Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1858-04-09
A NATIONAL FOUNDRY.

Tie following are essentially the remarks made
ey Capt. Dimmock on presenting the preamble ana
resolutions which were adopted at meeting Of the
citizens Of Richmond, on the 9th instant, published
by reques: They present strong and conclusive rea'
sops in behelf of great and valuable scheme:
sir.Charman: Az have been somewhat insrumsn.
TAI in calling the citizens of Richmond together this
afternoon, 1t becomes me to excuse myself for do
rug.
1t has long been desideratum Of the War and
Navy Departments OF our General Government to
have National Foundry, at which, cannon Of uni.
torn materials and workmanship, could be cast and
finished, under the immediate supervision Of officers
whose professional character and experience would
insure faithful snd skiul performance Of these iu-
.tortant duties.
1t 10 remarkable, that while government will
not permit it's ships OF war, its forts. its sun
sagss to be made by contract. yet has, up to this
hour, had to obtain ts cannon by contract uotwitb-
standing ships, forts and carriages, secondary TO
oannon The result Of this policy bas been, that ss
variable in character es in places Of depo-
site, and az contracts have been given to various
parts Of country, cannon Of various qualities aud
characteristics, have been received by Our govern
,nsnt, some good, too many bad, and all at heavy
o. resulting from years Of experiments In the vain
hope Of obtaining uniform strength and finish.
ltis now understood, that Congress is about to e.
tab,ish National Foundry to remedy these evi.s,
aud the next question involved, is ats location IN ex
aiming this subject with care, have come to the
conclusion that Richmond, or its vicinity presents
the meet favorable place, and hence have pre-
sumei to call your attention, and TO suggest come &C.
ticn,
Geographically considered, this Foundry should
be csutra our Atlantic eoast so that all points Of
could be conveniently and fairly served With can.
non, shot, sbells, &c. at the same lime however Ii
should be far enough 10 the interior 10 be free from
any sudden attack by active enemy. 1t should be ne
near possible to good, capscious safe harbcr
for single ships or fleets 10 enable them to receive
their armameuts and to reft occasion may require
and at any season Of tie year.
Richmond lie central ADD safe, James River hae not
capacity enough for enemys' SHIPS of war to come
an while has capacity enough to transport down it
cannon. shot, shells &c. to Hampton Roads Gosport
Navy Yard Forte Monroe and Calhoun and out Of
the Cspes OF Virginia coast wise North or South.
Hampton Roads sfford the hes. b.,bor nm this
continent for ships in any number 1t has tho best
monroe
hun 10 guard its entrance, it Ia eae Economically
regarded Richmond cfers preeminent advantages for
this foundry. The best iron for CANNON shot shel,,
and all foundry purposes, 10 be fonnd on ths CONT,
mont. comes from the mountains Of Virginia, by tina
jams river cana. directly 10 ohmond at all ses
con. o, tue yesr can appeal TO the gentleman be-
tore To- tMr j. R. Audefsou) for the truth Of this
DOS. important assertion. Indeed, this is virtually
acknowledged by Government. O. the gentleman jus.
alluded to has been engaged, for years, In supplying
cannon, shot and shells both for the army and navy
which are considered as superior.
Coalioezhaustible in quantity and ofthe best quaty
for general purposes ID mined within twenty miles Of
Richmond, Immediately the ames River Canal and
by this water conveyance, brought to Richmond. At
Richmond, there lie never failing water power A.
Richmond there 10 medium climate. free from the fs
vers OF The South and the Of the North. From Rich
nond can be sent capnon, &c, not only cosstwise,
but to gulf hsrbore and forts by railroads already