Washington sentinel., 1854-07-26

gentleman from Mississippi Mr.. BARRY had
not yielded to him the floor Internationally.
Mr.. RIDDLE. am aware of that fact, and
regret that interruptions require me to use so
much of my friends time. / was about to say,
when first interrupted by my friend from New
York, that mans love and attachment for the
mechanics Of his country should be Judged by
his acts, and not by his words. Such, at least,
Is the standard which / would erect, and be-
fore that standard would desire to be ad-
judged.
Now, sir, have stated the condition of the
shops at Harper's Ferry, (for of those at Spring
held have no knowledge) under the civil SUI
perintendence, and their condition, as partially
improved when left there. 1t is unnecessary
for me to speak further of them now, as every
member, who has read the several reports of
the committee, must have come to but one con-
clusion thereon.
Mr.. FLORENCE. They are bad enough, in
my judgment.
Mr.. RIDDLE. On the contrary, they are
the most complete workshops in the world for
the construction Of firearms, and built accord
ing to the plans, and under the direction Of the
ordnance corps.
Mr.. WALSH. rise to question of order.
would like to know whether this speech is in
order The gentleman from Delaware stated
he would content himself with quiet vote.
would suggest to him the propriety of not
changing that good intention. Laughter.
Mr.. RIDDLE. Mr. Chairman, do not wish
ITO make set speech. have lost all love for
that kind of work; yet may be compelled, in
selfvindication, so to do if these Interruptions
continue. Certainly, / have attempted to do
no more than make plain statement of facts;
and the only justifable inference that can be
deduced from the character which this debate
has assumed is, that such facts are unpalatable
to the enemies Of the present system.
It is well known to many Of my friends here,
with whom now regret to differ, that am OPP
posed to military superintendenee, generally
over civil works. There are many instances in
this country, which it would be useless now to
enumerate, where change should be made,
but the national armories are not to be ranked
amongst them. The object of such armories,
and the work which they put forth, give to them
much of the character of military institutions !;
and / would like some gentleman who differs
with me to state, why or wherein it is more de-
graaing for an American mechanic to work
under an ordnance officer in national armory,
than under q military engineer on our fortifi.
cations, harbors, and docks. Garry out the
principle, and it can certainly be applied, with
equal propriety, to all such works. You will
then, by such course, recognizing the necessity,
for corps OF military engineers in times Of
war, be compelled to maintain them in times OF
peace, and tax the very mechanics themselves
in order to employ civilians to direct our works.
Mr.. FLORENCE, (interrupting.) wish to
ask the gentleman from Delaware q question.
He will excuse me, ] am sure
Mr.. RIDDLE. Oh, yes go on.
Mr.. FLORENCE. desire to be enlighten-
ed upon the remarks of the gentleman from
Delaware, in whom have great deal of con.
fence. He was exceedingly anxious to give
the result OF his observations while at Harper's
Ferry, living, as understand him, in govern
ment house, although engaged in the construc-
ton OF a private work. / do not see quite the
justice of that but ! will pass on from It. The
gentleman says he was in favor Of this military
superintendence, if understand him, because
these men are brought up to it Brought up to
what? To the manufacture of muskets, or to
military superintendent of men,
Mr. RIDDLE. Twill state to the gentlemen
from Pennsylvania, Mr.. FLORENCE. that Twas
not only not anxious to give the result of nv
observation at Harper's Ferry but have de.
clined so doing on several occasions when re-
quested by particular friends, both in this and
the last Congress. His other question think
already satisfactorily answered If not, he will
excuse me for not repeating my words.
In conclusion, then, ] win simply say, that
if the statements which Ihave made can be dis
proved, viii vote for the amendment. But
believe the present system to be good, and the
discipline at the works unobjectionable In
fact such an impression exists, IL but to a
limited extent, in Harper's Ferry. A few gen.
tlemen residing there have told me, within ten
days, that they wanted no change in the sys.
tenn; all they wanted was good appropriation,
and with that they would be satisfied. tell
this committee, and / tell this Congress, that
If they want their armories to be conducted
properly, If they want them to be government
institutions instead Of manufactures OF politi-
clans, they should maintain the present system.