THE ARMAMENTS OF AMERICA

Westport Times, Volume V, Issue 830, 27 June 1871, Page 3

THE ARMAMENTS OF AMERICA

In a lengthy leader devoted to a review of America s readiness, or rather her non-preparedness for war with Britain, the " New York Tribune " scouts the idea of the United States competing with a great naval power. The points may bo surmised thus: — The army numbers 34,000 in process of reduction to 30,000; the infantry are armed with weapons much inferior to the breech-loaders, turned out by half-a-dozen private makers. The military force is scattered over the territories from Maiue to Texas, Florida to Alabama. In no place is there even one rigiment, and seldom can more than two companies be found together. Volunteers sufficient for the invasion and occupation of Canada and the other British provinces could, however, it is alleged, be got together within a few weeks. There would be no lack of soldiers, but there would be of arms, there being but 30,000 breachloaders in reserve, and the country was drained by the demand for Europe. Since the close of the rebellion, 1,340,000 guns have been sold by the Government, 370,000 of these since the Franco-German war began. Against the 710 war vessels composing the navy of Great Britain, aud comprising 40 armour-plated frigates averaging 3500 tons each, the States cannot show one ironclad, but have a few monitors, which, however, are pronounced monstrous humbugs, not worth counting, unless perhaps these death-traps would do for harbour defence. In all, about 40 wooden vessels are in commission, and a like number laid up and built of the same material could be fitted out for capturing merchantmen and blockading, but of no service in the presence of such ships as the Monarch. The writer, referring to the hundred and more swift steamers that leave Livepool regularly, in addition to those trading from other ports, all of which could be made available by the Island, remarks that not a dozen could be mustered on the other side. The article then speaks of Spain, Italy, and even Turkey, having more formidable fleets at sea, and argues that as a war with England must be a maritime one, to undertake it would be absurd and suicidal. The brickwork and stone are next noticed, and pronounced abortions, constructed upon devices that modern discoveries in and the laws of engineering ordinance, and defence declared obsolete. Thus ends the leader which is here " boiled down " after referring to cannon having been mounted without being proved. A great deal could, of course, be done in the way of improving harbour defences with earthworks, torpedoes, and obstructions, but the people of Boston, New York, Baltimore, and other cities would have good reason for lying awake at night if they knew an armoured fleet was approaching our shores with hostile intent. To resume. We have no army except a small scattered force, which could not be spared from its present duty ; we have no breech-loading guns to arm new troops with ; we have no navy worth mentioning ; our forts cannot resist the passage of iron-clads, and our heavy cannon are liable to kill more men behind them than in front. From these premises the conclusion is palpable—we are not prepared for war, and we must either spend a year in preparation, at an enormous cost of money, or wisely conclude to keep the peace.

The ship Botanist, from Liverpool, fell in with the schooner Bessie, of St. Ives, derelict, and waterlogged, with no one on board. The schooner shortly afterwards sank.

The building of the lighthouse on the Great Basses Rocks, near Ceylon, is being carried on rapidly. A first-class light-house is to be erected at Cape Comorin.