Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1828-12-13
official 3saNerS.
DOCUMENTS ACCOMPANYING the PRES
IDENT'S MESSAGE.
,7L2. SGUTR4RD'S REPORT.
navy DEPARTMENT. Nov. 81, 1928

fiAvY DEPARTMENT, Nov. 81, 1928.
The Secretary OF the Navy respectfully sub
fi.i.s the following Report 10 the consideration OF
hePreSident OF the United States.
dhe various laws and resolutions which were
passed at the last session of Congress, connected
with the duties OF this Department, have receiv-
ed attention, and been executed far as the
meapS within its control would permit.
The &c Act sor tho relief OF w. Barton was
executed soon altcr its passage, viz: the 2lst
OF May 1928, by the payment 10 him of So 1867 81.
The second section OF the act OF goth of May
last, for the relief OF Francis H. Gregory and Jes-
Sc Wiknson, was executed on the ith of June fol-
towing, by the payment OF $l3237 As.
The appropriation OF the 24th of May last for
shcNaval Hospital Fund, has been nearly expen-
Ged, OH the erection of the buildings, m entoned
IN The last annual report, and other objects con
nected with the Navy Hospitals; detailed report
OF which will be made by the Commissioners OF
the FUND. Those buildings may be completed in
the course of the XII year and will be creditab,e
10 the country. and eminently useful TO the Jaw
Heretofore TO houses have been erected AID no
system formed, for the accommodation and man
aSenent OF sick and disabled seamen Yielding
cor,tantly, through many successive years, nor.
ton ca their monthly pay for this object they have
seen no benefit result from il; and have found on
,Ytemporary and uncomfortable abodes provided
!or them, in old age, disease and distress. For the
future, they may look forward TO accommodat lions
worthy OF the service IN which they have iabored
and bied. But much yet remains TO be done
Mdre buildings ought 10 be erected, and further
appropriations made, by the justice aud humanity
OF the nation. beg 10 refer you to the consider
aiio1s presented in former reports.
Difficulties have existed in executing the law
a the Gath OF Nay last, for the better oYganiza-
ion of the Medical department of the Navy, a.
rising from what is supposed TO have been an error
in the wording OF the law. The first section pre-
scgibes the manner OF admission 10 the rank of As
s:stant Surgeons, and requires an examination by
a Board Of Naval Surgeons, of all candidates for
that office, and an approval by the Board. II also
requires service at sea Of two years as Assistant
Surgeon, and an examination, before promotion ia
the rank OF Surgeon These provisions of The law
in strict conformity with the previous rule and
practice of this Department since Nav 1924 The
fourth section declares "that every Surgeon who
shall have received his appointment, as is herein
before provided for, shall receive fifty dollars a
month and two rations dag; after FIVE Years
service he shall be entitled 10 receive ffty-fye
dollars month and additional ration a day:
and after ten years SERVICE &c. In acting up
on this law, the words, =. is herein before PRO
yided for" have been construed 20 apply outv 10
those who have received their appointments after
She, examination precribed IN the first section,
which excluded from, the increased pay all the
Surgeons upon the list. The first examina-
tons were in 1924, and there arc none who have
been examined previous 10 their promotions and
have been five years in the service; none have
therefore received the increased pay, except when
at sea, and paid under the fifth section is con-
fidently believed that Congress did not intend eli
Their 10 require those who were already commission
ed Surgeons in the Navy TO undergo an ex nina.
ION nor TO deprive those who have faithfully serve
the public fos many years, Of the additional paw
While il was allowed 20 younger officers. Legis-
LATHE explanation will be necessary, to insure 10
;hem llie advantage which The law was probably
in.ended TO confer.
The act making appropriation for the erection Of
q Breakwster near the mouth OF the - layyare bay
received your prompt attention; and is execution
under your supervision, confined to the Sccre-
iary Of the Navy. Immediate measures were IA.
Ken TO advance lhe work. &. & biddc Of Phie-
az lphia, was appointed the Agent lor the dsbuTse
n,fnt of the money, and Instructions were given
Tor his guidance and direction. Hc has executed
bond, with sufficient surcties, Tor the faithful
performance Of his duties, In the penalty required
nf navy agents; and will receive the com pens zion
allowed by lsw 90 them His accounts viii be
sanGnlted TO, and settled quarterly by ,thc Fourth
Auditor OF the Treasury The fund aud the OK
pendituFes under it wii be kept separate and dis-
,inct (rop all others.
on the OH Of June, CON Rogers, Cen. BERNARD
ana William Strickland, Esq. were appointed Com
~ G8ioners 10 select site, and prepare plan and
esfmates Of the work for thc approval OF the FIX.
scntive, and naval officers placed under G,er con
flSl 10 make the necessary soundings and surveys
They have been employed in discharge of the
duties assigned 10 them, and their report is tlaily
expected, and when received will be submitted
20 you. William Strickland has been appointed
- enynrcr, 20 srpsrinT.~l fhn f-li1r. ~ 80