Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1902-08-30

New LONDON, COnn., Aug. <O.-Sou-
tident of victory, the army stationed
within the artillery districts of Nara
gansett and New London isawaitingthe Is
attack Of the red fleet. Guns are BOOM
ing at all the forts within the area OF
defense, and searchlights are playing
ut night. the first to ascertain and in
crease the efficiency Of the gunners. and
the latter to train the observers to pick
up promptly suspicious object at
tempting to enter Newport or to pass
through the entrance Of Long Island
sound. Major General Macarthur,
east, Is making an inspection of the
New London district. Discussing the
condition of the defense, he said:
"While our defenses are not in per.
feet condition, they are yet in an effec-
tive state of preparedness. Before
the preliminary work in connection
with the maneuvers began the forts
were not adequately equipped. With
an unlimited amount of money, as
would be ava ila BILE in time of impending
war, and given cooperation by force
afloat, the defenses would now he alb
sOlutely invincible even If attacked by
all the navies of the world. Before
the maneuvers commence, therefore,
results beneficial to the country aud the
service have been obtained"
General Macarthur has had frequent
consultations since his arrival in New
London with General Greely, chief
signal officer; General Gillespie, chief
Of engineers, and General CrOzier,
chief of ordnance. who are also in the
city. The officers have discussed and
determined upon their plan Of cam
paign and little remains to be done.
I'VE are not in complete condition
Of preparedness" said General Greedy.
"but we have worked hard to put the
defenseS in as efficient state as pOsSi-
BILE with the means at our disposal. We
are greatly handicapped by lack Of
men. The signal corps is short of Its
legal quota, and 1t has been necessary
to order to the New London and Narrl-
yansett districts men whose stations are
in the middle west"
General Gillespie was asked whether
the engineers were ready to combat the
enemy" 'There they are" he. said,
pointing to camp on Fishers island
within the military reservation Of Fort
Wright, three companies strong. The
engineers are ready to do their share Of
the work"
At the moment General Crozler was
explaining some technical details in
connection with the construction Of I
disappearing gun-carriage, which was
being used in target practice. When
he left General Macarthur, he eX-
pressed confidence that the armament
would perform satisfactorily during
| The maneuverS.
| Thus the high ranking officers Of the
army are satisfied that the shore de-
fenses will not he found wanting when
the attack begins. TO ascertain the
efficiency of the gunners of the New
London district. and to fit them to
make hits when the squadron dashes
past the forts. General Macarthur has
ordered extensive target practice.
AS projectiles will not be employed in
firing upon the red feet the board Of
arbitratOrs. who will determine the
victor, will take into consideration in
deciding whether or not n ship was put
out of action the gunnery efficiency nf
the batteries. 1t is therefore important
to each battery to make the best pOssi-
ble record i'm the present practice. nhc
target is tOwed by tug and represents
Il ship under way. A hit is scored If
thr shell falls within a battleship's
length of It. The last shot fired by one
# the six-Inch guns yesterday fairly
struck the target and destroyed It.
General Greedy has consulted with
Colonel Reber. who is in supreme com.
mand of the balloon detachment. and
Captain Russell. who has charge Of
all the exterior and interior lines of
electrical communications in the New
ondon district. 1t had been intend d
to use two balloons. but difficulty WI $
Experienced in getting the machines
and men to operate them. and only enc
will he employed. The balloon de-
tachment. under the immediate 10 IL
mand Of Lieutenant Clifton has arrived
mt Point Judith. 40 miles from New
London. Rear Admiral HigginsOn baa
designs upon this balloon. and will TAP
ture II If he can. He is particularly
anxious to ascertain its location. ut
will he somewhere between New Ion,
don and Newport remarked a signal
corps officer. "but 1t won't be cap
turpd or destroyed; Of that you may be
sure"