New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1861-04-03
correspondents. But this can only be done in
the strictest confidence.
TEE BELLOaA FOUNDRY.


sentatves in Convention and Legislature assembled,
appear to be doing their utmost to keep up the
excitement Of the times, and to complicate still
further the affairs of the country. The disturb
ance raised in regard to the guns lying at the
Bellona Foundry iSthe most recent develop
ment of this Understanding propensity; and
in the course of her legislative action on the sub
ject referred to- the State of Virginia has taken
the same step in treason which other Southern
States took before they consummated their rebel
lion.
Three years and half ago, one DR.. Archer
of Virginia agreed to cast for the United States
large number of guns. A part of the
ordnance thus contracted for was soon de-
hvered TO the Federal Government, and BY 1t
paid for A part was inspected and paid for,
but not delivered. A part wac on hand at the
BeIlona Foundry, finished, and ready for III
spection. This was the state of the affair when
the Southern Rebellion began TO show its head
These guns the Virginia Legislature proposed to
buy, even though the United States had paid for
a part of them. DR.. Archer seemed to feel that
if he was ordered by the Government to deliver
the guns at that time trouble would ensue, the
public mind being excited. He accordingly
visited Washington, and put himself in commu-
nication with Mr.. Holt, stating to that Secre-
tary that the people of Virginia would not allow
the arms to be removed, and Offering to pay
back to the Government the money he had re
ceiyed for the work which had been paid for but
not delivered. Mr. Holt declined to enter INTO
this arrangement, but, according to the tcstI-
mony of DIR. Archer, made verbal agreement
that the arms should not be removed from the
foundery till "quiet was restored to the conn
"try." With this, the Doctor returned TO Viz
ginia, and used his influence TO have the bill for
the purchase of the arms by that State stopped
in the Legislature This was done.
Thus matters remained until the 22d of March,
when an order was sent to DR.. Archer by Col.
Craig of the Ordnance Department, directing him
to forward the arms to Richmond for shipment
to the Fort Monroe Arsenal. Thereupon the
Legislature of Virginia passed resolutions instruct
ing Gov. Letcher to seize the guns for the
Z" use of the Commonwealth, in ease the Federal
Government attempted TO transport them over
the sol of the State!
Virginia has thus, by the act Of her Legisla-
tnre. decided to do an act similar to that done
by Georgia, in selling the Government property
ut Savannah. The excuse in the former case is
even more fimsy than that set up by Georgia.
Gov. Brown said lac stole Fort Pulaski in order
to prevent the excited populace from taking it;
the Virgnians say Tint the United States Gov
ernment, having agreed to let The guns remain
at the Bellona Fougdery till the country was
quiet, broke its pledge, and thus rendered them
liable to seizure. To this it hardly need be re-
piled that We have no ndubitablc evidence that
such an agreement was ever made; that if it
was made il was without sufficient authority;
and that it was in no way binding on the pres
ent Administration. The arrogance Of Virginia
in presuming to dictate to the Federal Govern
ment how and when it shall taSe possession OF
its own property is only equaled BY the barefaced
and reasonable nature of the robbery which the
State proposes to commit.
One of the members of the Virginia House
made q speech in opposition to the measure, in
the course Of which lie properly characterized
the act as being az clearly ease of larceny as
if man stole The horse ot another, and boldly
said there was no moral, legal, or constitutional
right to seize the arms. These views created
much excitement and later in the day the mem
Der WAS shot, as We learn from the papers; the
ostcns.bIe cause for the shooting does not clearly
appear, though q street quarrel is suggested by
the telegraph; but il would b. only consistent
with the folly of the Old Dominion if is Dis
union leaders should attempt TO put down free
speech 10y staying its honest representatives.
4 conflict Of testimony occurs, connected with
this contemplated robbery. The letter purpOrting
TO come from Col Craig. referred to above,
positively orders the guns TO Fort Monroe
Arsenal; but letter published in The Richmond
Dispatch of Monday, SAID to come from Secre-
tary Cameron, distinctly declares that no order
has been given for such removal. This position
of affairs is singular, at least and demands some
prompt explanation. IL the order for the removal
was given without authority this shows faulty
discipline in the War Office. IL it was given
with authority though without the immediate
knowledge OF tue Secretary, he ought not to
commit himself TO 81 haSty a statement as he
would now appear TO have made. But, however
this branch of the business may be settled, two
things are undeniable: the Government has 4
right to do what it will with its own property,
subject to 10 interference from Virginia; and the
act by which that State proposes to take posses
sion of such property is dishonest and treason
able.
While the Convention Of Virginia proposes
amendments 10 the Constitution which will
throw open the whole country to Slavery, the