The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1875-01-29
PRESIDENTIAL MESSAGE.
President Grants Communication to Con-
gress Asking Honey for Qualifications.

President Grants Communication To Com
gress Asking Money for Fortihcations.
To the Senate and House ~ Representations:
In my annual message Of Dec. !, 1873, while
inviting general attention to all recommended
tons made by the Secretary of War, your special
attention was invited to the Importance of
preparation for war in the aIming of our sea-
coast deienses. Proper armament il of vastly
more importance than fortitcations. The latter
can be supplied very speedily for temporary
purposes when needed. The former cannot
These views gain increased strength and peril
nence az the years roll by. l have now again
the honor to call special attention TO the condi-
ton of the armament Of our Notifications and
the absolute necessity for immediate provision
by Congress for the procurement of heavy can
non.
The large expenditur required to supply the
number OF guns for our forts IN the strongest
argument that can be adduced for liberal
annual appropriation for their gradual accumu-
lation. In time of war such preparations cam
not be made; cannon cannot be purchased III
open market, nor manufactured at short notice.
Tqey must be tho product of years of expert
enced labor.
/ herewith inclose copies of the reports of tue
Chief of Ordnance and of the Board of Ord
nance Officers on the trial of the S-inch rifle
converted from the 10-nch smooth-bore, which
show very conclusively an economical means of
utilizing the useless smooth-bores, and making
them into 8-inch rifles, capable OF piercing seven
inches of iron.
The ], 294 10-nch Rodman guns should, in my
opinion. be so utilized. and the appropriation
requested by the Chief of Ordnance of $3.50, 600
to commence these conversions is earnestly
recommended.
While convinced of the economy and neces-
sity of these conversions, the determination of
the best and most economical method of pro-
viding guns of still larger caliber should no
longer be delayed Tie experience Of other
nations based on the new conditions of defense
brought prominently by the introduction of
iron-clads into every navy afloat, demands
heavier metal. and rihe-guns of not less than
twelve inches in caliber. These enormous
masses, hurting shot of 700 pounds can alone
meet many of the requirements of the national
defenses. They must be provided, and expert
ments ON large scale can alone give the data
necessary for the determination of the question.
suitable proving ground with all the facilities
and conveniences referred to by the Chief of
Ordnance with liberal annual appropriation,
is an undoubted necessity.
The guns ready for trial cannot be tested
without funds and the estimate of $3.50, 900 for
the purpose is deemed reasonable, and il
strongly recommended. The constant appeals
for legislation on armament of Notifications >"
ought no longer to be disregarded, if Congress
desire in peace To prepare important material
the want of which in future wars must inevita-
bly, lead to disaster. This subject is submitted
with the hope that the consideration it deserves
may be given it at the present session.
(Signed) L. ). GRANT.
EXECUTIVE MANSION, Jan. 20, 1875.