The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1910-05-19
DECLARES NATION
P|T|EuLLY WEAK
Mr.. McLachlan Thinks Foreign
Armies Could Win Easy
Victories
SAYS PACIFIC COST
WOULD BE CUT OFF
Holds Entire Coast Defence Cost
ing 100000 Useless for
Want of Mobile Forces to
Defend 1t.

WASHINGTON, May ls.-Declaring
that In the present state OF the ma
tional defense, a war with an Oriental
power might mean permanent separa-
ton of the Pacific coast frnrn-the
Union. Representative James McLach-
Ian. OF California, to-day arraigned
the weakness of the United States'
army ana navy. In a speech in the
House IN support of resolution,
which he introduced calling upon
the secretary OF war for report on
the state OF the military forces. Mr..
McLaehlan disclaimed any predilec-
ton toward militarism. He declared
that he had awaited time when all
the world was at peace to present his
resolution in order that no friendly
power might be offended.
Charging that every officer Ia the
worlds armies was acquainted with
the weakness of our military defense,
Mr.. McLachlan demanded that the
American people be placed in the
same position. He asked for no mill
tary secrets. he said, but only that an
uncolored and truthful statement of
the national defense be given 10 the
people.
That the entire system OF coast de-
Tense installed during the past two
decades at a cost of 500. zoe, 900 Is
absolutely useless for want Of mobile
land forces to defend It from land
attacks was one of Mcf4achian's start
ling statements. In case Of war with
Japan. he said, the Pacific coast States
would he invaded and occupied by
Asiatic sotdiery who could be dis
lodged only by dishonorable and
humiitating peace"
Couldn't Aid Coast.
Tho inability of the navy To lend
assistance on the Pacific coast In event
Of war with Japan owing 60 the bat
tleship fleet being stationed on the
Atlantic was set forth by the speaker
who proceeded to review the obstacles
that would confront a Japanese In
Nasion. He Chasyed that IL was COM
mon knowledge among military au-
thorfttes that every mile OF the Paci-
iic coast had been charted by Jap
anese military officers.
Maps are in the possession OF the
Japanese. he said. showing every Gun
mel cuivert and bridge on the trans
continental railroads, the demolition
of whi.ti would entirely isolate the
Pacific coast States from the East
Th@ occupation OF the mountain passes
trayersed by the transcontinen tai rail-
roads by an army of veteran japanese
troops would cali the speaker claim
ed. for tho recruiting and equipment
OF an army OF million men TO dis
lodge the invaders. lie challenged the
government to show that such II force
could be equipped and sent against
the enemy within a year.
Mr. McLachlan said In part
What is easily conceivable for the
Pacific coast is not merely attack
threatened or actual, but attack ac'
companied ny invasion OF hostile
armies, with no military strength OF
our own at hand To oppose IT, and with
the navy on the other side Of the con
tigHsnt In other words there IL more
danger to the Pacific coast I'm the
thought Of war with Pacific power
than TO the Atlantic coast In actual
war with power such as We engaged
in 1855
.sFar an invading army To pass tins
Golden Gate and land in San rsran-
cfzro l. doubtless impossible, but for
II to land at Monterey orr in Boltnas
BAY and TO take san franrtscn from
the rear Is not only feasible but foi
ANY power possessing the ships ano
the men presents no difficuitie \
landing effected at either place ms
fail of San Francisco would be IN
evitable
Every City I'm Danger.
81 may go so FAR as 10 say INA
every important city, every defehoee
harbor In this country could he cap
tured without a single gun now In
stalled being afforded opportunity &c
fire a hostile shot.
"Moreuver this It's IA true ct tht
Atlantic coast as II IL of the racine
Boston or New York or washington
might be taken by any of the seNera
Dowers Without shot from the heavy
guns ernplaced for their defense