The Washington times., 1907-07-22
FORTS MANNED
AND READY FOR
ATTACK BY SEA
District Militia Settles
Down to Coast De-
fense Study.
Monitor Puritan Expect
ed to Make Sortie
by Night.

by Night.
FORT WASHINGTON, July 22.-After
a day of real rest yesterday the men
set to work in earnest this morning i'm
after breakfast to learn the
and intricacies Of manning the
coast defense guns under The instruc-
tions of Lieutenant Colonel Coffin and
his staff While the men here were
busy the five companies stationed across
the river at Fort Hunt were being iniu-
ated into similar secrets.
The greater part Of the District Militia
has never before witnessed the opera
tion Of the coast defense artillery. which
bristles over the cliffs that guard the
Potomac at this point. Everyone was
deply interested IN the drill. and though
the wonder of the men was great at the
clOcklilSe precision and efficient manner
in which the regulars carried out the
maze of orders and counter orders OF
their superiors they proved apt pupils
and were complimented on all sid S tJI
the way in which they handled them
selves after this their first attempt.
Sea Attack Is Expected.
AS there is an attack expected every
moment from a sea force the officers
are endeavOring TO give the soldiers Is
many lessons as possible in the shor
time which they have. If no attack II
made today, and it Is not likely there
will be, another drill Of a similar natur'
will occur tomorrow. Not only wa
real work begun in earnest in regards
TO the drilling OF the men, but th,
camps Of the different companies which
are we'll scattered over the 500 and NOR
acres which comprise the Government
reservation, at the orders Of ColOne
Urell, established guard mount and
from now on the strictest Of military Or
der prevails.
Instead of the conditions which existe,
yesterday, when the men were allowed ;
whole day of full liberty and came an,
went almost as they pleased. a notice
able change has taken place, and mar
approaching too near the lines Of III
several camps hears the sharp Halt
Who goes there of the sentry rs h'
stops in his solitary march up ant
down the lines 70 challenge, and relus
passage TO all but those who have Tn
password.
No Decision to Be Given.
In connection with the maneuvers
which are soon to occur, Colonel Cofhl
announced yesterday that contrary L
expectation. no decision would be given
SO It will therefore rest with the me-
10 settle all disputes as 10 which wa
on the victorious side among them
selves
In the event of an attack by waite
the forces at Forts Washington an
Hunt will cooperate in an attempt I
repulse such movement. It is under
stood that the Puritan Will make IN
attack together with one or two small
er boats. There is little likelihood tha
this action will be taken during day
light, as IT would be suicidal for boa
or feet of boats to attempt 10 pass tn
point at such time. However, COlont
Urell and The other officers in comman
are taking no chances and are keepln
q vigilant watch on all sides. No boa
large or small goes up or down the Pc
touac that does not receive carefy
scrutiny from the sentrtes which al
concealed At advantageous spots alon
the fortifcations.
Guards Doubled at Night.
At night the guards will be double
and the powerful searchlights put int
play. Unless the enemy mas sOmethin
exceptionally good in store tho land OF
GERS are confident that no small SUI
prise will take them unaWares.
Only during an attack by water WI
: the land forces at the two forts figl
under the same flag. After these MAJ
! euvors are over the commands at thes
/ places will be sworn enemies and Onl
the rage of conflict and a hand-to-han
struggle bring them together. Fro
/ the time the guns OF the attacking fle'
are silenced II will be cruel war to II
bitter end between the seven companit
/ stationed here and the five at Fol
The officers at both stations smi
wisely, and say. Just wait, and the
you'll see," IN answer to any question
as to the plans OF operation Whelh1i,
/ Colonel Urell will make the first sal
( and attack IS not known. but no or
believes the veteran will rest on h
arms long waiting TO receive a Wis
from tho enemy. Should no attempt
made tomorrow night to capture IN
place II is almost a certainty thu
gColonel Urell will give the order
march under cover OF the night for q
attack on Fort Hunt.
May Abandon Naval Show.
The naval demonstration which
planned for one night this week may
called off altogether. owing TO the IA
that boats which are to represent Il
naval forces in the mimic attack again
Forts Washington and Hunt may N
materialize.
The monitor Puritan. which Is no
living of the arsenal ut WaShingtO
IS very unsatisfactory for the even
because of it's unwieldiness and gre
propensity for going where the cham
isn't. Another disadvantage attached
having the Puritan as the vessel
make the attack on the land fore
IS its low rate or speed, which cOnditi,
would allow IL TO be put out Of cor
mission. theoretically. in short order.
The three boats for the naval attat
are the United States tug Gushing, q
Oneida. a small tug belonging to q
navy yard, and a private launch
possible three or four other smI
launches will be secured.
Attack on Thursday.
II was decided yesterday that 4
naval attack would occur Thursdl
morning. but this order IS subject
change.
The plan Of attack has been practical
settled upon. The opposing naval fore
will steam up the Potomac from re
devious several miles down the riV
at the regulation distance of not le
than 400 yards apart, and an attem
made TO pass the Notifications. Ho
ever. II Major Stevens can dill into [
District militiamen his system for
pulslng such a movement by the tin
set. there is little DOUBT but that [
guns Of Forts Washington and Hu
will block the channel with the riddl
Of the Pupunv'S hOarq before IN