COAST DEFENSE, a system of forti fications to protect a country from hostile attacks or oc.:upations on its coast lines. It consists of forts well equipped with heavy guns and thoroughly manned and placed at strategic points. It includes also torpedo boats, submarines, harbor mines, searchlights, and all the other adjuncts that make the work of the forts effective. The extensive coast line of the United States has required a great ex penditure of money, planning, and in genuity in order to secure the country's safety in time of war. Adequate atten tion had not been given to this important work before the outbreak of the World War; but the lessons taught by that great conflict have stimulated the energy of the navy department and the liberal ity of Congress. All ports of commer cial or strategic value along both coasts of the United States have now been fortified. As fast as possible, the old 12-inch guns have been superseded by 14-inch guns that are designed to fire projectiles weighing 1,660 pounds to a distance of 18,000 yards. At Cape
Henry it is proposed to mount 16-inch wire-wound guns, throwing a projectile of 2,200 pounds. The present policy of the navy department is to mount one 16 inch gun in the system of fortifications guarding every important harbor. The regular establishment of the coast de fense is divided into three districts, the North Atlantic Coast, the South Atlantic Coast, and the Pacific Coast. The former has 77 companies; the second, 43; and the third, 36. Besides these there are in Manila bay 11 companies, in Hawaii 6, and in Panama 8. The regular estab lishment of the coast artillery is 1,201 The men, who are generally old men-of war's men of good character, have high pay, and are furnished with free cottages. The force numbers with officers and men about 4,000. In the United States the force is part of the Treasury Department. See COAST SURVEY, UNITED STATES.