The Illinois free trader. (Ottawa, Ill.) 1840-1841, 1840-11-06
United Stntcs ArOsOry, &C., ut Springfield,
fsusSac!sGscsss.

Among the many objects Of interest
within The reach OF traveller in our
Eastern States, the armorv at this place
stands conspicuous, for the magnitude of
It's operations, the ingenious division of
labor which exists in it. and tie great
beauty of its position on the Connecticut.
know of but few places which exceed
it in this last respect the land owned by
the Government contains about 100 acres,
divided into two parts: one of go, upon
which the armories and part of the work
shops and other public buildings are sit
uated, built around an open square; the
other of about 30 acres, lying three
fourths of a mile distant upon Mill River,
the name Of which sufficiently indicates
the uses to which it is applied by the
Government. The two are connected by
strip of land of two rods in width used
for "a street formerly owned by the Gov
eminent, but which has lately been
retroceded to the State, for the convent
ence of those who have built upon it,
and to restore the road to State jurisdic
ton.
This Armory and the one at Harpcr's
Ferry were established at their present
locations on account of the water power,
a circumstance which, since the applica-
ton of steam to similar objects, would no
longer influence the Government in the
selection of an Armory. The soil being
light and thin at Springfield upon the
hill, it does not hold the water, and the
arms are not exposed to the influence Of
heavy dews and fogs; in this view, the
place seems admirably suited for their
preservation. How it is in this respect
at Harper's Ferry, did not think TO en-
quire when at the latter place. General
Washington recommended Harper's Fer
ry, which now is but little suited to the
purposes of an Armory, unless it is an
advantage TO be out of the reach of an
enemy. 1t is equally out of the reach of
its friends it would be difficult, howev-
er, to effect an alteration in the locality,
even if the cost of manufacture were en-
HANGED beyond its present price, which is
well known to be 25 per cent. greater
than at Springfield. The health of Har-
per's Ferry does not equal that of SPRING
field. 4 friend, some time ago, looking
over the establishment there, remarked,
that the men (who were young appeared
20 look well person in the works OBJ
served, they do, but all who are a little
older lie there pointing to the graveyard.
A change may have happened in this
respect since the fact was related to me. i,
For each establishment an annual APP
preparation of $lsO,OOO is made, and
occasionally appropriations for specific
objects, such as the erection of new
building, or for an additional purchase.
These are the only public establishments
of the kind in the country. There are
seven or eight private ones.
The amount of expenditure III 1898, at
Springfield, was $ls6,250 80, for which
the Government manufactured 10000
muskets, costing $ll "a each; l5,O35
screw-drlvers, costing cents each
1905 wipers, costing 10 cents each
$685. ball screws, costing 80 cents each
and 3l,44s flint caps, at cent each.
During the year there were employed
from 260 to 270 men daily, all of whom
excepting l Superintendent, Master
Armorer. l Paw Master. a Clerks. and q
Inspectors. receive pay by the piece, and
they are enabled to make from $40 to
$50 per month. depending upon the ma.
ture Of the employment and the degree Of
. skill necessary. A fair days work
among the first class Of laborers woult