Bradford reporter. [volume] (Towanda, Pa.) 1844-1884, 1861-12-12


lshment, 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 a view to enlarge the capacity of the
armory, directed the purchase of large
quantity of machinery already furnished, which
when put in operation, will enable this estab-
lishment to produce during the next year, 200,
600 stand Of the justly celebrated Springfield
rifles. l respectfully suggest the recommen-
dation of liberal appropriation by Congress
for the purpose of yet further increasing the
capacity of this armory, believing that it can
be made sufficient to supply all the muSkets
and rifles which the Government may here
after need in any contingency. Located in a
healthful country, to the midst of an induStri
Gus aud ingenious peOpl-, where competent
workmen can always be obtained without diff
6cuIty and sufficiently near to all the materials
needed in the manufacture of arms, it is at the
same time accessible to every part of the
country by water end railway communication.
After having made contracts for arms with
private establishments in this cOuatry, it was
deemed necessary by the President to insure
a speedy and ample supply, to send special
agent to Europe with funds to the amount of
two millions Of dollars to purchase more. L
AN gratifed to state that he has made ar
rangements for large number of arms, part
Of which have already been delivered. The
remainder will be shipped by successive
steamers until all shall have been received.
Combinatio. among manufacturers, impOr-
terS, aud agents, for the sale of arms, have, in
many cases, caused an undue increase in
IT, oIr tluc fo
ken of the necessities of the Government Col
lectors of Customs have been directed to de-
liver to the agents of the United States all
arms and munitions that may be imported into
this country.
The call for arms has called into existence
numerous establishments for their 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 our people in this di-
rection The Government should never have
less than q million Of muskets in its arsenals,
with a corresponding proportion of arms and
equipments for artillery aud cavalry. Other,
wise it may, at most critical moment, find it,
self defcint in guns while having an abundance
of men.
recommend that application be made to
Congress for authority to establish National
foundry for the manufacture of heavy artillery
at such poiot as may afford the greatest facili-
ties for the purpose While sufficient mum
Der of cannon, perhaps, could be procured from
private manufactures, the possession of Ma
tional establishment would lead to experiments
which would be useful to the country, and pre-
vent imposition in prices by the accurate knowl-
edge that would be acquired Of the real value
of work of this character
To my last report | called attention to the
fact that legislation was necessary for the re-
organization, npon q uniform basis, of the mi.
ltia of the country. Some general plan should
be provided by Congress in aid of the States,
by which our militia can be organized, armed
and discipline, and made effective at any mo,
ment for immediate service If thoroughly
trained in tine of peace, when occasion de-
mands, it may be converted into vast army
confident in its discipline and uuconquorable in
in its patriotism In the absence of any gen
eral system of organization, upward of 700,.
600 men have already been brought into the
field and, in view of the alarcity and cnthu
siasm that have been displayed, | do not hesi.
tate to express the belief that no combination
of events can arise in which this country will
not be able not only to protect itself, but, con-
trary to its policy, which is pease with all the
world, to enter upon aggressive operations
against any power that may intermeddle with
our domestic affairs A Committee should be
appointed by Congress, with authority to sit
during the session, devise and report plan
for the general organization of the Militia of
the United States
1t is of great Importance that immediate at
tentiOn should be given to the condition of our
Notifications upon the Seaboard and the lakes,
and upon our exosed frontiers. They sheuld at
onrC be placed in perfect condition for success
ful defense. Aggressious are seldom made up
on a nation ever ready to defend its honor and
to repel insults and We should show to the
world, that while engaged in quelng distur-
Dances at home we are able to protect OuselVes
against attacks from abroad.
l earnestly recommend that immediate pro-
visions be made for increasing the corps of
Cadets to the greatest capacity of the Militia
~ Academy There are now only 1872 cadets
in that important institution am assured by
the Superintendent that 400 can at present be
and that, with vely trifing ad,
1tional expense, this number may be increas-
ed to 500 1t is not necessary, at this late
day, TO speak of the value of educated soldiers
While, in time of war or rebellion, we must
ever depend mainly upon our militia and vol
lnteers, we shall always need thoroughly train
I'd officers. Two classes have been graduated
Turing the present year, in order that the
service might have the benefit of their military !
| had hoped that Congress, at its
extra session, would authorize an increase
Of the number Having failed to do so, | trust
hat at the approaching session an increase will
De authorized, and that the selection Of cadets |
will be limited exclusively to those States, !
which, cooperating cordially with the Govern
nent, have brought their forces into the field
% aid In the maintenance of its AMI hnrilv