Worcester daily spy., 1861-12-04

Thus has it been made clearly apparent, that in
whatever direction the forces of the Union have ex.
tended their protection the repessed loyalty of the
restore and maintain the authority OF the govern
menti and doubt not that the army Tow assembled
on the banks of the Potomac will, under its able
leader, soon make such demonstration as will es-
tablish its authority throughout all the rebellious
states.
The loyal governor OF Virginia is proceeding
to organize courts under the constitution and
laws of the state, in all her eastern counties,
in the occupation of our troops. / respectfully
suggest that authority should be given to the pre-
dent to send commissioners with the army, with
power TO exercise all the functions OF local govern
ment wherever the civil authority has ceased to en-
t and especially TO enforce the obligations of con-
tracts, and The collection ofdebts due loyal cred
tors.
THE SPRINGFIELD ARMoRY, ARMS, &C.
As stated in my last report, at the commencement
OF this rebellion the gov enment found itself def
cient in arms and munitions of war. through the
bad faith OF those entrusted with their control dur
ing the preceding administration. The armory at
llarper's Ferry having been destroyed to prevent
It's possession and use by the rebels, the government
was compelled to rely upon the single armOry Mt
Springfield, and upon private establishments for
supply OF arms. Every effort has been made TO in
crease the capacity OF that armOry the greatest pro-
duct of which, prior to these troubles had never eX
ceeded 500 muskets per month. In charge ofau en-
crgeic ana able ordnance officer the force being
donbled, and operations vigorously prosecuted day
and night. there were made at this establishment,
during the past month of October a total of $500
muskets and it is confidently expected that 10000
will be manufactured during the present month On
recent visit with view TO enlarge the capacity of
the aImOry, directed the purchase OF large guam
ty OF machinery already finished which, when put
in operation will enable this establishment TO pro-
duce, during the next year 100000 stand of the inst
ly celebrated Springfield rifles. ! respectfully Sug
geSt the recommendation OF liberal appropriation
by congress Or the purpose OF yet further increasing
the capacity of this armOry, believing that it can be
made sufficient 10 supply all the muSkefs and rifles
which the government may hereafter need in any
contingency Located in healthful country, nthe
midst OF an industrious and ingenious people, where
competent w0rkmen can always be obtained With
out difficulty, and sufficiently near to all the mateTi
ais needed in the manufacture of arms, il is at the
same time accessible to every part of the country by
water and railway communication.
After having made contracts for arms with the
private establishments in this country, it was deemed
necessary by the president, to ensure speedy and
ample supply, TO send special agent TO Europe
with funds to the amount oftwo millions OF dollars
TO purchase more | am gratiied to state that he
has made arrangements for large number of arms,
part OF which have already been delivered. The re-
mander will be shipped By successive steamers un-
til all shall have been received.
Combinations among manufacturers, importers.
and agents for the sale OF arms, have, in many
cases, caused an undue increase in prices 10 pre-
vent advantage being thus taken OF the necessities of
the government. collectors of customs have been di-
rected TO deliver TO the agents OF the United States
al arms and munitions that may be imported into
this country.
The demand for arms has called into existence
numerous establishments Tor heir manufacture
throughout the loyal portion of the country and it
has been the policy Of this department to encourage
the development OF the capital, enterprise and skill
of people in this direction. The government
should never have less than million OF muskcs in
its arsenals, with corresponding proportion OF
arms and equipments for artillery and cavalry 9th
erWSe it may at most critical moment, find itself
deficient in guns while having abundance of
men.
l recommend that application be made to con-
gresS for authority to establish national foundry
for the manufacture of heavy artillery at such point
may afford the greatest facilities for the purpose
"a gu I.p pf rI,a
could be procured from private manufacoieS the
possession of national establishment would lead to
experiments which would be useful TO the country,
and prevent imposition In prices BY the accurate
knowledge that would be acquired of fhe real value
ofwork Of tlis character,
THE MILITIA, THE MILITARY ACADEMY, sc.
In my last report called attention to the fact that
legislation was necessary fOr the reorganization,
upon a uniform basis, OF the militia of the country.
Some general plan should be provided by congress
in aid OF the states, by which our militia can he or
galZed armed, and disciplined, and made effective
Ut any moment or immediate service II Thorough
fy trained in time of peace, when occasion demands,
it may be converted into vast army, confident in
rs discipline and unconquerable in its patriotism.
Iii the absence OF any general system OF Organiza~
tiOn, upwards of 100000 men have already been
brought into the ileld; and, in view of the aacrity
and enthusiasm that have been displayed, do not
hesitate to express the belief that combination O.
events can arise in which this country will not be
able not only to protect itself, but, contrary to lis
policy, which is peace with all the world, 10 enter
upon aggressive operations against any power that
may lnlermeuGle WIN our domestic AFFAIRS a
mitee should be appointed by congress with au-
horiy to sit during the TO devise and report
plan Tor the general organization OF the militia of
the United States.
1t is OF great importance that immediate attention
should be given 10 the condition oi ouI iortiications
upon the seabOard and the lakes, and upon our eX-
posed frontiers. They should AT once bc placed in
perfect condition for successful defence. AggTes~
siOnS are seldom made upon nation ever ready
to defend its honor and TO Tepel insults; and we
should show to the world that while engaged in
at n lp ia
ourselves against attacks from abroad.
/ earnestly recommend that immediate provision
be made for increasing the corps OF cadets TO the
greatest capacity OF the Military Academy. There
are now l02 cadets at that important institution.
am assured by the superintendent that 400 can at
present be accommodated, and that with very tri-
dug additional expense, the number may be merCaS-
ed 10 five hundred II is not necessary, at this a;e
day, to speak OF the value OF educated soldiers.
Nhiie, in time OF war orrebeOn, we must ever de-
pend manly upon our militia and yolun-
teers, shall always need thoroughly trained Ufl-
GERS. Two classes having been graduated during
the present year III order that The state might have
the benefit OF their military education, had hoped
that congress at its extra session. would authorize
increase OF the number. Having failed TO do so,
trust that the approaching session an increase
will be authorized. and that the selection OF cadets
will be limited exclusively to those states which, CO.
operating cordially with the government, have
brought their forces into the field aid in the main
tcnance Of its authority.
In this connection, justice requires that should
call attention to the claims OF a veteran officer to
whom, more than TO any other, the Military Acade-
my is indebted ior its present prosperous and eff
cient condition. allude to Col. 5 ranuS Ihayer
OF the engineer corps. who now by reason OF nd
vanced years and faithful public services, is incapa-
citated Tor duty in the field Under The recent law
of congress he may justly claim to be retired from
active serviUe but believing that his distinguished
services should receive some mark OF acknowledge
ment from the government, recommend that au-
thoity be asked to retire him upon his full pay and
emOlUmeuts.
The health of an army is a consideration of the
highest consequence. Good men and women i'll
different states mpelled by the highest motive of
beuevOlence and patriotism, have come in aid of
the constituted sanitary arrangements OF the gov
erninent, and been gTeat instrumental Ill diminish
inc, disease in the camps. giving increased comfort
aud happiness to the lite of the soldier and impart
ing to our hospital service more humane and gem
erous character. Salubrity of situation and pleas
antness OF surroundings have dictated the choice of
the hospital sites, and establishments for sick
and wounded of which we have every reason to be
proud have been opened in ST, Louis Washington
Georgetown, Baltimore, and Annapolis and viii be
attached to every division of the army i'll the field
TO tile close OF the yigilant shall be given
TO the health of the well soldier and to the comfort
and recovery OF the sick.
THE VOLUNTEERS AND THE REGULARS
recommend that the system OF promotions which
prevails in the regular service be applied to the vol
unteer forces in the respective states; restricting
however the promotions TO men actually in the
field. AT present each governor selects and appoints
the officers for the troops furnished by his state, and
complaint is not unrequently made, that when va
cancies occur in the field men of inferior quaiica-
tions are placed in command over those in the ranks
who are their superiors in military experience and
capacity. The advancement of merit should be the
leading principle in all promotions, and the voun-
teer soldier should be given to understand that pre-
ferment will be the sure reward of intelligence,
fidelity, and distinguished service
The course above recommended has been pursued
by this department. and it is my intention. far
is in my power to continue system which cannot
fail to have most beneficial effect upon the entire
service.
By existing laws and regulations officer of the
regular army ranks an officer of volunteers of the
same grade notwithstanding the commission of the
latter may be of antecedent date. In nv Judgment