Daily Richmond Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1840-1842, 1841-05-28
THE SECRETARY OF Tur N,yv

MIR. Badger is winning golden opinions from all
who have had an opportunity OF testing his merits
since his appointment to the Navy Department. A
distinguished officer of the Navy, short time since
told us, that he was the first Secretary of the Nav,
we ever had. He blends with fine genius, hard
practical sense, which enables him To adapt the les
means to the Accomplishment Of his ends. He ha,
no visionary theories, in the pursuit Of which h,
sacrifices substantial good.
This good opinion is confirmed by a writer in III,
U. $. Gazette. We hope and believe it will be still
farther confirmed by his glorious and successful AID
ministration of the Department--by purying il O
its abuses and infusing new energy into its ever,
member;--That he will make the Navy what il dc.
serves 20 be, the pride Of the Republic.
From ht u. S. Cattus.
THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY.
Until proposed for the post he now fills Mr. Bad.
ger, the Secretary of the Navy was scarcely known
beyond the limits oi his native State North Carolina
The inquiry was then almost universal, which IN,
American people will never have occasion again lo
make,-who is Mr.. Badgerl Why this gentleman
had remained so long unknown to the nation, why
his brilliant mind had not lourd it's way into the
Legislative Hall Of the nation where its power con
nave been seen and appreciated by citizens of u
parts OF the Union, the writer pretend to saw
and m scene of action where he must soon become
known Ia, and appreciated by all.
Mr. Badger IS IN the very prime of life, being in
his forty seventh year. Educated at one Of the FIRST
colleges IN the Union, he has been trained i'm a pro
feSsoS acknowledged to be the best school of tLs
stay<sman-the law. As n lawyer, and as an adyo-
ee, he stands. beyond all question: ut the he I'd o
Abe bar OF his own /state-a state which has pro-
d1eed, and can 9sS boast Of some Of the most emf
D<nt Jurists in NC nation.
Among tlu<uua ltes noSseeSei hv Mr n ,.k;.L
PeculeIlyht hun TO administer tie department oser
wHcbHt presIdes, are dignity blended with great
iranffess and urbanity OF manners; n mind tha,
seems to comprehend the most involved and diff
cult subjects with the rapidty ofinluiton; u: omit
ness OF decision, and despatch which leaves noh
ing TO be done Tomorrow that can be compe ied 10
day. broad and comprehensive views, looking a
things as they 10 effect the nation, not merely
Io-day, bat IN all time hereafter and a strong love
and pride OF counIy-that love and pride which ~
the adoption Of measures looks tn the promotion oil
her honor and glory. | may also add tina; the pros
perIty o our gallant Navy an object dear to his
heart, as every one must be convinced who has ob.
served the energetic he has taken 10 fer.
ret out and correct abuses that have heretofore been
suffered TO go on accumulatIng, and the means
adopted TO lniuse into its officers an esprit d corps
without which the navy can never maintain its hold
upon The affections of-the nation.
The department already feels that n new hand
has taken the helm, one who can hold IL witt
a hrm and steady grasp, one who command
and Will be obeyed; one who IS and will be tho
Secretary Of the Navy, which is what wo have lone
wanted.
In private life, Mr. b. is sans rsproaeht: full Of Vi
vacity and pnyfuneSS, he can LEI loose the rcins
wit and mirth without descending to the level O.
vugarity; and atany moment assume the armour o
dignity as protection against the familiarity Of fools
whose pleasantly two often allied to impertinence
Such, brIfey, IS the man To whose custody Ina.
been consigned, That which was once II il is mo-
now, the pride OF tho natlon-the N.vy: and Will,
It's chnraeter--its honor-is in his keeping, let M
one fear lest The rust which has been suffered 10 pa
Their upon us eseuteheon, will NOT bc rubbed off, anC
her stars and stripes again wave in all their lorme
brlllIancy over our gallant tnrs,
Whose march is Ger the mountain saye
Whose home Is ON the deep"