Indiana State sentinel. (Indianapolis, Ind.) 1861-1865, 1861-06-12

A Whitworth gun recently presented to the
United States Government by "loyal American
citizens in Europe" (accoriing TO an inscription
on the carriage) exhibited on Monday in the
City Hall Park. One other gun OF the same
make and calibre. from the same unknown Civ
ers, is now in the city; AID four more-forming
battery of six pieces-are expected by the next
steamer
The most striking external popularity of the
gun is its great length contrasted with its small
diameter. Although its entire diameter, including
the bore. is but 81 inches, is length is 3 feet.
These proportions give TO the Whitworth gun the
appearance of an exaggerated musket barrel.
The increase in length over ordinary cannon Of
the same calibre, of course, insures, aside from
other peculiarities of this gum greater extent and
accuracy of range. AS its inside surface is made
of steel to the depth of half inch, and the rest
of the gun of wrought iron, its total weight is
not much more than that of common cast iron
six Founders The gun is rifed with six grooves,
about a quarter of an inch in depth, performing
two complete evolutions in their passage from
breach to muzzle This is half turn more than
is given in most rifed cannon, and Is claimed to
be an improvement
Another remarkable excellence in the Whit
worth gun Is that IL is hreech- loading-in
that respect il is said, triumphsntly refuting the
objections of loss of explosive powder, danger,
&c, which have been alleged BY practical art-
lerists against most of the breech loading species.
Nothing could be simpler or more efficient than
this part of the Whitworth gun. The breech end,
about ten inches in length, is shaped like a cap,
and screwed upon the barrel by about dozen
closely fitting threads When the gun is 10 be
loaded, this cap is easily nnscrewed BY lever at
the end, and swings upon side by strorg
joint The shot and ca fridge are then inserted
and the cap screwed on-the whole operation re-
quiring not more thar five seconds. The cap is
pierced with a venthole trifle larger than pins
head. The missile Is also a novelty. IL IL cast
iron, 9ls inches long, 3inches in lis largest diam
eter and shaped much like banana, with one
end rounded and the other cut square of. Six
fittings about 5 inches long on the thickest por-
tons, ft exactly into the six grooves of the gun,
though so easily that il will slide through the
piece IL the muzzle is slightly elevated. The
missile weighs l2l, pounds although the bore is
that of a six FOUNDER. Wndage is prevented
not by lead next 10 the powder,) which expands
with the explosion and fills up the grooves,
(as in most raei cannon,) but by shick
patch, which, it is said. answers the purpose
better. The sample of tie shot exhibited yes
.erday was labelled ga secession pill" Shell of
the same pattern can be used with equal facility
The extreme range of the gun is said TO be So
miles, with 2Iz lbs. of powder. The cost Of a
gun. Of the above description, including carriage
and equipments complete. is $1,000. The gun
exhibited on Monday Is the identical one which
competed with the Armstrong gun at practical
trial mutually agreed upon by the inventors. in
England--the results of which trial are claimed
to establish the superiority of the Whitworth
weapon The Armstrong gun seems, however,
to retain its popularity in England while il may
he said in praise Of Whitworth's invention, that
it was chosen by the American donors i'm prefer
ence TO Armstrong; and all the other rifled guns
patented in Europe. The capabilities of the
Whitworth gun will be carefully and impsrtialy
tested, soon, in the neighborhood Of this city;
and the American public can then Judge of il by
its deeds.
Yankee wits are at work. Just now, TO fashion
some kind of cannon and projectilt which shall
be deader. and yet cheaper, than either Whit
worth Armstrong; continuance, and Govern
ment would do well 90 give the inventive genius
of the nation fair play, before making extensive
contracts for ordinance of foreign manufacture.
N. Y. Jour Of Commerce