Omaha daily bee., 1909-01-23
FoRTIFY SAN r
EDR
TO
General Stan Recommends Artillery
Post Costing About Four Millions.

General stan Recommends Artillery
Post Costing About Four Millions.
WASHINGTON, Jan. H.-The fact that
there was recently sent to congress by
President Roosevelt a report by the gem
eral staff OF the army, which became pub
lie today, recommending Notifications for
San Pedro harbor, California, was made
the basis for suggestions that such de-
cisions had just been reached in view OF
4 possibility of trouble with Japan.
At the War department this inference
was given a most explicit denial. There
1t was said that the general subject of
improving San Pedro harbor had been I'M
der consideration more than two years,
beginning before there was any thought
Of any dispute between the United States
and japan. 1t was taken up as a natural
military problem involving the necessary
protection OF the southern California coast
from foreign invasion and without refer
ence TO any particular enemy. The de-
Tense of San Pedro was considered Just
as that Of other harbors on the Pacific
or Atlantic coast would be.
Formal executive authorization for an
investigation and report as to the advisa-
bility and necessity for sea coast forti-
f~ications for protection of San Pedro har-
Dor was taken May %, last. President
Roosevelt sent to congress the report of
the general staff on the subject, which
was accompanied by estimates of the cost
OF the site and Notifications. Aggregating
S,66,26s for big guns, submarine mines,
land and accessories.
The report shows that the general staff
made a most comprehensive study of the
whole question OF the necessity OF forti-
fications at San Pedro, analysing in detail
the possibilities OF using the place as a
naval base and the landing OF a hostile
army by an enemy, and at the same time
pointing out the wellnigh im~pregnability
OF an enemy In the Los Angeles country,
once he has taken possession.
Considering existing conditions and max
ing due allowances for the development
which will unquestionably take place, both
in the immediate vicinity OF San Pedro
harbor and in the Los Angeles country
generally before the earliest date when
proper Qualifications. with their armament
and accessories can be installed. the re-
port says Il believes the immediate forti-
fications OF the harbor is desirable.
As a purely naval base the general staff
thinks San Pedro offers the enemy con-
siderable advantages. its use for this
purpose being with a view to operations
against other points or the Panama ca
nal.
The general staffs argument in this
connection assumes that an enemy is
coming from the orient, and the state
ment is made that, so far as location is
concerned. San Pedro would be a good
base for an enemy to operate against the
American Pacific coast. The report
speaks OF the Los Angeles country. and,
says the general staff. when one thinks
OF the great extent of this country, It's
immense wealth, takes into consideration
It's climate, making IT one of the most
attractive places in the world. no effort
OF the Imagination is needed to realize
tho temptation II offers to those oriental
powers whose population is pressing hard
on the means OF subsistence.
The conclusion seems Justified that
the early fertilization OF San Pedro har-
Dor Ia a requirement Of the welfare OF the
nation'