The Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. MONDAY, APRIL 25, 1898.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume XX, Issue 4477, 25 April 1898, Page 2

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. MONDAY, APRIL 25, 1898.

Fjrom an American journal we give the following particulars respecting Key West, which is certain to form KEY WEST, an important point m

the present struggle between Spain and the United States : — " It is with a great deal of satisfaction to the public at large that the United States Government has, within the past year, commenced work on the fortifications at Key Wesb. Occupying the position it does, too much consideration cannot be given to our most southern ciiy as a naval strategic point. It is, m faofc, considered third m value. The island of Key West, only six miles long by aboub two m width, is of great value to Udclg Sam, ani occupies one of the mosc exposed positions on our whole coast-line. Four deep water channels already In existence, and bbc Government opening a new one to the north west, make it easily accessible from all directions by the largest vessels m the world. Key West is now defended by old Forb T»ylor, one of the anpient type of forts, and of no value m modern warfare. It ia built of brick and stone, and projects oat into the straits, connected with the island by a cauaeway The new fortifications are to consisb of two separate batteries, one to extend from Fort Taylor to the north east about a quarter of a mile, and the other for a shorter dia'ance, from Fort Taylor to the north-west, entirely protecting the moat southern portion of the island and the city of Key West. The construction of these bat terns is to be of the greateststrength possible, and to withstand the attacks of the heaviest artillery known. The retaining wall is 26 t thick, and about 40fb m height, built of granite rock seb m concrete. The wall is to be protected on the oulsldo by a sandbank extending from the top of ihe wall m a gradoal elopa downward to a distance of 85fi from Unbare. Theaefortificationsareof the same class as those now buildiqg at Savannah, Georgia, and Charleston, Sou h Carolina, for which the .Qovernment recently appropriated 1,600,000 dollars apiece." Another importanb point on the i Atlantic ooast is what is known as Hamp. ton Roads at the mouth of the J ames River. Last month the American naval authorities ordered the formation of a new squadron of warships to be stationed there. This has been referred to m our cable messages as "a flying squadron." Hampton Roads is eaid to be the beat strategic point on the Atlantic coast. It is almost centrally located and the ships from that point can reach any portion of the coast m short order. Besides, the second besb navy yard m the country is there to fall back upon for repairs to the ships. There is plenty of the best coal at Newport News, there is easy water to navigate, and finally the forts afc Hamptr n Roads may serve as a base of operations m case of need for protection. These are the considerations which, no doubt, animated the .Navy Department m making the new order.

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