Daily Democrat and news. [volume] (Davenport, Iowa) 1859-1864, 1861-12-09
LATEST NEWS
Bu the M1ils-

A New Armory. Where Shall IL be 2
O0e OF the subjects to be acted upon at the
approaching session Of Congress il the pro-
posed new Arnory and Arsenal TO supply the
place OF the Armory at Harper's Ferry. The
necessity Of such an establishment, 10 view OF
tie increased and increasing military wants OF
| the country. will not be disputed. The only
point for discussion ia its locality. 1t seems
| TO tie conceded on all hands that this should
be In some one OF the Western Statea Several
cities and towns e'e already urging their
claims: and doubtless all the forces Of poli,i.
cal influence, personal solicitation party pre.
ludice and iogrolling machinery will be
brought to bear In the settlement OF the uues
,isn. But 1t it ia to be decided. as it ought to
be. on its own merits alone, the site OF the new
Armory NAV readily be pointed ont.
SO ioag ago as 1889 the island Of Rock Ia.
land IN The Mississippi river was reported to
the War department by Major Bell Of the Or
dinance Cor.s Gs the most desirable cite for Z
Western Armoiy. Again in lSi3 its adv anita.
ges Tor that purpose we're fully est forth By
commissioner appointed under an act OF Con.
gress. Since that date il has again been cffic.
iaiiy recommended for the sane use by high
military authority. At the present time, and
IN the present state OF the country its peculiar
advantages are more obvious than ever.
1t ssituated et the foot OF the Upper Rapids
Of the Mississippi. directly between the two
great States of Illinois and Iowa. 1t embraces
line hundred acres Of fertile land. Of which
sevsn hundred ard two acres belong to the
United States, thus giving ample space for all
necessary buildings, preventing the possibility
OF any Intrusion i.otn neig boring se,t en- ns,
and Superseding 'he recessity Of an extra ex,
penditure for land. lis surface is high above
tho Ii iuH yyo for IL, III L..L L-j 4
and rocky shores ccmni1 1nding the passage of
the river in all directions It has within lis
own limits uusnri asscd water power, abund.
ance CT timber building stone sand, ard fire
cay ard brick clay aud in the adjacent coun.
try on both sides Of the river, an in exhaus,iblc
supply Of coal.
Lumber, lea1 iron. copper and lime slone
are All Within easy reach. II ie tie radial poirt
OF zine States and three Territories, containing
a population Of nearly eight millions. The
Mississippi river and its tributaries. the Rock
leland Railroad and its branches furnish i.
with uneqnalled facilities us i distributing
pont.
l. is the heart of rich agricultui al region.
and is surrounded by fiouristng and populous
towns, where all the means of subsistence are
obtainatie Mt the cheapest rates. 1t is one Of
the most beautiful and healthful localities ;c
tha "hoie country. ~ u Sevcrd the reach OF
foreign attack, secured by lis Isolated position
from popular outbreak, and capable Of being
made iiapregnah,e against organized rebellion.
With such site a. this in its own hands. it
seems the height of absurdity for Government
to go IN search Of any othsr. The case is very
atty presented in men oral which we have
had before us, IN writing this article, end
which, We trust, will ae seasopabiy brought
to the notice Of every member Of Congress-
Boston Transcript