Los Angeles daily herald., 1888-12-03
upon the Government to protect naviga-
ton thereon,

upon the Government to protect naviga-
tion thereon.
ORDNANCE DEPARTMENT.
Concerning the operations of The Ord
nance Department, the report states that
during the fiscal year ended June &c, 1888,
Al $50 rifles and carbines were manutac-
tured at the national armory, and inves-
LEGATIONS have been completed to deter
mine the charge and projectle for an arm
OF smaller caliber than the present service
piece. 1t is intended to use compressed
and perforated cartridges, but as yet the
powder-makers have not succeeded in
producing satisfactory powder, the de-
sired velocity being accompanied by too
great pressure. The matter of a suitable
towder is still under study and trial. The
results obtained in France with the Lebel
rife seem to point to radical change in
the manufacture of powder for small
arms.
Land has been secured as site for an
arsenal at Colum bia, Tenn, and the
title Is now being examined by the De-
partment OF Justice.
The manufacture of two twelve-inch
breech-loading rifles was recommended
in the spring. One has been completed
and sent to the proving ground, and the
J other is nearing completion.
Reference is made to the appointments
OF the Board of Ordnance and Fortifica-
ton, and the recommendations of the
Board are briefly reviewed.
NEW ARMY GUN FACTORY.
The Secretary states that he directed
fhe Board of Ordnance Officers to CO n
| Vene at Watervliet arsenal, in October
| lest, to prepare the necessary plans and
specifications for the erection of an army
gun factory. Advertisements were pub
lished under date of November 22d, in
viting proposals for making the neces-
sary excavations for the gun fac
tory building, and for the erec-
ton of two sets of officers
quarters. Bids for this and other work,
such as constructing railroad line in
the arsenal grounds, for building an iron
| bridge over a canal, etc., will be opened
on December "a. 1888. The detailed
drawings and specifications for the gun
factory buildings are we'll in hand, and
will be completed within three or four
months, when, after approval by the
Board of Ordnance and Fertilization, ad-
di.lonal proposals will be invited for
completing the work. 1t expected tha at
the machines, including the larger ones
which may be of special design, will be
completed as early as possible, in the
shops, say within eighteen months from
January /, 1889.
Under the provisions of the Army bill
for the procurement of pneumatic dyna-
mite guns, the necessary specifications
are now being prepared, and ADVERTISE
ments for proposals will be issued early
in December. The guns will probably
be OF l5-inch calibre, and will throw a
projectle that will carry charge each
of about five hundred pounds of explosive
gelatine with full calibre projectiles.
The guns will probably be delivered in
from six to ten months from the date of
contract, so that all the guns of this class
that can be procured under the provis-
ions of the law, will be purchased during
the coming year 1S59
SOLDIERS HOME REFORMS,
The Secretary commends the sugges.
ton of the Inspector General that some
OF the work now done by paid inmates OF
the soldiers homes bs done by daily de-
tails OF inmates who are competent for it.,
AS better for their health and for econo-
mic safety. The Inspector General is of
the opinion that much is done for bene
ficiaries of the homes, who receive high
pensions, and for retired soldiers,
and be suggests that the con-
ditions upon which they are re-
ceived be revised. The Secretary says
This last suggestion is we'll worthy of
consideration. Some stated and con-
slant occupation for certain period Of
every day would be great blessing to
these old soldiers; as they are now, time
hangs heavily and YEARLY on their
hands, and they lead cheerless and idle
lives, and are far from being contentel
and happy as they should be-"
He concludes his report by calling at
tention to the great need of an Assistant
Secretary of War, and says such an off
Ger is imperativey needed for the proper
and efficient administration of the War