Evening star., 1900-10-09
Necessity for Reorganization Urged
by General Brooke.
STRENGTHENING OF COAST DEFENSES
importance Of Keeping the Forti-
fications Fully Garrisoned.
PROTECTION: OF WORKS

The pressing necessity for the reorganiza-
ton Of the army on modern lines is pointed
out in the annual report of Major General
John r. Brooke. commanding the depart
ment of the east, at New York, which was
made public at the War Department today.
Fer many years past" says he, 1.-The
general officers OF the army have shown
the necessity for an increase which will
place the army on an efficient basis and
enable it to perform it's duties with credit
to itself and to the satisfaction of the ma
ton. The events since the commencement
of the Spanish war have demonstrated be-
yond doubt the necessity for a reorganiza-
tion which will enable this nation to MAIN
tain the position in which it now finds it
self placed. so that in case of war the army
may form the bulwark behind which the
volunteer army may be created, as has al
ways been done in our country, by organiz-
ing the people"
Coast Defenses.
Referring to the ehabilitation and prog
ress Of our coast defenses, he says that
while it Is impracticable at this time to
make recommendations regarding the artil-
lery posts where the number of men enters
as factor, on account OF the large for
eign drafts, it Is not too early now to draw
up plans for supporting the coast artillery
IL ls not tne province OF coast artillery, he
says, to act out of fOrtif1cations, their
sphere Of operations being limited but that
the presence of mobile troops to repel at
tacks from the rear and to prevent landing
parties from gaining fOOtl1old is impera-
tive. On that account the vicinity of each
post for miles around should be mapped
with a view to determining the lines of de-
fense before the necessity for their use
arises.
Housing the GarrisOns.
bo
the Importance of having all artillery in
charge of coast Notifications stationed in
the immediate vicinity of the guns While
that means the isolation of officers and men
for the time such service is required. Gen.
Brooke says it is the only rational method
OF preparing for war and being accustomed
to the conditions as they exist. He thinks
1t is also imperative in many cases that
more land should be acquired than has
hitherto been bought for the erection of
fortificatiOns. In some cases there is only
very small plant for the accommodation
or the garrison, without any provision for
its extension. This is particularly the case
at Plum Island. where there is barrack
for sixty men onl ", while a garrison of 3O5
men is necessary to man the guns.
Inroads Of the Sea.
There are places along the Atlantic coast
Where the defenses are exposed to danger
from the inroads of the sea, which. Gen.
nioohe says shoulu receive prompt atten-
ton before they are injured, either in them
selves or their approaches or surroundings.
In recent inspection Of the posts and
garrisons Of the department of the east
Gen. Brooke says he found that while the
officers and enlisted men were enthusiastic
In matters relating TO their profession,
military duties are imperfectly performed
and the instruction Of the men Handicapped
by the lack of officers. Many batteries and
companies have only one officer present
for duty, and at several posts where de-
tachments are stationed there Is no officer
Wireless Telesraphy.
Gen. Brooke cornnends the system OF
wireless telegraphy established by the sig
nal service. and says that plans should be
perfected Immediately for complete and
perfect communication between the units
composing each fortress and the fortress
commander.