Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1836-05-17
,Twemty-fourth Ceagress-+ast Scss
REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF "


(Continucd)
Nv reflections. upcr the whole subject lead to the fol-
lowing practical suggestions on the great SUBJECT Oh the
measures for the defence Of the country:
l. An augmentation Of the navy, upon the principles
before stated.
The adoption of an efficient plan for the organiza-
ton Of the militia.
Having already, in two of the annual reports have
had the honor to make yeu expressed my sentiments
upon this subject have nothing new TO lay before you
either with relation to its general importance or to The
necessary practical details consider 1t one OF the most
momenous topics that engage tire attention OF Goa
gess and the day that plan Of organization ADOPT
ed suited to the habits of people and the nature
our institutions and fitted to bring into action the Phsi
cal strength Of the country with competent knowledge
of their duty and just ideas Of discipline and subord'na
ton will the strongest nation, for the purpose Of
sefdefence, the face of the globe. Ccraaaly ouch
Objects worthy the attention Of the Leg saature
g. The cultivation Of military science, that we may
keep pace with the improvements which are made IN
Europe, and not be compelled to enter into contest
with an adversary, whose superior knowledge would
give him pre- eminent advantages War is an advancing
science. Many original genius and many All acute
intellect are all times work upon it, and the European
communities have such relation to one another, that
the profession of is peculiarly encouraged, ana
every effort made to place their military estaDllshmens
not the numerical point but IN the pest cono
ton for efficient SERVICE both with respect to its morale
and ,uatcre 1t is not by the reading oil profession
al authors that the necessary instruction in this branch OF
knowledge be obtained; there must be study and
practice union of principles and Details which can
best be obtained BY oteducatlon directed TO thus
object This think, is oithe greatest advantages
of the Military Academy. 1t cannot have escaped the
recollection of those who upon the theatre OF action
at the OF the last war; that me Fss year
was almost spent series Of disaster, which, however,
brought their advantages. We comparatively ig
noran of the state of military science and did not
fully recover our position I'LL We had received many
lessons at what an expense of life and TREASURE
need not be stated.
d. The skeleton Of regular establishment to which
any necessary additions may be made, securing at the
same time, economy, with due power OF expansion
and the of meeting war with ali ahe 6enent OF
regularly organised iorce MS OBJECT 10 a''aheo ny
our present army. "
S. The preparation and proper distribution of allhe
munitions of war, agreeaby 10 the views hereinafter
submitted.
g. think oil the defensive works now in the process
Of construction shoad be Finished agreeaby to the plans
upon which they have been projected
T. All the harbors aud inlets upon the coast where
there are cities towns whose situation and importance
create just apprehension Of attack, and particularly
where have public naval establishments, should be
defended by works propotioned 10 any cxigency that
may probably arise.
Having already presented my general views upon this
branch Of the inquiry need not repeat the practical
limitations which propose for adoption. But before
any expenditure is incurred for works, think an
examination should be made in every case IN order TO
apply these principles TO the proposed plan OF operations
and thus reduce the expense Of construction where this
can properly be done, ulso the eventual expense OF
maintaining garrsons required to defend works dspro
portioned the objects sought 10 be attained would
organize Board for this object with special instructions
tor its government.
g. Provision skond be made for the necessary expe
riments to test the superiority Of The various plans that
may be offered for the construction and use OF steam bat
teres; batteries 10 be employed as accessories in
the defence of the harbors and nes and in aid of the
permanent Notifications.
The progressive improvement in the application ofthe
power of steam, renders it inexpedient at any given
time, to make extensive arrangements, connected with
this class OF works, with view their future employ
mcnt. The improvement of today may be superseded
by the experience Of Tomorrow and modes of appica-
tion may be discovered, before any exigency arises
rendering resort 10 these detences necessary which
may introduce an entire revolution into this department
of art and industry. Still! however Apartments should
be made and small number Of these yessesconsruc,ed
Their proper draught of water their form and
the situation and security Of their machinery The mum
ber calibre and management Of their guns .e best
form of the engines to be used questions requiring
much consideration, and ghich can only he determined
bv experience And there can be little doubt that suito.
be rewards would put IN operation the inventive
fsctes Of some of our countrymen, and lead 10 the
tender of plans practically suited to the circumstances
As we ACQUIRE confidence by our experience, arrange
ens could be made for collecting and preparing the in
destrucbie materials for the construction and equipment
of these vessels as far such measure may not inter
ere with any probable change, which at the time may
be anticipated in the application of the power Of sleam
g. recommend reconsideration of the project for
Ertifying the roadseads open anchorage grounds and
its better adaptation to the probable future circumstances
of the country.
And would suggest that the works which deter.
mined on he pushed with all reasonable vigor that
whole coast may be placed beyond The reach of injury
or insult as soon just regard 10 circumstances will
permit. No objections arise to this procedure
The ground Of expense because, whatever system may
be approved by the Legislature, nothing win be gained
By delaying completion beyond the time necessary to
The nroper execution OF the work In fact the cost will
Be- Greater The longer we are employed in it, not only
Tor obvious reasons arising cut Of general suPerntend
and other but because accidents are
liable to happen to unfinished works, and the business
,pen them il deraneed BY the winter, when they must