The San Francisco call., 1901-10-06
APPOINTS BOARD
OF STRATEC|STS
Secretary Of War Orders
Survey Of Pearl
Harbor.
Further Defense Of Ports in
Philippines Is Con-
sidered.

News was received at army headquar.
| ters yesterday that the Secretary of Wan
| had appointed board of officers to con-
slder and report upon the feasibility OF
the much-mooted project Of fortifylne
Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.
Since the requirement of the Philip
pines the leading strategists of the coun-
try have constantly been calling atten-
tion to the need Of proper naval sta
ton at some point in the Hawaiian
Islands, which could be a place of rem
devious for fleets in case of war. Homo
lulu can easily be defended, but cannot
be made invulnerable. A thorough in
Islands in the group has disclosed the
fact that Pearl Harbor is possessed of
every advantage as rallying point for
fenses it would practically be impossible
for hostile fleet to force an entrance
Pearl Harbor has, however, at it's en-
trance great reefs of coral which are a
serious menace to shipping and which
could be removed only at enormous cost
On this account there has been consider
able debate in official circles as to the
ments. The naval authorities have, how
ever, been almost unanimous in further
ing the scheme and should the report of
the recently appointed board be favorable
the necessary Government appropria ton
will be made and Pearl Harbor will be,
with the possible exception OF Hongkong
the strongest strategic point in Pacific
waters.
The board is made up of four of the
leading engineering experts in the SER
vice of the United States. They are to
meet at Honolulu as soon as possible and
proceed with the work of investigation.
Before their return to Washington they
will also be called upon to, make an in
months at least Will elapse before re-
port will be returned. The personnel of
the board is William H. Heuer and
Charles 2. I; B. Davis. lieutenant co!o-
William E. Birkhimer and Captain Adam
Shaker of the Artillery Corps.
simultaneously the Secretary of War
Manila and report upon the subject of
the defense of the important harbors i'll
the Philippines. With the batteries that
have recently been established on Correg-
the narrow channel by which ships enter
Manila harbor. Southern Luzon is safe,
but Aparri, Vigan, Dagupan, Iba and
Olangapo have still to be fortified on the
Iloilo, Panay and Zamboanga, Mindanao,
should according to the strategists be oe.
Tended also.
The officers named to serve on this
board are Major Clinton B. Sears and
Captain Henry Jervey of the Corps of
Engineers and Captain Albert Todd and
Captain William S. McNair OF the Artil-
lery Corps.
General Young issued a general order
for the department. Yesterday that all
military signaling twice weekly. In for
eign, service. particularly in the Philip
pines, it has been found that members Of
the Signal Corps are, not numerous
enough to accompany all troops on minor
expeditions. Necessity for knowledge of
wig -wagging among the men and officers
often arises and the War Department
has officially advised all department COM
manders to order drills in the rudiments
Of signaling. --.s4s-.-
General Young directs that the practice
shall be maintained until every troop,
battery and company in his command
shall have one officer and at least four
enlisted men proficient in that branch of
military science.