Wichita eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1886-1890, 1889-09-08

howitzers, hammers and slaves, ''sponges
and hammers" 'rammer heads" cartridge
blocks" 'nusket stocks of q model Of 1S4l, :"
ball screws" screw drivers, spring vises
"tumbler punches and "tompions for Spring
field muzzle loading rifles" 1850 'Blakesle's
patent carbine cartridge box belts" 5000
cavalry saber BELTS - 900 "saber knots in
grained or buff leather 27,203 ''cruppers,"
17.SS2 "bayonet scabbards," 067 leap
punches and picks" 5000 ''saber belt plates, -
70, 70l cartridge box plates, white buff
gun slings," elevated screws, barbette car
riages, an assortment of fuse plugs of wood
and paper. and leather coal sacks for noun
tain howitzers.
The situation of Watervliet however. is
exceptionally fine. y tract of considerably
over 100 acres is contained in the triangle,
which has base on the Hudson river and
direct communication with the world by the
Erie canal which runs through it. This
double wharfage, on the canal and on the
river. gives ready access to the city Of New
York and to all the ocean ports, as well as to
the lake ports in the interior Close by are
some of the largest iron ard steel mills in the
country, from which supplies Of raw material
can be drawn As a fortress, it is one Of the
strongest in the country for it can be easily
guarded by comparatively small force Of
men. In this respect it is better 70 maintain
this arsenal than some other arsenal that Is
more accessible 70 vessels drawing more
water than is afforded by the upper half Of
the Hudson river.
Water power is furnished from rsceway
cut from the canal TO the river with a fall Of
eighteen feet. Almost unlimited power Is
thus close at hand during more than six
months OF the year. The capacity of the ar
senaI in time Of war was one gun carriage
complete, with timber. per day; but this ca
paci-v was often increased. These facts and
other considerations led 10 the Introduction
Of a bin bv Mr. Cameron in the United States
senate il 1855 for the erection Ct two large
gun factories one for the army G. " ater-
vliet and one for the navy a. * asAingtor.
This was the first practical measure proposed
for the adequate protection Of the United
States sea coasts. The bill provided for tie
erection Of tie two factories az q cost Of about
s., 0o0. 900 each, and also fer the purchase O.
about 1900 ucalis OF tempered steel from
private firms 70 ss converted into cannon
A. that tine = was estimated that between
so and 400 Guns. Of various bo7es, would Dc
re,--i-a.l s-- -i,s forts and shi0s Sr-,a q.
these 70 weigh 100 toas. II wgS expected that
each Of TIE proposed factories would DC abe
% turn cut il rear twelve Is incl guns,
seventeen y inch guns ana fifty inch guls,
the annual expense being about s2,00o 90
TINS bill did not pass the house Of regresea-
Jsuve6
Early il 1856 report was made 70 tie s-n-
ate by Mr.. EawIey recommending that TIE
government establish Two great factories fer
the casting Of guns, ard IRE bes- locations
were SAD 70 be toe Washington navy yard
and ne " atervllel arsenal. THIS oil failed
for want Of 81 agreement between the TWO
houses q congress L was, however, a.
ranged ,tAat q S-aal azuo9cs s. Hlazey- u.ixhI I.