The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1888-12-03
the necessity OF further appropriations for

the necessity OF further appropriations fol
this purpose.
II is suggested that some action should
be taken by Congress 10 enforce the rights
OF the United States in navigable streams
within the limits Of q State, and thus give
effect TO the duty resting upon the Gov
eminent TO protect navigation therein.
Discussing the operations OF the Ord
nance Department, the report states that
during the fiscal year ended June 30, 1883,
IL, 1870 rifles and carbincs were manuiact-
ured at the National Armory, and that in
vestigations have been completed TO de-
termine the charge and projectile for an
arm OF smaller calibcr than the present
heavy pieces. II is the intention TO use
compressed and perforated cartridges, but
as yet the powder makers have not sue
ceeded in producing u satisfactory powder,
the desired velocity being accompanied by
too great pressure. This maker of a
suitable powder is still under study and
trial. The results obtained in France with
the Lebel riho seem 10 point TO radical
change in the manufacture of powder for
small arms.
Land has been secured as site for an
arsenal at Columbia, Tenn, and the title
il now being examined by the Depart.
ment OF Justice.
The manufacture of the two twolve-inch
brcech loading rifles was resumed in the
spring. One has been completed aud sent
to the proving room and the other is near
ing completion.
Reference is made TO the appointment of
the Board Of Ordnance and Fertilization,
and the recommendations OF the board are
hrtaIlk ra,fta,ua1 Ill., "a. a A. A
he directed n board Of ordinance officers
TO convene at Waterveliot arsenal In Octo-
Der last 10 prepare the necessary plans aud
specifications Tor the erection OF an army
gun factory.
Advertisements were published under
date OF November %, inviting proposals
Tor making the necessary excavations for
the gun factory building and for the cree
ton Of two sets OF officers quarters. Tho
bids for this and other work, such as con.
struciing railroad limo In the arsenal
grounds, for building an iron bridge over
the canal, etc, will be opened on Deem
Der "a, 1883. The detailed drawings and
specifications for the gun factory building
are well in hand and will be completed
within three orfour months. When, after
approval by the Board Of Ordnance and
Fertilization, additional proposals will be-
invited for completing the work. II is ex-
pectcd that the machines, including one Of
the larger ones, which may DO OF special
design, will be completed a. early M the
shops, say within eighteen months from
January (, 1882
Under the provisions OF the Army bill
for the procurement Of pneumatic guns,
the necessary specifications arc now being
prepared, and advertisements for pro-
posals will issue early in December. The
guns will probably be of fifteen inches
calibcr and throw a projccilo that will
carry charge each OF about 500 pounds
OF explosive gelatinc, with full calibcr
projectics. The guns will probably be-
delivered in from six TO ten months from
the date Of the contract, 40 that all the
guns Of this class that can he procured
under tho provisions OF tho law, will be
purchased under the coming year, 1850
Tho Secretary makes n suggestion 10 tho
Inspector General that sonie OF the work
nov done by paid inmates Of Tho soldiers
Home DO done by daily "details Of inmates
who aro competent for IL, ~ better for
their health and for cconomys sake. The
lnspector-G General Is OF the opinion that
too much IL done for the bcncficiaics 81
the Home, who receive high pensions,
and for retired soldiers, and he suggests
that the conditions upon which they are
received be revised
Tho Secretary says "This last suggcs-
ton is well worthy Of consideration. Some
stated and constant occupation Tor Ger.
tain period every day would be- great
blessing 10 the old soldiers. A. they are
now time hangs heavily aud YEARLY on
their hands. and they lead cherries aud
idle lives, and are far from being content
and happy rs they should be-"
- He concludes his report by calling At
tention 10 the great need Of an Assistant
Secretary Of War aud says that such an
officer IL impcratycly needed for tho
proper and efficient administration Of the
War Department