Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1830-12-14
TUESDAY. DECEMBER IA, 1880.
REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF THE

Yard In BROOKLYN and Governors Island. to de-
ter,nine which Of the two positions was more ell
slbe for naval depot and building yard, no Sc
lection had been made for the buildings which
were required for the several purposes OF the es'
tabishment. This yard had consequently re-
manned unimproved. to the great injury OF the
store of materials which had been collected
there, as well as the general operations OF build
ing and repairing
The subject having been referred TO your con-
sidrraton, aud all the documents explaining the
relative advantages Of the two sites having been
laid before YOU. it has. in conformity with your
op;nien, been ordered that the timber-houses shall
he erected at the old establishment at Brooklyn.
until further SURVEYS can be made, Attending such
minute information as will justify final dlspo-
sition Of the subject.
The papers herewith transmitted, marked r.
furnish statements communicated by the Board of
Navy Commissioners.
No. | shows the number OF vessels OF war IN
ordinary at the different stations, their present
condition. aud the progress which has been made
in protecting them from the effects OF the wea-
iher, aud the expense winch must Dc ihcurreo
for their thorough repair.
No. 2 shows that there are now on the stocks,
we'll protected from the weather. and in verv
advanced stage of preparation, five ships OF the
fine and seven friSates. These can be readily
finished and PUT in commission. whenever the
exigencies Of the service may demand an increase
Of the naval force.
An important circumstance attending tins con-
dtinn Of the vessels alluded to. is. that they may
be retained Tor anv length OF time IN their pre-
sent situation. without material injury from any
cause,of decay, and that this Is effected at an en-
pense scarcely worth calculating.
No. S exhibits the measures taken for the pro-
lection of the vessels in ordinary from further de-
cav.
The list marked 4, giving view of the guam
tity Of materials for the Navy collected at the
several places Of depot. shows that, making all
due allowance for that portion which has been
rendered unfit for use by their long exposure to
the weather, there is still remaining large sup
py Of the most valuable qualities.
The great loss which has been suffered from
the causes mentioned above. has made 1t necessa-
~ to urge the adoption ct measures to prevent
it, future occurrence; and distractions nave Deeh
issued, to provide i'm time the necessary houses
and timber-sheds so as to guard against the inju-
nous exposure of the materials To the weather,
after they shall have been deposited at the respec-
tive Navy Yards.
The accompanying extracts OF letters. marked
G.. addressed 10 the Department by the officers
of the Navy, who have had opportunities OF WIT
Messing the employment Of canvass made from
cotton on board their respective vessels, are
herewith presented for your consideration.
The results Of their observations go far to con,
firm the favorable antcipations which have been
entertained of the value of this kind oil canvass.
And the opinion NAV now, with some confidence
be offered, that this article OF domestic produc-
ton will ultimately supersede the necessity tor
the importation of foreign hemp. tor the manu-
facturc Of large portion OF the canvass required
for the United States Navy.
The laws Tor the government OF the Navy are
believed to require revision. Under the vague
and indeterminate provisions of these laws, It can
scarsely bappen, that similar degrees OF punish
meut will be awarded for similar degrees OF Of
fence.
TIL, tribunals invested with the power OF try
inc persons charged with violations OF these laws,
may in many cases, (ii the party has been four-l
aity,) sentence the offender to suffer the Sever
e., penalties of the law. or dismiss him with the
mere nominal punishment OF reprimand-the
wu,,is of the law, in several OF its most impor-
tant articles. being that the offender shall, on
conviction, &c. ssuier death, or such other pu-
uishment as the Court shall adjudge."
Amongst the evils aud odious features Of the
law. as an institution, this very uncertainty has
been cited as one Justly meriting the opprobrium
which >Sas been attached to it; and, pervading as
it does, almost every part of this system. 1t fur-
nisnes, independently of other defects. an ur-
sen, motive for a reconsideration of the subject
B, the National Legislature.
Believing that the usefulness and reputation OF
the Navy are connected essentially with its ODE
d,ence to the laws and regulations enacted for
its yoyernn ent. the Department has been assldu-
ousIy engaged in endeavoring to promote their
proper observance. and to cause the duties OF ITS
officers especially Of It's junior members, to be
s.ch snare of the burrhens. and giving to all the
advantage to be derived from practical atten-
ten TO tnem.
Ina communication made to the honorable
Chairman of the Committees Of Naval Affairs IN
the senate and House of Representatives, Oh
the I6.h FEBRUARY last. proposing Peace Est o-
Ishmea,, sonr remarks yer" "sfered' >,ipP'rI,ns
ths opinion that it was just aud eApesient that