public to-day are startlingly low. Reports from every State are in, and indicate that the militia cannot be mobilized at more than forty per cent of its war strength. At the present rate of mobilization, and with several States refusing to allow militia to leave, it is estimated that at least six weeks must elapse before a force of 150,000 men can be concentrated for defense. Unless men who have had service in foreign armies come to our assistance, this force will remain untrained. The shortage of field artillery, cavalry, equipment, and trains is almost incredible. The greatest shortage is in field artillery, by far the most important auxiliary in infantry operations. This arm of the service has not sufficient ammunition at hand for more than a brief action. It has developed that New York has the only complete divisional organization. The total shortage, should the concentration of our available militia be accomplished, is estimated as follows: 80 batteries of field artillery; 70 troops of cavalry; 17 companies of engineers; 26 field hospitals; 30 ambulance companies; 12 ammunition

trains; 12 supply trains; 12 pack trains. For the most part the militia is supplied with a 3-inch light field gun only.

Washington, March 18- All the Atlantic States, as well as Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, California, Oregon, and Washington, have flatly refused to allow their militia to leave. The President's military advisers are reported to be urging him to order the concentration of militia over the heads of those governors who are refusing to transmit his call. It is admitted that should such an order be resisted, it could be enforced only through process of law. The commanding officers of the North and South Atlantic districts are greatly exercised over the lack of coast-guard troops to protect the detached harbors, fire-control stations, and military works.

Harrisburg, March 18-The Governor has agreed to send the Pennsylvania militia to the Albany region. The militia is practically without field artillery and other equipment necessary to field service.

Springfield, March 18- The Massachusetts

militia has finally been ordered to Albany. It is poorly equipped. Its transportation is improvised, every description of vehicle having been pressed into its ammunition and supply trains. It is, necessarily, proceeding slowly.

Washington, March 18-(Bulletin.) The President has ordered the militia of every State to mobilize in the Albany district.

New York, March 21 - An American scout cruiser, arriving here, reports having sighted a large fleet of transports approaching the eastern entrance to Long Island Sound.

Washington, March 21 (Bulletin.) Under cover of a night fog, the coast artillery force on Fisher's Island was overpowered and the big guns rendered useless in a raid last night by a strong landing force of the enemy, according to an official statement issued by the Press Bureau to-day. A smaller force, with field guns brought from the warships, landed on the eastern side of Watch Hill, drove off the defenders of Fort Mansfield, and destroyed the mechanism of the guns, according to the same official report.