The Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [Va.]) 1822-1822, 1822-04-04


gradually to increase our naval force N
time OF peace, and TO render it efficient IN
the exgencies to which the country must
be always more orless exposed. 1t is be
lieyed that the best defence for this coun>
try, and that on which it must principally
rely, not only for the protection OF our
commerce, but to prevent the actual lnva-
sion of The soil, is the naval force. The
act tor the gradual increase of the navy
was founded on this presumption, and de-
signed by gradual means. in manner
least oppressive 10 tue country, to lay the
foundation OF an efficient naval power. and
to prepare in time of peace that deScrip-
ton of force, which could not be easily
raised up in time OF war, but which would
be indispensable in such crisis. 1t re-
quires much time and great care TO pre-
pare the materials, and construct the YES
sells of the class provided for in the acts,
and the experience OF the late war had
fully demonstrated the necessity OF such a
force; by teaching US the facility with
which the enemy could blockade large
portion ofour coast, with single SHIP OF
the line.
The committee are of opinion that it
would be unwise to change this system,
founded upon SO many important consid-
erations, without some urgent necessity,
and IN their opinion none such exists; on
the contrary, there seems to be even stroll
ger reasons for adherlng to the policy. and
cherishing the growth OF our naval pow
er, now that foreign nations are modelling
their naval architecture alter our improve
ments, and at a moment when our tor
eign relations are about to be extended,
upon scale, which should, at least, adj
monish us against any diminution, or an
indifference to the means OF national de-
fence.
The committee are aware OF the impor
lance of sloops OF war, as class OF naval
force, indispensable both in time of peace
and war, but they are a class which may
be provided in shorter time, and with
considerable advantage, even after the
exigencies has arisen, and, though they
would be useful in time of peace for many
services, and especially for the discipline
OF our officers, and the more etfectual sur
preston of the piratical marauders upon
our commerce, The committee believe it
would be unwise to break in upon the
fund for the gradual increase OF the navy,
even for such objects, and therefore re-
commend the adoption of the following
resolution:
Resolved, That ii is inexpedient TO modify
the act entitled "An act for the gradual
increase oil the navy of the United Slates;'
so as to require part of the annual ap.
preparation to be expended in the con.
e. lie 81 inf m
those now authorised by the said law to
be built.
The report was ordered to lie on the
table.
Mr.. M'Lane, from the same committee,
reported bill ''to fix and render peIma-
nent the Naval Peace Establishment Of
the United States;" which was read twice
and referred to committee OF the whole
on the state of the Union.
Mr.. Cook, from the committee on Pub
lie lands reported bill for the relief OF
Benjamin Stephenson; which was twice
read and committed.
MIR. Williams OF n. c. from the commit.
tee on Claims, reported unfavorably upon
the petitions of Greenbury Griffin, Thom-
as Glasscock, Amasa Fairman, and the
administrators of. Zacharah Schoonmaker,
deceased; which were ordered to be laid
on the table.
Mr.. F. Johnson, from the committee on
the Post Office and post roads, reported un'
favorabIy upon the petition OF Charles
Stewart: which report was concurred IN.
A Message from the President of the U.
nited States, yesterday received, was re ad
transmitting additional documents relative
to the Notifications on Dauphine Island
aid Mobile Point;whch, on motion, were
ordered to be land on the table.
Another message as also received from
the President of the United States, trans
hitting information. called for by the
House, relative to any private claim which
has been set up to the Island in the Della
ware river called the Pea Patch; which
was referred to the Committee on the Ju.
dietary.
The Speaker presented communica
ton from the Treasury Department, trans
hitting information relative to the balan'
ces of appropriations unexpended at the
end of each year, from the commencement
of the government to the 3lst OF Dec. last
money received by Collectors and ReCei.
| vers and not paid over, &c. &c. which wa:
| ordered to lie ON the table.
EXCHANGE OF STOCKS.
The house then took into consideration
the bill to authorize the Secretary Of the
Treasury to exchange certain stocks bear
ing an interest oil six and seven per cent. tol
stock bearing an interest of FIVE per cent
MIR. Smith, of Md. proposed the amend
ments which he had admitted some days
since, and which the house had ordered to
De printed accompanied with few ex'
plapatory observations.