Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1869-09-07
SALE OF GOVERNMENT PROPER
ny AT HARPER'S FERRY.

We are glad to learn that the Secretary OF
War has ordered the sale ofthe above valuable
property. This order is in obedience to an
Act of Congress passed at its last session,
which directs that officer, upon the conditions
and with the reservations named in the Act,
to sell at public auction, all the property owned
by the United States in Harper's Ferry and
vicinity. The time of sale, is left at the dis
creticr of the Secretary. When this Act
was passed and until quite recently, Suit
was pending in the q. S. Court, in which the
Plaintiff claimed title against the Government,
to land which controls the entire water power
of the Potomac, heretofore used for the U. s.
ArmOry. During the tendency of this Suit,
it was doubtless wise to suspend the sale of
the property-but the title of the Government
having now been established, there seems
no reason why the law of Congress should
not be executed without delay. Directly and
indirectly, the Government has expended
millions of dollars upon its property at Har-
per's Ferry-and before the destruction of
the magnificent works it had erected there,
the War Department might well regard it as
constituting one of the most efficient means
of the National defence. But although this
property presents now scene of ruin, and its
value to the Government is insignificant COM
pared to that which it possessed before the
war still for manufacturing purposes, too high
an estimate can hardly be placed upon it
The power almost unlimited, both of the
Potomac and Shenandoah rivers, is fully and
splendidly developed, and ready at once to set
in motion the mightiest machinery that human
ingenuity and skill can construct. The facil-
tiles for intercourse and transportation both
by Rail and Canal, from this point, to all
sections of the country, are unsurpassed. The
best of Timber and Lumber for the manu.
facture of Agricultural Implements, Carriages,
sc. &c,-the richest of Ore for the making
of Iron,-Wheat and other cereals for -four
ing Mills-and Cotton from the South, by
Railroads constructed and in process of con-
struction, can be obtained as readily and cheap
ly as at any other point. For those therefore
who have capital to invest in manufacturing
enterprises, the inducements to purchase are
OF the strongest character.
AS now held, this property is not only idle
and uuproductive, but is a heavy bill of ex-
pense to the Government, and is rapidly de-
teriorating in value. We trust therefore that
no red tape process will be permitted to delay
unnecessarily the sale of this property for
single day.
But aside from the interests of the Govern
ment that are involved, justice to the citizens
of Harper's Ferry demands speedy sale of
this property of the Government. Most of
these citizens were formerly connected with
the Armory Encouraged by the Govern
ment to do SO, they built or purchased the
homes they occupy, and in many instances
invested in them, all the savings of many
years. The destruction of the Armory de-
prived them of the source of income on which
they relied, and rendered their property COM
parativeIy valucless, until the ArmOry should
be rebuilt, or the Government property dis
posed of to private enterprise. For more than
eight years, they have been waiting the action
of the Government and no one will deny their
demand to be just, that no unnecessary delay
shall now take place in carrying out the law
of Congress and the Order of the Secretary
of War,
But we are all interested in this matter
The vast water power at Harper's Ferry, en-
ployed as it might be, in keeping in motion
the machinery of score of Factories and
Mills, would give additional life and energy to
this entire county, and contribute to the pros
perity and wealth of all the surrounding region.
A large and fourishing manufacturing interest
directly united with, and stimulating to higher
efforts, our noble agricultural interest, would
produce results that would enkindle eladness
in the hearts of thousands. Gentlemen of
NSSrdnance Office at Washington, we wait
your action with no ordinary interest.