Perrysburg journal. (Perrysburg, Wood Co., O. [Ohio]) 186?-1965, 1875-01-29
COAST DEFENsEs.



Congress.
rTW ME o6a wAsniSoroN, Jan 20.
Tue President sent the following mos
sage TO Congress to-day. @A
To the Senate and House Of Representatives:
In my annual message Of Dec. 1, 1873,
while inviting general attention 10 all recon-
mendations made by the Secretary of War,
your special attention was invited to the i'm
portance of preparation for war In thearming
Of our sea coast defenees. PROPER armament is
of vastly more Importance than fortificatiops.
The. latter can, be supplied very speedily for
temporary purposes when needed. The
former cannot. These views gain increased
strength and pertnencc as the years roll by.
l have now again the honor to- call special at
tenti0nt to the condition Of the armament of
our fortiilcatlons and the absolute necessity
for Immediate provision bylCongress for the
procurement Of heavy cannon.
The large expenditures required to supply
the number Of guns for our forts Is the strong
est argument that can be adduced for liberal
annual appropriation for their gradual accu-
mutation. In time of war such preparations
cannot be made; cannon cannot be purchased
In open market nor manufactured at short
notice. They must be the product of years
OF experienced labor.
herewith inclose copies Of the reports OF
the Chief of Ordnance and Of the Board of
Ordnance Officers on the trial OF the eight
bore, which shows very conslusively an eco
nomical means Of utilizing the useless
smooth -bores and making them into eight
inch rifles, capable OF piercing, seven inches
OF iron. v A ug ~ O. ~
The ,2g4 ten.inch Rodmari guns should, in
my opinion, be so utilized, and the appropri-
alton requested by the Chief Of Ordnance of
$250,000 10 commence these conversions Is
earnestly recommended.
While convinced of the economy and neces-
sity of these conversions, the dotcrmina-
ton of the best and most economi-
cal method Of providing guns of still
larger cdliber should no longer be delayed.
The experience of other nations, based on
the new conditions of defense brought prom
inently by the Introduction OF iron-clads into
every navy afloat demands heavier metal and
rifle guns of not less than twelve inches
In caliber These enormous masses, huF-
ing shot Of 700 pounds, can alone meet
many of the requirements of the nation
al defenses. They must be provided,
and experiments ona n large scale can
alone give the data necessary for the deter
mination of the question. suitable proving
ground, with all the facilities and conven-
fences referred to by the Chief of Ordnance,
with "a liberal annual appropriation, is an un-
doubted necessity.
The gins ready for trial cannot be tested
without funds, and the estimate OF $250,0O
for the purpose is deemed reasonable, and is
strongly recommended. The constant APP
pcals for legislation ON armament OF fortit-
cations ought no longer TO be disregarded,
il Congress desires IN peace 10 prepare i'm
portant material the want of which in future
wars must inevitably lead to disaster. his
subject is submitted with the hope that the
consideration it deserves may be given at the
present session lSIgned) u U. s. GRANT.
EXECUTIVE MANSION, Jan; ~, 1870