Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1856-03-05
SPECIAL MESSAGE.
The President, ON Tuesday, transmitted TO
Congress the sukjoined special message;
WASHINGTON, February 26, 1856.

The President, on Tuesday, transmitted to
Congress the suhjoined special message:
WASHINGTON, February 26, 1896.
To the House of Representatives. Of The United
States IL herewith transmit and recommend
to the favorable consideration of Congress
communication from the Secretary of War,
asking special appropriation of three millions
of dollars to prepare ornaments and ammuni-
tion for the Notifications, to increase the sup
ply of improved small arms. and to apply re-
cent improvements to arms of old patterns be-
longing to the United States and the several
States. FRANKLIN PIERCE.
WASHINGTON, February %, 1856.
SIR Improvements in arms and munitions
of war having been recently perfected where
by their efficiency has been much increased,
it is very desirable that these Improvements
should be applied as far and as soon as practi-
cable to the arms on hand, both in the Govern
ment arsenals and in the possession of the
States.
Although our preseut supply of arms is as
good as and probably superior to those of the
same date of manufacture of any other nation,
We should have in the use of them, in their
present condition, to cope at disadvantage with
others who may have been beforehand with US
in the actual application 10 their arms of the
recaut improvements.
1t has been our policy heretofore to carry
on gradually and slowly the work Of prepara-
tion for military efficiency, both offensive and
| defensive; and in pursuance Of this policy the
estimates Of the War Department, from year
to year, have been limited to the execution of
such work only as accorded with the ordinary
means of our armories and arsenals, with but a
small force ofoperatiyes in employment. The
regular estimates last submitted to Congress
are based on these considerations. In view,
| however, of the propriety of assuring, at the
| earliest practicable period, military efficiency
as regards armament and munitions, (we have
| it abundantly as regards nen,) it seems pro-
per that more active and vigorous measures
should now be adopted that we should in
crease the capacity for production and the
force in employment at our arrnories and ar
senals; that we should prepare more rapidly
armaments AID ammunition for our fortifca-
tions; that we should increase our supplies Of
imPro& II arms by the manufacture Of
'4 "''S' ''''A - 'LIS @itc4"ti"I VI 'hoSc "a past
dates of fabrication, including both United
States and State arms; and that we should pro-
vide ample supplies of ammunition, accoutre-
ments, and implements for the immediate and
most efficient use OF the whole.
In order to effect this it Is necessary that
more than ordinary means be placed at the dis
posal of the Executive, and 1 respectfully sug-
gest aud recommend that application be made
for an early appropriation Of three millions of
dollars for increasing the military efficiency of
the country, to be applied, at the discretion OF
the President, towards the objects before sta
ted.
have the honor to be, very respectfully,
your obedient servant,
JEFFEEsoS DAVE.