Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1915-04-01
SECRETARY GARRISON AND OFF,
GERS GIVING QUESTION:
CONSIDERATION.
FORTS NOW OPEN TO
ATTACK ~ LAND FORCES
OFFICIAL Board .of Review Appointed to
Deal With Situation and Make Rec.
e....ena aticn.-May BE Found Nse-
sssary 70 Rs.Eauip Defense With
Longer Range Guns.
Especial corrsspondence.l :

- l0pCCldl NOSESSpOHuSI1CcsJ
Washington, April 1.-Revelations Of
he weakness Of the United States in
respect to coast defenses and the de-
lenses Of the coast Notifications from
attacks on the land side and a purpose
to improve those defenses are respon-
sible for the organization by the sec
rotary Of war Of q war department
board OF review composed of the ablest
officers Of the army.
It is the purpose Of the war depart
ment under it's present head, Mr.. Gar
rison, to improve the coast defense
system and co-ordinate its activities.
The board Of review, which was estab-
lished by an order some weeks ago, is
meeting weekly and IS giving careful
thought to the problems of how to
strengthen the coast defenses in them
selves and to make better provision
for their protection from the land side.
Open to Land Attack.
The European war has served to call
attention more emphatically than ever
to this country's need Of keeping the
coast defense system up to date. Late
ly, there has been a great deal of dis
cussion whether the coast defenses
were adequate or Inadequate. Among
army men there is practically but one
opinion. That, is, that while many Of
the coast defense works in themselves
are in good shape, they have almost no
protection against land attacks. With
out such protection, they could easily
be taken from the rear. Recent de-
velopments in long-range heavy ord
n
ton whether this country will not be
compelled to equip its coast defenses
with bigger and longer range guns.
The board Of review is giving thor
ough study to the defense system not
only of the coasts of the United States
proper but also of the canal zone,
Hawaii. the Philippines and the over
sea territory. The board Is composed
of the chief of staff chief Of the war
college, chief Of the mobile army d.
vision, chief Of coast artillery, chief OF
engineers and chief Of ordnance.
Aim to Get Somewhere.
Secretary Garrison has referred to
the board problems relating to new
or modified projects Of coast defense,
continental and oversee. The board
is also expected to originate new pro-
jects, The objects Of the formation Of
the board. however. are not limited to
coast defense improvements. Secretary
Garrison may refer to the board any
important army problem he sees tit.
The new plan mas the advantage
that when the secretary Of war wants
advice on any Of the big problems be-
fore the army he can -efer the matter
to the board Of review, have it
threshed over by the board, and get a
Recommendation. This is deemed pre-
ferable to referring questions to in
dividual officers.
When it comes to legislation for the
reorganization of the army, that is
another matter. 1t will probably not
be referred to the board Of review. It
is more properly for the consideration
of the general staff. The general staff
is now considering q new and compre-
hensive bill for the reorganization Of
The army at the request of Senator
Chamberlain, chairman of the senate
military committee.