Imperial Valley press., 1912-07-15
San Diego S Protection

At Fort Rosecrans are rows and
rows of elegant government buildings
for the various uses of the garrison.
Splendid cottages are used as officers
quarters. They sit in well kept lawns
on the hillside, overlooking the bay.
The mems barracks are up to date and
modern, fitted with every facility and
convenience. The machine shops and
the various buildings necessary for the
transaction of the forts business are
well equipped and as good as can be
found in any army post of the world.
About the means of protection be-
hind all this great organization a great
deal is not known, for Uncle Sam,
through the army, does not let out ali
his little secrets. But there are small
guns and large guns and middle sized
guns that can be seen by the person
visiting the post Along the splendid
military road that traverses the reser-
vation these dogs of war are to be
ready to rise and bark and bite at the
first alarm. Here and there a visitor
sees a gun Pit, sees the deadly engine
of war the modern catapult, hears
about the wonderful mechanism that
works these defenders of the port, and
marvels at the ingenuity that con-
structed them, the thoughtfulness and
caution Of the government that placed
them there, and the discipline ard
training of the men who are ready 10
work Them if it becomes necessary.
Fort Is Excellent
Fort Rosecrans is not a myth, but
is maintained in splendid fashion by
the war department 1t is a genuine
post, with a full garrison. Situated as
it is out on Point Iona, it commands
a wonderful stretch of the sea. A
hostile fleet would have grave trou-
Die attempting to enter San Diego bay
against the guns of Fort Rosecrans.
and then, as has been said, Uncle
Sam has his little secrets that he is
not giving out and telling every one
about, and hostile fleet might-pos-
slbly-run up against Notifications
and means of defense that foreign
spies do not know exist.
The guns of Fort Rosecrans can
sweep the sea to the north, to the
south, to the west. They command
all approaches to the harbor entrance
and they command the harbor itself.
A hostile warship that managed to
pass the Notifications and get into San
Diego bay would find that her trou
bles had but begun, for the fortifica-
tons are so placed that every bit of
craft in the harbor could be sWent
cut OF existence almost in the twink
ing OF an eye, provided marksmanship
was good-and Uncle Sans gunners
have reputation in that regard.
Land forces attempting 10 invest
San Diego would face the guns of
Fort Rosecrans, too. Land forces A.
tempting to seize the post would be
very liable to meet with grave disas
ter. Point Loma's steep sides do not
present a hospitable appearance TO
the invader. Forces could be landed
south OF the city. perhaps, under cover
OF the flre OF warships, but after thew
landed there would be more trouble
even If Uncle Sans soldiers were moi
there 10 oppose them. For the guns
Of Fort Rosecrans could sweep the citv
and annihilate an enemy that had
seized it.
Capture Would Be Difficult
10 capture Fort Rosecrans from
land would be a difficult proposition
for any number of men. It presents
a front on the land side almost sim
liar to Gibraltar. The area of ad-
vance would be limited and would he
swept by heavy fire from large auns
and small arms. The reservation boul-
eVard, so easy to march along. might
suddenly prove a death trap for an
enemy, for there is really no telling
what Uncle Sam has planted ON the
reservation around Fort Rosecrans
The post is one of the most bnau-
t1tul as well as one Of the most mod.
ern from business point of view
One can follow the reservation boule-
Vard 10 the crest of Point Iona, where
stands the old Spanish lighthouse
from this point Of vantage the sea
can be seen on every side save one