The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1844-03-15

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We spread before the public, through our CO.
lcmns to day, the entire of these papers. The
latter not only acquits Capt Stockton, his Off
GERS, &c, OF all censure in the matter, but is
highly complimentary TO the former gentleman,
Tor his great caution and prudence from the time
he first contemplated the fabrication of one Of
the large guns, as well as for the lofty patriotism
which prompted him TO the undertaking. The
high standing and well known character Of the
officers who composed the Court, impart a
weight to the report, which cannot fail to
command the most profound respect wherever
it is read.
The facts contained in the evidence given be-
fore the court, we regard Of high national i'm
portance. They show the tests 10 which the
gun first made, has been subjected-the man
ner In whichthey, under peculiar circumstances
were withstood, and also the power, strength
and capacity of wrought iron guns when properly
fabricated We cannot discover any reason
whatever for abandoning their use, because OF
the recent accident, unless ii shall be discover
ed, by scientific processes and examinations,
that the iron in the course of fabrication, under
goes change that reduces its strength and wea-
kens It's resstive qualities Until then we think
the experiment should be continued by the fab.
ricating of new guns 10y the Government. under
the immediate superintendent of proper per-
sons appointed for that purpose. We repeat.
we regard this matter as purely national, and Of
vast importance. The use of the great gun.
connected with steam power, in propeinp
ships of war " ill lead TO an entire change in the
long established and existing mode of navs
warfare.
We particularly invite the attention of read
ers to the letter of Colonel Bomford. a practi
cal scientific gentleman, whose mind has beer
long engaged in projecting large guns for tn,
use of forts and Dor defence.
1t has been well observed ha, the introduc
ton of almost all great schemes of improvement
has been attended with accidents and disaster,
Would it have been regarded as an act of wis
dom to have discarded the use of steamboats, i'm
mediately after the first disasters caused by III
explosion of their boilers Or would not the pro
position to abolish the use Of railroads and loco
motives be regarded as absurd, becaus
occasionally one runs off the track-or the,
come in collision with each other. producin,
serious caIamities Shall, then, an lnvento,
which promises such vast and irumeasurabl
utility to the nation be condemned and aban
doned because Of the occurrence of a single ac
cident? If such bad heen the policy pursued
heretofore, the country would now be reapip.
the value of very few of the great inventions
which have, in an essential degree, contributed
TO enhance the value of its products to iacili
tate and accelerate the intercourse between IN,
citizens of the remotest sections, and TO aug
ment the wealth of all classes.
The importance OF the testimony contained
in the record, will, we doubt not insure it an
extensive circulation through the public jour
mails.
We are authorized to say that The proceed
ings and report of the Court meet the full APP
probation Of the President Of the United
STATES.