New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1902-06-16
COOPERATIVE DEFENCE
IBv TELEGRAPH TO The TRIBUNE.

Z
by TELEGRAPH TO THE TRIBUNE
Washington. June 1.-THE unprecedented ex-
bi,itior Of naval activity in peace times which
has been marked in the last few weeks by prep
arsrions for the combined land and sea ma
-oeuvres this summer near Newport, the an
rounced mobilization al Culebra next winter Of
al the available force afioat except the ships
in the Pacific and the orders 10 Admirals Cooper
and Ne7npf 10 ascertain the preparedness 70
resist invasion Of the Atlantic and Pacific home
coasts. IS now emphasized by sudden orders
4-or, Secretary Moody 10 the general board Of
which Admiral Dewey is chairman 10 hold
sneriaI meeting in this city next Tuesday. The
,ax- regular assembly of the board is fixed for
+b4 oath inst. At the War College. Newport.
and IT viii ne held there according to the
original programme No explanation is given OF
-ha work Of the board. which is regarded as
confidential and there is lively speculation
among officers as TO the cause Of the extFaor-
5ira-- meeting That it has some connection
with the scheme OF national defence is not
doubted. but the character Of the emergency
49, has arisen is withheld by the authorities
v-bo dismiss questions on the subject with the
,.-,,a-t that publicity OF plans is not desirable.
i known however. that the board is much
g. earnest 10 complete the organization of
laval auxiliary which shall include all the non
-;r+-s-z- 5ansrrn7ents of the government, and
that rhe details may best be arranged by con-
ference with the heads Of these departments in
washington before the scheme is whipped into
final shape al Newport. To insure the closest
cooperation between the naval force as the
o,,rer lire Of national defence and the army
ashore such an auxiliary organization on the
mast as that hastily in1provised during the
var with Spain is 10 be perfected and main
<1-
r-s-eris1 reliance IS 10 be placed on the weather
R1,reau which is rapidly improving It's system
for announcing storms along the exposed points
Of The Atlantic Coast in connection Win the NE
Swing service. the coast survey. the revenue
cutter establishment and the lighthouse sEs-
TEN. - 49,, ,.-a--
efficiency Of this cooperation and 10 be able 70
ev upon 4 implicitly at all times. in order that
the strength Of its feet may not be impaired oy
the dat chrllenr Of warships TO patrol the ap-
rroaahes 70 the larger cities. WhIcn are anhpI$
defended by army Notifications. Al naEa I ON
GERS are now thoroughly awe 10 the Leeeo
herea@ fer Of preserving feet formation ana con
car-ratirg the force. instead OF distributing IL
over wide areas. They realize that the next an
+ago-fe- -l7ev Will have to meet will be inconl-
naral,lv stronger than Spain. and that an al
tack will be made in force upon our OWL coasC
To -7a-pr such an attack successfully the
strongest possible feet must be kept together
and il must be kept constantly IN touch WIN
orr entire coast line in order TO be promptly IN
formed Of the movements OF the enemy anu Al
7-svs alert 10 seek an engagement
Il the enemy should make a sudden raid on
r7oe-oD or New-York eluding the American
@ae- which might happen TO be near Nan
r,,clJet with an efficient coast auxiliary II Is
thought the American feet could come 10 Lne
rescue and at least prevent the raiders escape
T3rr the home feet would have 70 be strong 10
accomplish anything. for no nation would SEM
49, tLar a powerful squadron across the At
lantiC. :. 5000.
The naval general board is deeply IN earnest
amour the necessity for exhaustlng all the aFali-
sl,Ie machinery Of the federal service for ere
z-ing 2 competent auxiliary. in order that TOT
airn combinations. which frequently arise WIN
little warning. should find the United states
ready for action all along the line