Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1913-02-01
PROBABLE APPROPRIATION WILL
BE PASSED FOR FoRTlFlcA.
TON OF LOS ANGELES. Fl
RISES IN IMPORTANCE
WITH COMPLETION OF CANAL
Question Recalls Franknsss Of Govern.
msnt in Admitting Menace From
Japan Four Years Aso-sah Pedro
Key to Control Of Entire Pacific
Coast.
IBy special. correspondence

Washington, Feb. 1.-When the
Notifications bill was taken up for dis
cussion in the house early this week.
Their was every indication that when
it was passed it would contain the
proposed appropriation of s22S.000 for
the beginning of great Fertilization at
San Pedro harbor, the harbor Of Los
Angeles. This will be the beginning of
expenditures for the fertilization OF
that harbor which will amount to over
$3,6oo.000. The subject is Of national
interest because of its direct bearing
on relations with Japan.
Army men are greatly pleased over
the prospective early fertilization of
the harbor of Los Angeles. 1t is recog-
nized here that Los Angeles is going to
be of greatly enhanced Importance
when the Panama canal is opened.
Moreover, the strategic importance OF
Los Angeles and the region tributary is
fully understood by the army officers.
Recalls Frankness.
The fact that congress seems GER
tain to begin allowing money for forn-
fcations and big guns at Los Angeles
recalls the remarkable frankness with
which the reasons fer fortifying there
were set forth by the Taft administra-
tions board about four years ago ana
later transmitted TO congress. At that
time, the apprehension of trouble with
Japan was much more acute than 1t
has been since. The Taft board, COM
posed Of eminent army officers, made
no concealment of the fact that the
forts
San Pedro harbor related to the great
potential strength az an enemy "hich
a certain oriental power has recently
acquired
Among other things, the board said:
Recent study discioses the 1act
that, assuming there were no effective
naval opposition, certain oriental
power could, within a month OF the
time its hostile intentions began 10 De
even strongly suspected-a formal DEC
laration Of war would no doubt come
good deal later-land on our Pacinc
coast an expedition OF an estimated
maximum of about 100000 men, ana
that such a force could be augmented
by the end of two months more to
total Of possibly 100000. The ease with
which San Pedro harbor. unfortified.
and thru it the entire Los Angeles
country. could be seized Is apparent.
Key to Coast Situation.
The Taft board then said that If the
enemy once seized the San Pedro har-
Der the whole plan Of Pacific coast de-
Tense would fail; that the enemy would
then proceed to overrun the whole
region tributary to Los Angeles: and
! that it would be easy for an enemy
| having done that to defend the noun
tain passes against troops from the
| east.
Sea, mountain and desert combine
| to make the position Of the invader
once he has taken possession OF the
| Los Angeles country in force. we'll
nigh impregnable," was the contention
| Of the board. Since that time, the ten
! sion between this country and Japan
/ has greatly lessened. Feeling between
| the two nations is much improved
/ Danger of war seems remote. At the
/ same time. army men responsible foi
! the country's defense system will fee
better about 1t when the work OF COM
peting the third and last link In the
! Pacific chain Of forts is under way.