Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1842-12-17


vessels repeatedly to the foreign station has pro-
duced the impression that had others 10 send, and
has thus deracled from the respect which ought 10 al
tach TO US as II naval power
Our vessels of war will be kept constantly IN the
tracks Of commerce, and be thus ready, on oil oc
caslons and in all places tn afford to whatever as
sisance may need In lhls way the smnl force des
tined for the protection Of African trade, and for
suppression OF the slave trade, may be occasionally
by the presence Of vessels of war, inter
cha ng;ng the Mediterranean and the BfaZls
But the great interest of commerce IN The racine,
and particularly that most important part OF IT., the
whale fisheries, will derive peculiar advantages iroE
this system AT present most Of our whalers rarely
one Of our vessels of war; although il is well under
stood tia, they often need their protection Our Ia
tona ship. crossing the Pacific, should be directed to-
visit the whaling stations process by which that dis
tant, and neglected part Of orr commerce may al
ways be within The reach of The protecting Ct their
country
The system thus proposed will require in order 10
prose cute it with all its advantages larger squadons,
than we have heretofore employed. The good effects.
however which may reasonably be expected from 1t
will hoped recommend it to adoption The charge
upon The Treasury need not be materially, if at oil,
increased, if The appropriations, heretofore made for
"ncrease and repair, should be- far possible, for
equipment, pay and subsistence"
have caused estimates 10 be prepared for such squad
could in my opnion be most useiully and pro-
6iably employed in the manner above mentioned
This it is my duty do, submitting it to Congress 10
determine whether, under the circumstances Of the
country, so large force properly be put in com
mission If The condition Of the Treasury will
warrant it, (of which they The judges) have no
hesitation in earnestly recommending the employment
of the largest force estimated for. But in order that
Congress may without trouble, nppo'tion The appro-
paiinn TO The force which they willing to keep in
commission have caused 10 be prepared table, show
ing the cost of ship OF each class Thus the reduc-
ton in the estimates may be made in exact proportion
TO The reduction Of the vessels in commission.
Whether it be the pleasure Of Congress to authorize
large small naval force, the necessity will be the
same for placingit proper footing, The Navy can.
| not be reformed by merely reducing its sze In my
report of last year. invited your attention TO variety
of points which considered legislation necessary,
in order give due efficiency to this Department, and
10 correct the abuses existing throughout the whole
naval establishment, In my opinion, every reform ne
cessary place the Navy upon The most useful and at
The same time upon the economical footing, may
be easily effected With that view, respectfully offer
the following suggestions:
So far as the nateriel is concerned, nothing is
CURED except fidelity, vigilence, and industry the
part Of those to whom that matter n,rusted and snrh
changes the laws will insure proper accountable
ty great deal has already been plshed in this
respect, 1t is confidently believed that the expense of
building, repairing, and equippng vessels Of war, is
much less al this time than il any previous peri
cd within the lasttwsny ysara This rssul Is sI.bs.