Weekly Standard

ARMS AND AMMUNITION

Let no one suspect from our belligerent caption that we are about to perpetrate a blood and thunder article—to "cry havoc and let slip the dogs of war," for we intend to do no such thing, but disclaiming any pretension to the right of declaring war, to make a few suggestions as to the proper mode to be prepared for it whenever it unhappily comes.

No matter how ready the people of the South are to offer up their blood and their lives in defence of their rights and property, it cannot be denied that they are at this time unprepared to go into a struggle which at any time may be forced upon them. This want of preparation is attributable to the unwise and suicidal policy of depending upon the North for every manufactured article. Take for instance that article upon which, in war, every thing else depends—gunpowder. There is not one powder mill in the Union, South of Delaware, nor is there a manufactory of arms, or a foundry for cannon, South of Harper's Ferry. This is rather a bad state of affairs in view of the "shadow" which "coming events cast before them," and it is one which should receive the earnest attention of the South.

Why should not powder be manufactured in the South, as well as in the North? The North has to import saltpetre and charcoal, the main ingredients of powder, while there are large saltpetre mines in Virginia, Kentucky, and we have no doubt in other slaveholding States, and wood enough to supply charcoal for the wants of the world. Besides being an article essential to our defense, the manufacture of powder is a money making business. We hear of the blowing up of Northern powder mills almost constantly, but yet the owners go to work, repair damages, and set their works a going again, thus showing that with all its risks the manufacture of the article is profitable.

Why, too, should the South not manufacture arms? We have all the metals necessary for making them, and can readily command the mechanical skill necessary to their construction. These things ought to be looked to, and our State Legislatures could materially aid in getting these manufactures so essential to the South under way, by judicious bounties, and other friendly legislation. But what will be the use of powder, and ball, and arms, without efficient men readily to be got together to use them? And this brings to our attention the militia system, and particularly that of our own State, which is radically defective.

There should be in each county of the State at least one efficient and well equipped volunteer company, (the more cavalry the better,) and the militia should not only be enrolled and officered, but regularly mustered at least twice a year, once in the Spring and once in the Fall.

We have two excellent military academies in North Carolina, which are flourishing now, and bid fair to flourish yet more vigorously. Let them be warmly encouraged, and others will spring up, as there is room enough for more. These institutions will be excellent nurseries for officers for volunteer companies, and for the militia in time of service.

Lastly, there should be at least three large arsenals or magazines of powder, ball and arms, located, one in the east, one in the centre and one in the west, of this State.

We throw out these suggestions for what they are worth. Some people may not think them worth any thing, but with such we take issue. We are by no means enamoured of our peculiar plan, and doubt not a better one may be suggested, and if we succeed in eliciting a better one, our object will be attained. One thing is certain—any other plan would be better than the present radically defective one.—Raleigh Register.