARS ALLAYED IN NORFOLK.
| He said the fact IS more or less gene
rally known in Norfolk, and that the
| property owners of that city are not
uneasy regarding the probability Of a
Spanish feet passing the forts and bonn
harding the place. There was, at one
time, he said, very grave doubt as TO
whether the entrance TO the harbor was
sufficiently well guarded, but the magni-
tude of tho preparations at Fort Monroe
greatly allayed popular apprehension,
and since it is beginning TO be believed
that the torpedo defence of the roads has
been perfected, there is little OF no fear
of bombardment.
II seems, however that Richmond CAPT.
talists, who have property interests in
Newport News, are not so confident.
These are said 10 have sent several COM
municatons to the War Department ask
ing that the defences at Fort Monroe be
made stronger. There are a number of
industrial enterprises at Newport News
controlled by Richmond capital, among
them the valuable gas plant
MAY NOT WANT ORGANIZED FORCE.
Defences at Fort Monroe are discussed
by the State military officers in Rich
mond, but they do not profess to have
fun information on the subject. 1t is
the opinion, however, that they are very
strong.
Discussing the prospect of war, and
kindred topics, yesterday, Adjutant-Gene-
raj Male said he did not think, as many
did, that the beginning Of hcsulities
would be the signal for ordering cut the
organized military Of the various States.
He said it was possible that an invasion
of Cuba would not be ordered, and that
the war WOulu De virtually naval uuel.
In such an event, especially If Congress
passes the bill increasing the strength Of
the army to 104 900 men, he though the
Governors of the States would not be
asked for troops, but that the President
would simply call for volunteers for the
regular army.
General Male thinks. however, that the
naval reserves are very apt 10 be called
out in any event, and will probably be
put in the field as quickly rs the regu-
lar troops.
TENDERS OF SERVICE.
Governor Tyler continues to receive OIL |
fers of service in case It war with SPAN. |
All these letters are referred 10 AG'utant- |
General Male, who files each one, and |
it may be the writers viii hear of their |
offers being accepted, in case the United |
States decides 10 try round with Spain.