Edwardsville spectator. [volume] (Edwardsville, Ill.) 1819-1826, 1822-02-05
g..
NATIONAL ARMoRY.


Mr.. J. z. Johnson, of Kentucky, in
introducing the following resolution, OBJ
served that there were various reasons
which urged him to offer resolution,
which had for its object the establish
ment of a national armory in the western
country. He was appri2ed that this SUBJ
cct had been before congress on several
occasions, and had been rejected but
when he considered its intrinsic merit
and justice, he would not anticipate an
unlaycrablc result. He said there were
considerations connected with the mea-
sure which, were dear 10 every American
bosom. 1t had been conceded that the
militia constituted our surest guarantee
in times OF danger; they are our shield
Tor protection. In order then, to enable
them to act efficiently, they must be arm
ed and disciplined. This subject he OBJ
served, was not novel. There were two
national armories in the United States
one established at Harper's Ferry in Viz
gina, the other at Springfield, in Msssa-
chusetis; the one supplying the middle
and southern, the other the northern secs
ton Of the union; and both occasionally
supplying the demand from the west.
II would be fecoiected that those in ope-
'ralion were insufficient to meet the de-
mands OF the several states. His inlor-
nation enabled him 10 state that about
10000 stand of arms had been transport
cd 10 the west during the war, and about
$4,000 since-that the cost on transpor.
tatlon was about equal to one dollar OH
each iirelock. He considered himself
safe then in stating that the mere item Of
100000. He felt sensible ofthe obi
cations which bound them to adhere to
system OF perfect economy, and upon
fair investigation he was satisfied the
measure was economical. That, in act
ing on measures of national import, we
ought not TO limit our views to the pre-
Sent moment. We ought to extend our
views ahead, and view the consequences
in series ofyears. He observed that
the growing strength and resources and
importance of the West, demanded the
attention of government in legitimate
expenditure of public money. The
West had looked with pride and pleasure
at our navy, that had shed so much lustre
upon our national character. They had
looked with equal satisfaction at those
fortiications which lined our sea board.
These vast objects of national expendi-
turc, had not alienated the attachment Of
the West, from those sections of the
country. On the contrary, they were
animated by all those kindred feelings
and sentiments of interest, and affection
which ought to pervade every BOSOM
He observed that the nation might draw
upon their resources, their patriotism,
and courage. And they would present
themselves before Congress, claiming
those equal rights and privileges guar
anteed 10 them blythe constitution of their
country, and which it would be the pride
and pleasure Of the country to dispense.
He observed he would not impede the
progress Of this measure by pointing out
any particular spot tor the location. For
although he might be influenced by his
partiaities as I, place, yet his great OBJ
ject was to obtain the adoption Of tho
measure, after which the site would be
fixed by those who may be considered
and pIinhuenced by any Sec