Boon's Lick times. [volume] (Fayette, Mo.) 1840-1848, 1841-07-17

tons in the means OF increasing the destructive
ness OF shells, must soon introduce an entire
change in the system Of coast defence, as well
as Of maratime war in general. 1t is true that
the mental activity, characteristic Of the age in
every other art and science, has not been less
fruitful in suggesting Improvements in the art OF
war, the value OF some of which has already been
tested in Practice, and doubtless others will, in
time, prove equally successful. In no depart
ment Of public affairs may the natural connection
and dependence between all the sciences and
inventions Of art be more benehcially illustrated
than in the improvement Of the means Of national
defence. That the cause of humanity will be
promoted in proportion as the existing systems
and means Of defensive warfare are perfected by
new improvements, in afordiRg to all nations
greater security to the independent enjoyment Of
their own acquisitions and forms OF society and
government in putting the weak upon a more
equal footing with the strong, in rendering wars
less frequent, and allowing all the arts Of peace
to flourish in uninterrupted vigor, cannot be
doubted 1t is source Of much qualification 10
observe that several gentlemen Of high profess
sonal distinction in the army are employing
themselves in these appropriate studies. But
while, in carrying forward the plans devised in
former years, due regard should be had to the i'm
provements already introduced in the means OF
defence, and, ds far as practicable, to such mod
ifcations as may be rendered necessary by future
discoveries, we must take care, by the most eff
cient application Of the means already known
and approved, not to lose the advantage Of pres
ent security.
The array of well authenticated facts and re-
suits OF past experience, and the well.sustained
Co,oIoJ than axhihtad in tho
report Of the board OF officers referred to in the
accompanying letter of the Chief of the Corps Of
Engineers appear to be conclusive in favor Of
completing the system of defence therein rocom.
mended, so far, at least, as to place the country
in what is denominated a good state Of defensive
preparation against any sudden occurrence Of
war. To this extent the completion Of the works
heretofore projected may be regarded as indspen-
sable, however defective they may be as perfect
system Of national defence. 1t will be seen
from the estimates stated in the report alluded to,
that to effect that object will require an appro-
priation OF 9,693, 547 upon the Notifications, and
| 2,493,000 for the ornaments; making together
the sum of 12,1S6,547 The obligation Of the
Government to apply this sum 70 the OBJ ects con.
templated as speedily as the nature and due per-
manence of the several constructions will admit,
is rendered imperative and absolute by every con-
sderation Of public safety and public honor.
1t is estimated by the Chief Engineer that the
sum of 1,435,500 can be judciousy and most
benefcially applied upon these essential works
Of defence during the remainder of the present
year, in addition to the appropriations heretofore
made for the same objects. The expenditures in
this branch Of the service have been more consid-
cradle ia the current quarter than usual, and
hence the additional appropriations asked for are
larger than they would have been under ordinary
circumstances. How this has happened will be
explained by the fact that, soon alter the accession
of your immediate and lanlented predecessor, all
the means at the disposal Of this Department
were directed to be employed upon the fortifca-
tons and other works for the protection of the
Atlantic frontier, in the manner deemed best cal
culated to produce the greatest possible efficiency
| in the shortest time. This course appeared TO
be called for by the unsettled and breathing as
pect OF our foreign relations. While the whole
Of the resources at the disposal Of this Depart
ment for this service were thus ordered to be ap.
piled to such unfinished works as could be made
available, in whole or in part, in reasonable
tme it is proper to state, in this connexion, that
directions were at the same time given to supply,
without delay, the works already completed with
their appropriate armament.
The promptitude and liberality with which the
Governor OF New York and the Commissioner OF
public lands in that State responds to the recent
application Of the Department to be put in pos
session of the works constructed on Staten Island,
under the supervision and at the expense of that
State, for the defence of New York harbor de-
serves the thanks Of the country, and should be
further acknowledged by the immediate appro.
priation OF the sum demanded as compensation
for the ground upon which they are situated
The works are regarded as of great importance
to the object for which they were designed, and
they are now in course Of repair and improve
ment, under the direction Of competent Office
of the corps OF engineers. The correspondence
between this department and the Governor o
{ New York, and the report OF the Chief Engineer
will show the terms upon which the title to thu
property will be vested in the United States.
. 1t will be seen from the accompanying repoI
from the Ordinance Department, that some ad
ditional appropriations for that service are be
! eved to be important to the public interest
5 The amount called for is $1,000. The impor
lance of the operations of this Department, ant
Y its immediate connection with the national de
fence, in providing guns, guncarrlages, and othe
n munitions, will at once be perceived.
It's necessary that the attention Of CongIes
e should be called to the policy recently adopte
}, in the management of the public armories. Til
Q duty OF increasing by every practicable means
II the efficiency of these important establishments
II not less than due regard to economy, influence
Q the Department in giving its sanction to the Pla
1t of dispensing with the civil superintendency al
y thorzed by law. After full consideration,
ua. k.la..al tLnt Lhis cord be safalu and .duaI