Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1865-12-21
Water-Power at Harper's Ferry.

We lately adverted to the valuable property
held by the United States at Harper's Ferry
which, if the Arnlory be not re-estabhshed
should be brought into immediate use Tor man
ufacturing purposes.
About three years ago forty-six of the eailed
workmen in the Armory signed a memorial to
Congress, asking a reconstruction of the Armo-
nv. as matter of good faith to them, most of
whom had been reared there and he'd strong
home attachments. Their memorial set forth
the facts and arguments in favor of the object,
with good deal of force, and with some degree
of persuasiveness. We make some extracts,
showing the variety and value of the property
held by the Government:
"Most of the employees who were heads of
families had spent the whole earnings OF Their
lives in the purchase of their little humesteads
either from the Government or from indlyldu-
ais. and this upon the implied faith of protec-
tion. They formed a contented and happy
community, and, in the discharge of their duty
as workmen and citizens, looked forward to
continuance of prosperity and peace. They
honorable bodies proper estimate of the effects
upon them of the desolation and blight by
which they were visited, MANY of their fami-
lies were for months within the warning lines,
cHnging to their hard-earned homes, not only
because they had no other abodes, but because
they were left without the means of removal,
by the default of the Paymaster who had re-
tanned their wages. For many months they
were without money and without employment.
But. waving further reference to their per-
sonal grievances and sufierings, they respect
fully ask the attention of Congress to considera-
tions of a public character which suggest them
selves. They cannot believe that Govern
ment so paternal and powerful as this will con-
sent to abandon property so valuable as that
possessed at Harper's Ferry, and. so susceptible
of easy defence against an invader.
" Your MemorialistS are far from oblectlng
to the establishment Of an Armory on the
Western waters. On the contrary, they be-
heve that the growing population of the West
and the extended frontier exposed to Indian
aggression, require such an institution. But
this, they respectfully suggest, is no reason Tor
abandoning Harper . Tvily Tic uo'eIhHiel'
vet owns at that point large body OF wood
land, sufficient to supply the Armory In all ITS
wants. and has the water-power, water-wheels,
and other facilities, worth perhaps million OF
dollars. The old dam across the Potomac Is
vet standing, and a new one partly built two
of the large Armory buildings are uninjured,
and the walls of all the others are sound to the
second story. The officers houses and some OF
the dwellings are uninjured. The canals and
waste-ways are in good condition, and the
whole establishment can be renovated and re-
stored to the utmost efficiency for less than half
the amount which it would cost to establish a
new Armory.
"There are many sacred recollections con-
nected with Harper's Ferry. The fact that 1t
was selected by the Father of his Country as
one of the most eligible positions in the Union
for the manufacture of arms-a place which,
with proper f rethought, can be easily protec-
ted and defended-should have weight In the
question. And as it is the purpose OF the Gov
ernment to restore the Union and the suprema-
CIV of the Constitution and the laws, there would
seem to be an especial propriety in restoring
to active usefulness so important portion OF
the public property. In this restoration is IN
volved not only prudential and economical con-
siderations. but the good faith Of the nation to
its dependents, and its honor as power worthy
of respect"