Constitutional Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1824-1832, 1824-02-06

considered in reference to q due superintendent,
or classification, of the naval force of the United
States us school for the preparation of officers
for higher and more important command: and as
measure of economy, to prevent the employ-.
ment of the larger vessels for the protection OF
eur commerce, on our own coast in the Mediterra-
mean and in the Pacihce; andconcluded by express
ing his hope that many of the sloops of war should
bc authorized tobe built forthwith, as suitable ma
tcrais be provided for and that preparation be
made for building tho remainder, not exceeding ten,
the year ensuing.
Mr.. Chandler was still opposed to this bl--hchad
no objection to an augmentation of the Nayalforce,
so far as it was necessarybut he thought it better
not build vessels faster than the service required
and that FIVE vessels would be many were, at
this time, necessary.
Mr. Smith had no objection to providing that the
materials for building the vessels in question, should
be prcpared--for he thot it highly necessary that
the timber should be seasoned-and he presumed the
attention of the Navy Department would be confni-
ed to the purchase of the timber only, at present
He thought il not necessary, at this time, to 60
into Il consideration oft services rendered by the
Navy. Those who W. &C once opposed to the Navy,
had now become its friends. At one time, there had
been general antipathy wardsa Navy particu-
lary among the persons then composing one of the
great parties in the country he, himself had always
Ueen In favour OF III. N SHORT UclVle tIc Val
the subject brought before Congress and very
able investigation was made. He had no doubt, at
that time but the general voice of the nation was in
favor OF navy !; but still an antipathy was, in
some parts Of the country, entertained against it,
But nearly all had now become friendly to it. The
late war had obviously shcwn the necessity OF
Navy. BY that war, it had been fully confirmed
that when we met on equal terms, we were fully
competent to cope with any enemy, on the ocean.
no b,t+ LAKE, rt Chm h: III flv
rcfuted all theories against Naval force. The
principal part of our glory in that war, gained
upon the water. He believed the description of
vessels referred to in this act very usefu-that
they furnish employment for our young officers.
which he considercda very important circumstance
Our seamen are always ready for serivce-but not
so with the oficers--tlicy require practice, and
knowledge of seamanship, and to be accustomed
to command in service. In this way they are pre-
pared for maintaining the glory which the country
has already obtained.
But still it is possible we may go too far in the
business of increasing the navy. 1t is always an I'M
dispensable duty to keep an eye on the finance of
the country. Congress should not 60 to such ex-
pcnditures account of the Navy, as t. make that
unpopular, which was now popular. This consider
alton had induced him to make the remarks this
subject, which he had made to the Senate the other
day. And he felt glad that the gentleman from
Massachusetts had fit TO amend the bill, so as
to take the sense of the senate upon his view. Mr.
Smith said he did not precisely agree with the hon.
orable member, in regard to the situation of the f.
nancial concerns of the country. The probable
balances Of the treasury could not always be con-
sdcrcd as being at the disposal of Congress. When
certain appropriated for expenditures, they
may be spent within the year and. therefore, future
balances cannot be safely calculated upon. twas
stated that there would not be than nine mil
lions in the Treasury the first of January, 1926.
1.-THE law for purchasing seven per cent stock should
be taken advantage Of by the holders of that stock
these purchasers would require part of that a.
mount. The Commissioners of the Sinking Fund
will have a right TO demand nine millions from the
Treasury. To meet all the demands, at least fit
teen millions will be necessary, the first January
1925 and, to raise this sum, loan may be necessary
If the present appropriations were reduced TO one
half the amount at first proposed, he thought il pro.
aable not more than half this reduced snm would b.
required, during the present year; and, thus modf
ed, he should be willing to vote for the bill.
Mr.. Lowric said, he had not yet obtained the
information to which he had alluded, when this
subject was before the Senate some DAYS since
and not quite satisfied to vote for the bill II,
wished to know what disposition was to be made O.
these vessels, if built He believed those which We
had already, of the class had been, for con.
siderable part of the time since the war, of EN-.
poy; and il this the case, it certainly could
not be necessary to increase the number. If the
vessels absolutely requisite, for the good of the
service, he would be willing to vote for building
them; even if it wac necessary TO borrow money for
the puspose He thought however, that bills of this
nature, making large appropriations, ought to origi-
nate III the other House.
MIR. Parrot made few remarks in favour of the
BILL and in confirmation of his observations, when
the bill was before under consideration.
On motion of Mr.. Hayne, the bill was postponed
to Fridey next, and made the order of the day.