Washington sentinel., 1854-07-26
MILITARY sUpERINrEDrNcE.
REMARKS OF MIR. G. R. RIDDLE,

MILITARY sUPERINTEDENCE.
REMARKS OF MR.. C. r.. RIDDLE,
OF DELAWARE,
Ia the House Of Representatives., July lS, 1854
upon dn amendment TO the Army 6i1, re-
storing ciDI supeintendeals to the national
| 0ymories.
Mr.. RIDDLE said. &
| Mr.. CHAIRMAN: did not intend taking any
part IN this discussion, being unwilling to con
sumo the time of the House, when the early
passage OF the bill itself is matter Of great
Importance to some of my constituents, as well
as many others who are engaged in providing
for the wants of our regular army. would
have been contented with giving q quiet vote
preferring such course to any other which
can be pursued at this late hour of the session
when my mind was decided how that vote shall
be given, but that questions have been asked
by several friends around me, which, perhaps,
some little observation, knowledge, and expe-
rience of the works at Harpers Ferry, will ena-
BILE me satisfactorily to answer.
1t was my fortune, in early life, to be sta
toned at Harper's Ferry for period of about
three years; eighteen months of which time,
as nearly as can recollect, being under the
civil superintendency, and eighteen months
under the military superintendency. Whilst
there occupied government house, provided
by the government at the usual rent, in close
proximity to the works. and certainly had an
opportunity for acquiring some information
both as to the management and condition Of
that armory. In stating the conclusions which
my observations conduced, ] neither desire
to reflect upon the superintendents of one sys-
tenn or eulogize those of the other but merely
give, for the consideration of this committee,
facts in relation tothe two systems which have
never been denied by practical man, and are
inc0nt,0re,tible.
When the military superintendent was ap-
pointed, ard first took charge of the armory at
Harper's Ferry, (the present highly accom-
plished officer in charge of the Ordnance De-
partment,) he found the workshops in a mis-
cradle and dilapidated condition. They were
literally tumbling to pieces, and not suitable
places for an American mechanic to- occupy or
work in. So at least thought, SO thought the
gentleman to whom | have alluded, and SO
must have thought the Congress of the United
States for soon after Colonel Craig had taken
charge of the works, the old, inconvenient, and
badly ventilated shops were either remodled
or entirely torn down, and now convenient
and airy buildings erected in their place.
Thus, the committee will see that, at the very
inception of what is now so commonly termed
"the military rule" the health, comfort, and
consequent happiness of the mechanic were
promoted. That they were neglected under
the civil superntendents, / do not pretend to
say but certain am that there was more or
der, regularity, and happiness among the peo-
pie Of the town, than known by me before to
exist. Let us pause here for moment, and
see if this would not naturally be expected
For the successful management of such
works as our national armories, which are es-
sentially military in their character, there is
something more required than is ordinarily
found among civilians. Some knowledge Of
the construction Of the gun, as well as Of its
efficiency when constructed, connected with
that systen,," which is the legitimate fruit of
military education, are, to my mind, at least,
essential qualifications for a good superin.
perintendent 1t cannot be denied, and those
of us on this floor who are the friends Of the
military system are willing to concede, that
there are many gentlemen, who were never
connected with the army, who possess such
qualifications. This is undoubtedly true.
There are many men who have been master
armorers in civil establishments, good mechan.
les, and perhaps better qualified for the post of
superintendent than half the officers in the
army, but what guarantee have we that such
men would be selectedf Afford some in your
bill, and win support it.
But, asks friend, have you not such conf
dence in the President of the United States as
to believe he would make good selections?
My confidence in the present Executive is
second to that OF no other man upon this floor,
yet would be unwilling to trust even him with
the power His good intentions would never
question:; but his knowledge of the applicants,
and their respective qualifications, must be
based upon the representations and recommen.
dations of others. Political influence in eyery
shape and character will be brought to bear,
and the appointee, instead of being good me-
chanic or scientific man, with administrative
talent, is likely to be "good fellow" or "pop-
ular man" and convert the shops into manu-
factory Of politicians instead of muskets and
rifles. That civil superintendents have done
this, or that all who may hereafter be appointed
would do it, am not prepared to admit; but
knowing the falibility Of man, would be un.
willing to place myself in such position.
1t is generally believed at least in this world
Of ours, that to make man a useful officer he
must have some particular interest in what he
undertakes. Now, what is the interest, pyima
fdcie, Of the civil superintendent, who has been
aPPoihieu uPon Pohtcal grounos, upon the re-
commendaton of politicians, and as reward
for political services? II is not the interest of
practical mechanic in the same position, for
his reputation and living depend upon the
economy and perfection Of the arms. It is not
the interest Of the civilian, who is owner or part
owner Of the establishment. II is not the in.
terest Of the ordnance officer, whose skill and
superior management are liable to be rewarded
by promotion and increased reputation. II is
the interest Of too many politicians. Popu-
arity is his interest. Popularity TO strengthen
the hands which bore him into Office, and popu-
larity in order that he may retain that Office.
Now, sir, the knowledge and capacity Of all
weapons Of war constitute the education of an
ordnance officer after he leaves the military
school. The government contributes TO this
education by offering every facility, with
the expectation that il may some day be avail.
able. The pay Of the officer goes on, whether
in charge of an armory or not. Why, then,
deprive the people Of our country Of such ad-
yantages, and tax them $4,000 or $4,000 per
annuD,, as would be the case If the present sys-
tenn is changed. Why not first abolish the
<xln of II L..