The Hawk-eye and Iowa patriot. (Burlington, Iowa) 1839-1843, 1840-10-29
ROCK IsLAND..-ARsENAI,. g..

the pleasure OF becoming acquainted with
Capt. Bell, who has the command of The
Arsenal at St Louis. Hcwas ON his is. way
TO Rock Island with the Intention of ex-
aiming that point and ascertaining whe.
Their It is or is not suitable location for
"A depotory Of arms for the protection OF
our frontier. The object Of his mission
as OF the greatest importance not only to
the people of Iowa, but also to a large
portion of those who reside in Illinois and
Wisconsin. The absolute naked expo.
sure of our whole frontier demands that
something should be done to ensure its
protection. In view of the vastness of
the Territory to be protected, every one
must see that to do anything common
surate with the real wants of the people
In this portion of the country, Govern
ment should be liberal in its appropria-
tons. No one who has examined Rock
Island can hesitate moment in pro-
nouncing it most admirably adapted for
location Of this description. No place
above or below can be found more suita-
Bile. In the present Financial state of
the Government it cannot be expected
that it should Immediately construct such
building as will eventually be needed.
But it can lay the foundations of struc-
: ture which wil be creditable to itself,
and which, when completed, will be an
ornament to the Mississippi river, and
harmonic with the delightful scenery by
which it will be surrounded. The foun-
dations of an Arsenal belonging to class
No. l. should be here laid, and we know
,tof none more amply qualified to super
intend its construction than Capt. Bell ;
!. the Arsenal at Washington city will bear
US out in making this suggestion.
i In connection with this subject there
lis another topic which we think Of the
highest importance. 1t is we'll known
that Government has it in contemplation
to establish National Armory some
i where in the valley of the Mississippi.
Can any one point to more favorable
Ispot than Rock Island for such an institu-
ton! 1t is not necessary that we should
give a description of its situation--eyery
one who knows any thing about it can
testify that it is most beautiful-having a
fourishing town each side of it-and its
: position being one Of the most healthful
on the Mississippi river. Gifts resources
we must however speak. We know OF
no location west of the mountains where
a more immense amount of water power,
at trifling expense. can be obtained; and
as this is the principal object to be gained
in the establishment Of such an institution.
all must see that Government could not
adopt wiser or more economical policy
/ than to place the National Armory a,
Rock Island.
f We should run this article to too great
a length were we to bring out in detail all
J, the inducements that should operate on
Government to locate the armory at this
point. We shall reserve fuller state
ment to another opportunity. The whole
subject embraced IN the above has been
preached at the present time with the
hope that cur Legislators, who are to as
semble here the coming week, may take
immediate and appropriate steps to me-
morialize the Government in reference to
it, and that an interest may also be ava
kened, not only in this Territory in rela-
! ton to the Importance of the measure,
but also that Illinois, who has nearly as
much at stake as we have, NAV make an
energetic move in the matter, and instruct
her members of Congress to adopt such
action as will secure the success Of SO
desirable an object. As the southern and
western portions of Wisconsin should
also feel interested, we hope our sister
Territory will not be backward in urging
forward this project. s7
By immediate and appropriate action,
we may secure the location of an estab-
lishment on our borders which will no t
only enable US to set at rest all apprehen-
sions from any hostile movement on the
part. of the Indians, but which will also
! be great source of revenue to this part
| of the country. With such considera.
ftions we again express the hope that the
Iowa L. gislature may take hold Of this
subject without delay.
I PENNSYLVANIA I'm addition to
the few returns which we publish from
this state, we learn from gentleman
V..,,c1 +bnt bo a late,