Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1831-12-10

then surrendered to tho states respectively INV
whose territories il passes, under the same coh
ttions as were annexed to the cess'on OF tne ioau
in Ohio, there is reason To believe, tiat .he al
ranyement would receive the sanction OF th"se
States, and that permanent system anu ade-
ouate means would be provided tor the preser'a-
ton of th,, work, and in a manner not burthen-
come RI the communication upon it. Ii this be
mot done. or some other expeJient adopted. the
rad will soon fall into state OF entire dIapida-
ton.
By an executive regulation of tine 2lst OF June
1851, the typographical corps was separated from
the F. nsineer Department, and now constitutes
distinct bureau. The duties OF this corps are I'M
portant to the country; and 1t ITS organization Is
rendered co,nnip nsurate, a mass OF valuable ma.
teriaIs. exhibiting general and accurate OF
the geographical outlines of the Union, will be
collected, to be used for any OF the great purp"s
es of peace or war. In report from this De-
partment, of January, 1851. this subject was con-
sidered, and the necessity Of the measure stated
and enforced. To that report. containing vaua-
BILE suggestions, take the liberty OF referring.
A minute knowledge of the features OF coun-
try is essential to any plan OF military operations;
and this knowledge should be gathered IN sea-
son of leisure. and deposited in eur archives In
Europe. it is considered one of the most lmPor-
contributions have often depended the efforts ct
whole campaign. All she surveys made by the
Geographical corps are returned to the depot in
this Department, where they can be detached or
combined, as it may become necessary to exhibit
views more or less general. These surveys, dis.
secting the country in all directions. and par'l-
cularly along its streams, or routes, where roads
already are, or probably vii, be established, pre-
sent those features which are most important to
the operations OF armies A general survey OF
our coasts, both Atlantic and interior, is demand
ed by considerations of national interest as well
as of character. Arrangements tor the former
were made some years since, and expensive in
struments procured, which are yet in the posses.
sion of the government. This work was actually
commenced, but was abandoned before much pro-
eress had been made II this operation were re-
suned, and committed to one OF the scientific
corps of the army, its constitution would prevent
the recurrence of those circumstances to which
the abandonment Of the project may be attribut-
ed. Our own lakes are but imperfectly known
to US, and the advance Of the settlements and the
extension Of commerce require that this defect
should be supplied. Labors of this nature have
engaged the attention of the most enlightened 20
yernments, and the materials become a part OF
the general stock Of public knowledge. The ne
cessity of peculiar instruction for officers devoted
to these duties, both in the scientific principles
and in the practical details, is well illustrated in
the report from the Typographical Office. Some
of the operations require all intimate knowledge
Of the most absruse investigations OF the present
dav, in mathematical and physical science; aud
we shall in vain look for their accomplishment,
unless the Go, ernment make provision for the
measure.
| To the Ordnance Department is committed the
duty of providing and preserving the necessary
armament for the land service of the U. States.
| The trust is responsible one, requiring fidelity
in the administration, and practical we'll as SCI
enti6c knowledge in the execution. The expen-
dture for these objects exceeds 100000 annu-
ally, and the value of the accumulated property
equals twelve and half millions. But the ma
ture of the service gives it still deeper interest,
than the pecuniary considerations connected with
liz Unless our arms are well fabricated and pre-
served, and in sufficient abundance, and unless
! we keep pace with the improvements, which mo-
dern science and ingenuity are making, the Con-
sequences may hereafter prove disastrous. The
necessary provision for these objects cannot be
made without much time and experience, and
that they may be ready for war they must be pro-
cured in peace. A stable and efficient Organiza-
ton is therefore essential to the ordnance crops;
and in the report Of the officer at the head of it,
will be found his views Of its present condition.
I recommend the subject to your favorable notice.
The suggestions are the the result Of much expe-
rience, and present in forcibe manner the de-
fects of the existing system, and the deliberations
that are required. I am satisfied, that the adop-
ton of the measures proposed would give renew.
ed efficiency to the operations OF this section of
the public interest, and more economy in its ex-
penditures.
A commission of experienced officers will be
directed to investigate the subject, and to report
their views concerning the various matters cou-
nected with it.; and particularly with respect to
the patterns and construction of the small arms
and cannon, and any alterations which expert
ence may have indicated Their report, when
received, will be laid before you.
have made somO examination into the con-
| dition of this branch Of the national defence,
with the view of ascertaining the supplies in
service and in depot and determining the guam
tty vet required to meet the demands of pru-
dent forecast The result snail submit for your
consideration.
The United States have now in scrvceable