The daily Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1841-1845, 1841-12-16
REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF THE
NAVY

country This able document fully SETS forth
the present condition of this important branch
of the public service, now in promising state,
and suggests the mode and means of many high
" important Improvements.
| The first part very large portion of the Re
port is occupied with the details of the numeri-
cal force Of the Navy the different stations of
our squadrons, and an epitome Of their last
years services
In considering the organization and economy
OF this Department, the Secretary speaks of the
operation of the Apprentice system as being
highly encouraging, though he admits that some
complaints are made, yet adds, without evidence
Of any abuse.
The difficulty of enlisling seamen is alluded
TO, and the equal difficulty Of accounting for the
cause: though suggestion is thrown out that
new laws and regulations might remedy the diff
fculty.
The subjects of experiments in gunnery and
projectiles-the preservation of various ship
timbers-the use of water-rotted hemp, &c
are considered and that of Reform, in every
part of the naval establishment, dwel upon at
some length.
The Board of Navy Commits sioners is also
considered, and in such manner as to call for
reform. We notice this but briefly, because the
public will notice it at much length.
| The next is the reorganization of this De
partment. Though the Secretary has had but
small experience yet this is sufficient, he thinks
to ''display its defects TO the most superficial OBJ
servation.n
The INCREASE of the Navy is next considered;
and many important considerations are submit
ted on this head. No analysis should satisfy
the public on this part Of the Report and we
dismiss it therefore with an emphatic remark,
and pointed question, in the Secretary's own
language, as being both more appropriate and
iorcible than any we can employ.
After considering the various means and i'm
portance Of marine defence against foreign in
vasion the Secretary adds:
"The single question, then, which we have to de
eide, ia reference to this subject is Where and by
irom shat those battles be tou ght qchich may hereaj
ter become necessary in defiance o. property,
institutions, our honor, and our hires !?
The country will answer with one voice
| trump pet tongued "OD the great HIGHWAY Of
Nations by her fearless and freeborn sons!
After considering the question, (Which we
have presumed to answer in the name Of our
country the Secretary remarks, that ~ The
rielrS he has giren be not altogether decep-
tire, The policy Of increasing o'u nary, With
ont further delay, is Curious"
He then goes into the consideration Of the
description ofvessels, and species of armament,
of this branch Of the public defences. He treats
Of steamships considers that no increase Of
line-of battle ships is necessary, but that con
siderable increase of frgates Of the first class is
required
| He urges the importance of creating higher
grades in the service, considering it wise rule
10 establish as macy grades as possible in all the
services of arms remarking, that .. the rank OF
| Admiral is known in all the navies of the world,
except our own; having, existed through a long
course Of past ages, and been fully tested.in the
experience of all nations. SIN e,risting, and
still approved"
The great Poet Of Nature well understood
/
distinction by grades
When degree is shakd,
| Which is the ladder to all high designs,
/ The enterprise is sick
BY the way, we may remark, that the title Of
Admiral is derived from the Arabic, signlfyne
a chief and was applied indifferently TO both
services vet is now confined to the Naval.
The Secretary goes into full argument on
the importance Of the subject, and the perplex
tiles encountered by our officers, on foreign sta
tons, when civilites are TO be exchanged with
those of foreign nation.
He also considers, that additional ranks IN
the Navy would be eminenty useful as an in
strument of discipline"
But we pass on, and must bring our remarks
to a conclusion after noticing few matters urgee
with much earnestness by the Secretary. One
is. the necessity for alarge increase OF the Ma
rine corps their Indispensable aid TO the ser
vice. and the necessary revision OF The laws
for their regulation. The propriety of estab
fishing Naval Schools is urged, and clearly
shown; and the necessity OF assigning then
rank, and duties, to unite theory with practice
The situation of the Professors Of Mathematic:
in the service, is considered, and the proprlety
a proper provision for their support.
The estimates for the service for the ensuing
wear. are somewhat increased, but not beyono
what is required, if there be an increase OF thu
squadrons. The disadvantage of having vessels
unemployed, and the consequent evil OF having
officers idle, is properly considered. Lastly, thu
subject of the Navy Yards is considered, the
condition set FORTH and suggestions for their i'm
provement.
Though summary of the Naval forces dc
not enter into the view we intended taking O