Richmond palladium. [volume] (Richmond, IA [i.e. Ind.]) 1839-1854, 1842-01-01
NAVY L

N 49,
iIshed entIre IN our paper. 1t is credltable to III
head of that department., (Mr. Upshur.) as it cx
hibits an intimate acquaintance with Tie detail
Of business, which con!d not have been acquire,
without great industry and attention.
The report states, tha, the Navy Of the Unite
States is composed Of
Eleven ships Of he line; Of which one is ra'et
Tor 120 guns. and ten for II guns.
Fifteen ffIgates ct the first class; of which one
is rated for d guns, and fourteen for IL guns.
Two tfigates of the second class, Of % gun:
each.
Eighteen sloops Of War, of which eleven are
rated for 20 guns, two for IS guns,an five fo
is guns.
Two brigs and foIr schooners, rated for 10 gun:
each.
Eighteen sloops Of war, of which eleven are
rated for 20 guns, Two for Is guns, and five FOL
Is guns.
Two bI igs and four schooners, rated for 10 gun:
each.
Four eamer besides.
Three store ships, three vessels used as recei
wing vessels, and five small schooners.
The Secretary then gives the disposition Of this
force at the date Of the last annual report from
the navy Department., and speaks in commenda
tory terms Of our naval commanders and officers
generally.
LIS estimated that the capital employed in the
whale fisheries IN the Pacific amounts to nearly
forty millions of dollars, of which the greater
par, is American. American merchants have
formed Establishments in different parts of the
coast from Chill to Columbia River, some of them
are very extensive and important, and all Of then
worthy the attention Of government. In Upper
California there are also considerable settlements
Of Americans. To protect these interests, and
TO fully explore the Gulf Of California, the Sec
rotary that the naval force on ,ha
station be augmented 10 double its present strength
He also recommends the establishment on the
Pacific Coast, q post TO which ourvessels may
repair for supplies, &c, as also a naval depo,
at tho Sandwich Islands.
The report then states the several points where
the navy is at present stationed. The steamships
Missouri and Mississippi pr built under The act OF 3
March, 1899, the former a, New York, and the
latter at Philadelphia, are nearly ready for service
and will form a part of the home squadron.
Orders have been given for the construction Of
three steamers of medium size. under the act of
3D. March, 1911, one at New York, one at Phila-
~delphia, and one at Norfolk. In addition TO these,
Captain K. +. Stockton is experimenting the con
s,ruction, at Philadelphia, of a steamer of 600
tons to be propelled by Ericeson's propeller; and
Lieutenant w. w. Hunter is engaged in like man
ner at Norfolk with one of 300 tons, to be propel-
led By submerged waterwheelsi invented BY HIM
SELF. Very valuable results are anticipated from
these experiments.
Orders have been given TO build a first class
sloop and three small vessels of war, and TO finish
the frisates Cumberland, Sayannah, Raritan, and
ST. Lawrence.
The amount of the navy hospital fund is sta
ted at S:2l7, 9O7 o3, and is gradually increasing
The Secretary desires to have these surplusses
invested as they accrue IN some interest bearing
fund. The condition Of the other funds is also
stated.
The operation of the apprentice system con-
Times TO be highly encouraging and an extension
of tho plan is contemplated. The present mum
Der of apprentices Is abou: 200.
r. ro,or, Oayo h = 4 yro., j, tl,onI., -, or..-:
enced IN the enlistmen! OF seanen. Experiments
In gunncry aud prolectiles have been made, and
our vessels Will be supplied, IN a short tune, with
arms OF the various descriptions used IN The ser,
vice, Including PiIxhan guns. Measures have
also been taken 10 build a steamer Oh Lake Erie.
The Secretary complains OF the IneflicleHcy OF
the measures taken to preserve live oak and &C.
dar timber, and OF depredations IN taking timber
from The public lands without authority. lie links
that the agencies now authorised viii not answer
the purpose; and recommends that q small militia
ny force be stationed for the protection of The
TIMBER
That reform is necessary says the report,
I'm every part OF our naval establishment, Is on
all hands admi,ted.'' The first STEP II contn-
ues, fought TO be the preparation Of a iuiI code Of
laws Tor the government and regulation Of the
naval service The report then quotes and com
menis on the various laws Of Congress in rela-
ton 10 the government OF the navy. The Sccrc-
.ary refers 10 a report made by a board OF naval
officers ia 1888, aud asks that II may be submit.
ted TO Congress--bdt says that he caanot recon-
mend the approval OF the rules and regulations
IN II. lie suggests that the prepara-
ton of rules and regulations for the government
OF oil classes and grades IN The navy, ought not
TO be entrusted 10 any one Of them exclusively.
"A mixed commission, embracing the civil as
we'll as the military department s Of service, would,
II Is believed, be best qualified 10 adap, 10 every
part oil the service, the proper avs and rules for
the government and regulation of u.-Slch a
might, with The aid Of the rules now
easily report TO Congress IN time for
It's action during the present session"
A reorganization OF the navy Department is
indispensable by the Secretary, and re-
ers Congress to an elaborate report on The subject
made by Mr.. Pauldtng, and viii sug-
such amendman Ms rs he me deem e4aeaLeuI j.