The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1853-12-17
fdF the Union.
aThe National Armories ,,

During the last session OF Congress action had
feiave 10 the restoration OF the civil government
The two national srm0res al Springfield and Harpef's
Ferry, IL existed from their Fist establishment up to
the administration Of General Harrison, in 1911
The subject was first broush, TO the notice OF Congress
by elaborate and able report from the " Committee on
Military Affairs" in the House OF Representatives and
subsequently by an amendment 10 the bill making appro-
prlaiions for the support OF the army. The committee
who had the matter under consideration advised OF
the wide spread dssas existing under the military
control OF these establishments by repeated peons to
Congress, numeroesy signed both by the operatives and
cizens residing 10 their respective localities and in
which Were briefly indicated the grounds OF complaint
Alter several animated discussiozs which the merits
and dement's OF the two systems faithfully set forth
and larry developed, the aiesthenl passed by about
trty msjortv, end this by the Introduction oil three
era ties! votes, thus securing the sure approval OF the
popular branch OF Congress
The matter again assumed shape for discussion in the
Senate during the consideration OF the appropriation bill
10 which, as we have before remarked this was ah
msndmsnf
Here the opposition appeared to be more earnes but
i came principally from those who by their own &C.
knuwiedg men bad given the subject but little consider
ation or whose military associations led them to shield
The oi1cers now IN command, though evidently under
greatly notions as 10 the nature Of the charges
preferred against them. the system of manag OF
which they were the representatives. The fret OF
the Senate, while IN coamittec of the whole failed 10
sustain the House position but on the FINAL vote. and with
fuller seats. the amendment was earned by i,co majority
This vote was taken about O'Clock, y. M, and soon
alter many OF the members eft but Just before the adj
ourpmen. motion made for reconsideration, and
lost by tie vote after which The Senae burned The
friends oil the amendment surprising the matter favora-
bly, disposed OF, made no further effort TIL The assembling
OF The Senate the next morning. when some discussion
arose as TO the accuracy OF the records. Pending this
discussion, motion was made, and Carried by four
majority, 10 leave the matter discretionary with The
President OF the United States to appoint e,iher a mil.
ary or civi supenntendent, and further authorizing
that mixed Commission of civilians and military
men be appointed 10 investigate TO the relative
merits OF me two systems tor economy, efficiency,
ana safely the same TO report TO the President, BY
whom tb.y were 10 be appointed Thus the
matter disposed OF and in accordance with m s action
the President. IN July last selected tho following very
aois een'lenea Tor the committee Colonel Stevenson.
o. Virginia, who was president OF the board Chancellor
Wal9ouh, OF New Jersey ex Governor Steele of New
Hampshire; Colonel Smith, of Connecticut: Colonel
o'epoe, and Colonel Andrews, the two latter being
army omcers The committee repaired 10 Spring
heid and commenced their hearing on the frs, day OF
august following The examination continued iill near
,ns las. OF oelooeI' and - generally conceded on s
hands that was thorough The committee did not con-
ne Their observation OF men and ,noes to the Sorinc
held Armory, but visited also similar establishments IN
Vermont and Connecticut A detailed account oI ihs;r
examination cannot be given IN this article nor ia /,
necessary The committee have submitted their reports
and IL ia understood that OF the six four recommend ,h
civil system and hoo oppose il, Upon minor points
there are various opinions entertained by The committee
conflicting IN some degree with each other but The prn
cpa, of placing over these purely manufacurng fstab.
hshmsnt army officers, four, il not five, oil the committee
express Their dissent.
The question which presents itself H. What action
VIII The Executive take in the PREMISES Win he take
'e responsibility OF transferring be present ofncers III
lhor'y TO Their proper and legitimate sphere IN the gov.
eminent service, will he ihink u lest recommi the
subject 10 CoDgressf The anxiety OF the people in
Springfield where one OF the armories u locaci, and
where the writer of this article has ,arcd for the Last
week on business matters, need not say Is such thai
nothing but settlement OF the vexed que son can aay
t. And, especially with the democratic masses, this
question possesses more than a passing importance
They have right TO ask OF the Ereemrs tie al Of
this misplaced power and in asking, they with
out The most mistaken confidence in The disposition
the PRESIDENT their Both n hmm
date localities OF The armoriess aud also in the debera
tons Of public bodies in Massachusetts, and Virginia The
people, and especially the democracy have echoed SEN
ment alike condemna,ory OF military control over ci-
mechanics in our national aru,or.s Bat few even
OF the wing presses lost reason and Justice as
to oppose The desired change Ga The contrary ere are
many who advocate it zeaously, matter OF economy
to The country, and respect To The intelligent mechanics
who constitute no small part OF its true gory There ia
not demosanc press, 10 knowledge, in the United