New-York tribune., 1900-05-08
THE NAVAL WAR PROBLEM
DEFENCE OF PUGET SOUND AND NEW
PACIFIC POSSESSIONS TO BE
PLANNED.
PLANNED.
by TELEGRAPH TO TIE TRIBUNE. ]


Washing N May THE Importance OF Amer
lean interests IN the Pacific and the necessity for
carefully studying the questions OF naval con-
troi Of that ocean have been conspicuously recog
nized in the approval to-day OF the annual prob
lem Of the Naval War College al Newport by
which q large class Of the ablest in the
service Will devote themselves for the next few
months 10 the conditions which would arise IN
case Of war against the United States in that
quarter The selected problem calls for plans
for the defence Of Puget Sound the chief Amer
ican base and the subordinate bases Of Hawaii
Guam and the Philippines. While other discus
sions and subsidiary questions VIII have atten-
ton AT the summer course, all the work OF the
experts viii be directed 10 providing such a.
carefully considered campaign in the West as
proved OF great value at the outbreak OF the
war with Spain, when the War College had just
completed its studies Of the West Indies.
The complete memorandum Of the course 10
be pursued this summer, which drawn up
by the officers on duty there and submitted to
Captain c. Il. Stockton. the president OF the in
stitution. was approved by the Navy Depart
rnent to-day.
The course viii begin OF June I, and viii cover
a period Of three months. According to the
memorandum. the first week will be devoted to
= series Of lectures by Captain Mahan on the art
os war. as demonstrated by Napoleon's early
connected with the main problem OF the year
viii follow. This problem deals with the defence
OF the northwest coast Of the United States
north Of the Columbia River and the protection
Of Hawaii. Guam and the Philippines. The re-
sources and strategical typographical and hydro
graphical features Of these countries and waters
viii be closely studied. and their defence planned
against an attack by z strong naval power. The
history Of all previous naval operations in the
area Of this problem viii be brought out
Lectures viii be given on naval strategy by
Captain Mahan, on coast defence by Captain
Goodrich and on naval tactics by Captain Tay-
Ior. Il is probable that Admiral Luce also will
deliver lecture some subject Of naval his
tory. Part Of the day Of these lectures will be
devoted 70 various tactical problems and the
working out by the improved war game OF
kr1egSpie OF sIrateg1cal, tactical and single ship
Questions CT combat. Major knight, Of the
United States Engineer School Of Application, at
submarine mines for harOor defence Warfare
by means Of torpedo boats will be the subject
of lectures by Lieutenant Chandler. OF the Navy.
There VIII also be lectures on maritime interna-
rionaI law by President Stockton &
i is intended TO have lectures and confer
ences on combined operations and harbCr de-
fence. II which officers Of the Army, Navy and
Marine Corps Will take part. The questions Of
the proper ships for the American Navy and the
proper organization, mobilization and expansion
nf the Navy Al the outbreak Of war will be
treated. The sea powers Of the principal naval
countries Of the world also will be treated in q
series Of lectures by officers OF the college staff,
distinguished civilians on subjects pertinent 10
the history and policy Of the country.
L Is the intention TO detail far possible
officers Of command rank only 10 the class
which viii begin work June l, and 10 send
Junior officers 10 the Torpedo Station for in
struction IN explosives and torpedo warfare,
NZwport most OF the season. 10 give his officers
an opportunity 70 attend the lectures