Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1873-12-01

for that purpose be increased in a manner pro-
portioned to the increase Of the population since
the passage Of the act of 1903, providing for the
distribution OF arms to the militia of the
country.
1 feel great hesitation in recommending in
creased appropriations at this time, but deem
it my duty to say that the armament of our sea-
coast defenses, which involves the question of
the defense OF our principal sea-board cities
is q subject demanding the earnest attention of
Congress. The principal cities on our coast
are In very defenseless state, and the tedious
menced on the breaking out of war. with the
hope of accomplishing any adequate result.
The work must be done in time of peace, with
out waiting for an uncertain period in search
after perfection in gun constructions. The i'm
portance OF this sub iect increases with the earn
est and continued efforts on the part of all ma
tons to supply their forts with the most i'm
proved armament, and should war find this
country without proper defense against IRON
clads and their great guns, the responsibility
cannot rest on thus department, as the impor-
the attention of Congress. An appropriation
of 81, 449, 552 Is estimated for by the Chief OF
Ordnance for the next fiscal year for the pur-
chase of smooth-bore guns and for carriages,
which sum will provide for one-sixth, only, of
the guns and carriages that will be required for
Notifications which will be ready by the 3Oth of
June, 1874. This amount not embraced in
the regular estimates Of appropriations for the
Army, as heretofore alluded to, but 1t is q SUBJ
tect of great Importance, and the question of
these appropriations Is respectfully sub
The heavy rifed guns selected for fabrication
and test under the act approved June 6, 1872,
completed during the winter. Valuable infor-
Inatien and experience are to be gathered in the
trial Of these guns, the result most probably
leading to the early adoption of an effective
rife of suitable CALDER for the service; and in
this connection l would recommend the pur-
chase Of suitable proving ground for the
proper trial of these experimental heavy guns.
The cheapness Of cast iron, and the. marked
progress attained in the manufacture of gum
| powder In the past year, induces . recommend
alton that an appropriation of $4,000 be
granted. to be applied in the fabrication and
trial Of Inch castiron rified cannon, that the
capabilities of the metal for rife constructions
OF large calber may be put to the fullest test,
in the hope that its practical utilization for this
purpose may be conclusively assured or denied.
The powder In the hands OF the Department
ia, on account of the want OF proper storage
room, concentrated in large part In the maya
zines Of our sea-coaat Notifications, where,
under the searching influences Of tbs salt air, II
is rapidly undergoing deterioration. For il
better preservation . large powder-depot
| should be established in some region whore
| neither public nor private interests would Be-
endangered Dy ID proximity, and an appropria-
| ton OF 500 900 70 recommended for the pur-
chase OF . suitable site and the COMMENCEMENT
The Abolition Of some OF the smaller arsenal O.
and the application Of the proceeds or their sale
to the erection OF large arsenal or construction
ON the Atlantic coast, 10 again urged on strong
economical grounds, and II b recommsndsd