The Washington times., 1915-10-14
Initial Appropriation To Be
Considered At Next Session
Of Congress.
EXPECTED TO BE 100000
Government Already Has Ac-
quired Land, and Probably
viii Spend 100000.

This country's most modern fortinca-
tions. with l6.inch. <6-ealiber guns
sweeping the entrance waters Of Chesa-
peake bay. are 70 be erected at Cape
Henry. Virginia, to protect Washington.
Baltimore. and contiguous territory
from possible attack by = hostile fleet.
Tho initial appropriation for the Cape
Henry fortihcations will be considered
1t the forthcoming session Of Congress.
The expected allowance at this session
10 N.d0oooo to q, 900 900. indications being
that eventually nearly 5000, 900 will be
spent at Cape Henry. Experts OF the
War Department are now At work on
plans for the foftihcations. these plans
consisting OF a revision of schemes sus-
gested several years ago. and the ultl-
mate limit OF cost will depend upon
nature Of the revision.
The Government already has acquired
title to the necessary land at Cape
Henry at a cost Of SlSl 900.
Long Under Consideration.
The fortifying Of Cape Henry. which
carries with II protection against the
invasion OF Washington In the event Of
war. has been under consideration for .
number OF years. In 1905 the so-called
Taft board Of army experts recon-
nended an outlay Of H.l02.s7l for the
fortincations. This amount was exclu-
sivs Of the estimated cost of an
artificial island and breakwater in
Chesapeake bay. which at that time
was suggested as q part Of the defense
plans.
Congress was diiatory In taking up
the Cape iienry project. although there
were sporadic attempts TO interest the
Legislators In the problem OF guarding
tho lower Chesapeake.
forufcations OF the House Appropria-
tions Committee authorised the pur-
chase Of the fortihcations site at Cape
Henry. This appropriation was faith
cred by Congressman s>waser sherley
OF Kentucky. chairman Of the subconn-
man Of the full Appropriations Com
mittee.
There was delay. however. in purchas-
Ing the land because Of the alleged at
tempt q certain real estate speeHiator; nd ator,
fency prices for the desired ground.
Some of these landowners eventually
accented reasonable prices. while the
Cove rnment instituted condemnation
proceedings to acquire additional acre.
At any rate. Congressman sherley
said today that the land controversy
has been settled and the Government
now has title to a site for the fortihca,
ITEMS The next thing to be considered
is the initial appropriation for begin,
ming the work. which Eroeaoiy VII!
start early next year and be completed
within three gears.
The detailed plans Of the fortincst!1o1s
will be withheld by the puild
ers of the modern defense works. but
sherley says the Cape
Henry defeuses will! be tho newest and
most effective fortihcat'ons known.
Will Be Final Word.
"No army OF Europe has gone up
against such Notifications as will be
found there" said Mr.. sherley. In
fact, no army In Europe has gone up
against fortincations like those We now
have. m
The Cape Henry fortihcations will be
the finel word in coast defenses. They
viii constitute an adequate defense OF
the Chesapeake bay and the National
Capital and ] am not afraid they Will
be overcome by any fleet II we are ever