Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1838-10-26

Of The House oil Representatives. which, ncr the mot
careful Ut The subject determined upon 2547
the proper number; estimate which, il is beloved
met with the appreciation of The and the country
But like many other important measures, in session
prolonged nearly eight months, time found
present IL 10 The consideration O Congress II will he
perceived them That The strength Of the CORPS derv
ed from The table of Banbtidse, exhibits total of 29o
officers and men, 43i than the reported bill of
the late Sessi"n That OF the ID 4lh, and 9Th estimates
enumerated, would severally give 2230-21o. 8nd 273G
thus showing that The lowest would furnish but 3l2
men short OF what asked for by the bill reported in the
House, and that the highest would give excess the
one OF 20l the other oil lS9 The British rule would
authorize oU5 than is asked for, and this rule
iers only 10 the number of men required for service
IT the guards shore included the number would be
much greater, and accordingly find that they have
10000 marines TO % OG0 seamen. The G35 men always
in readiness shore to relieve equal numbe! al sea-
when distributed among the posts already mention
ed would leave al each about 80 ony for all kinds
oil drills general instruction, &c &c. the time of the
others being consumed in guard service above de-
scrhed unG that number go meD) each post for the
double purpose of field service and relief Of those at sea-
is plainly as small as should be allotted 10 those
important points.
A late attempt has been made 10 reduce the marine
guards Of The ships. The Navy Commissioners have
published order this subject dated 9th December
1887 and approved goth January, 1888, which reduces
the compliment nearly half in vessels OF all classes
In lc2o 90 men assigned as the guard OF three
decker. The Commissioners now assign Do. This re-
duction is in violation OF express law OF Congress-
which desgnaies 90 the guard OF hrst rates thus re-
pealIng an act OF the Legislature by mere ordinance
The whole marine guard Of sloop Of Of "a guns is
less, by one than the number OF personal attend
ants allowed to the commander OF squadron, while
armed briggs and schoones are without guard, Us II the
for the employment OF marines with sailors, did
not apply with The force vessels of oil classes
Now it really seems to me, that the interests OF the ser
vice and Of the nation should not be tried with in this
manner II may be stated that complete is the orga
nizalion OF the marine corps ot the British Navy, that
they have full train OF artillery attached TO III whereas
with u.s. the number of men is not sufficient even for
battalion exercise
1t not my purpose to cucumber this letter with
calculations These will readily be made and under
stood by you Sir, who familiar with every thing
which relates the Navy. II is the general expectation
that you will give 10 this important subject your enlgh
ened attention An idea prevails, though would fam
hope it is one that the Navy Commission
personally hostile 10 this branch Of the service
should be sorry believe, that unworthy feeling
could find place in the breasts Of dstng uished officers
feeling which would be The more unGeneTons, since
The marine corps is not represented al their Board The
attempt to abolish the corps $780, and its sudden re
duction OF nearly one half by their order Of last Deem
ber when there was prospect OF bill passing Congress
to increase it, however, lend color to the suspicion
But to you Sir the marine corps looks for justice and
support P1ced you above the petty leaious'cs
OF professional rivalry, you will doubtless be influenced
by something of pu,ernal sentiment towards the whole
Navy. You will not willingly see the rights and iee
ings Of any branch Of the service we'll the interests
of the country spor!ed with Year after year has the
marine corps looked for justice, ye. met with nothing
butsindierence, If no! oppression Without action IN
the department. 3olhng will be done in Congress. II
the corps be useless let The abolished IT, the contra
~ as is my belief it be emneny serviceable nay, nb
soluely indispensable, let it be maintained in honor and
efficiency. Il is depressed discouraged, demoalized
1t is pslsied by the cold hand Of neglect There is no
field for en,erprze, for bonor The corps drags
out miserable existence suferance For every
other department, Of tho Army and Navy, something has
been done; for the marine corps. than nothing
II is made feel that sickness Of the heart which pro-
ceedeth from hope deferred. Under such depressing
circumstances the corps is rapidly sinking. What no.
no,able man will enter il, What hgh.mnded man will
remain even except from the hard cumpuson of neces
sy? Soldiers are, after all but men, and require the
ordinary s.imuan,s to honorable exerlion There must
be encouragement excite their eorts-synYahy, TO
sustain their sPIs-opporunity for promotion and dis
tincon, to their energies.
Having said thus mach, the risk even of wearying
you leave the subject in your hands with entire conf
drnce. Having connection personally, or by family,
with any branch Of the Navy yet feel deeply sociious
for the Of The service and the country well
as for the success Of Administration OF which am,
was of the preceding one warm supporter. My
high respect for your talents and character has chiefly
inpelIed address you this plea in behalf OF branch
of the public service, which think merits the interest
and attention Of the Government and the country.
DEMOS