The New era. [volume] ([Portsmouth, Va.]) 1845-1847, 1845-12-11
REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF
THE NAVY
(Conclu(ied.)

earnestly hope that our gallant Navy during
the next year, as heretofore, may perfom its
whole duty, displaying the flag of our republic in
every ocean, protecting our commerce., extending
| the bounds OF human knowledge, overawin semi
barosrons nations, restraining the piracal traffic
IN African slaves. and by lis presence promoting
the preservation of the peace of mankind.
IL contains all the elements of efficiency. /,
has able and skilful officers, who compete with
alacrliy for every post of danger or adventure
It's men excel in seamanship, courage, and fideli-
ty to their country. Unsuiled to purposes OF
maritime dominion, it inspires respect for the
American nag IN every part of the world. Ye,
regard tor lis best interests, a desire TO pro-
mote the welfare of its mertorious officers, and a
sense OF justice to the country, induce me to add
that It's annual cost is disprnpor,ionae to its mag
nltude; and the system of its organization and
pTeierments derrives merit of hope, by comforting
the highest rank in the profession without much
regard TO capacity previous activity in the pub
! lie service.
| Age alone now claims precedence-though tina,
claim Is unauthorized by the constitution and un-
sustained by law. Seniority demands promotion
as lis right. and the highest rank and pay are
awarded To the longest life. Yet the chances are
| that the Oldest not the most meritorous -
Excellence seeks the opportunity of displaying
Itself, and is selected for the most perilous and
wasting service. while mediocrity fails to be EN-
pIoyed. and obtains length of days in safe and
aliiuent retirement. Promotion by seniority is a
premium upon inactivity.
Many Of tho best among the older officers re-
ceved high promotion while comparatively in
early life. The younger officers of TO day are
equally iull OF talent and ambition ; but the pres
ent system refuses To them the opportunity of
command while life is in its vigor, and reserves
II f"r the decline of their powers. In conse-
qnence, the average age of captains is constantly
increasing, and is already nearly sixty The
average number OF annual promotions is about
two. The average age of commanders, from whom
captains and should be taken, is not much less
than fifty. From their great numbers, the little
sea service to which they are called is favorable
| To longevity. Continue the present usage TWEEN
| ty years longer, and, while hope will be crushed
| In the young men in the service the class of com
! manders will itself be composed Of none but aoed
men, and there will not be captain under three.
| score and ten.
This custom discourages the most worthy, and
leads the incapable and The indoent to cling with
| tenacity to their commissions.
| Why should the inca pable be promoted2 WIN
should they be allowed to postpone the promotion
OF the capable? Why should gallantry, temper
ance, integrity in the payment of debts, distinc.
ton by service at sea, weigh no more than opoo-
site considerations Why should men deficieo,
! in capacity and inexperienced in their professoo
! be advanced, and, as consequence, officers with
| every naval and manly virtue, and the brlllancv
and Vigor OF matured powers, be left to wait ,ill
| great age gives them the perferment which
genius, alacrlty. and merit could not attain
| No naval service can maintain an efficient and
elevated character under long continuance of a
system which levels merit and demerit, and tends
to change the profession of the Navy from career
! OF rewarded honor To a career for livelihood II
is not strange, under this system, that the NAVY
even contains very few officers who have scarce
/ ly been at sea, and some who have not seen sea
service enough To accomplish them in the proper
qualifications of their profession
Those that are capable-and our service a
| bounds IN them-those and those only should be
promoted. The office of ca plain in the NAVY is
n high executive trust. Like the Judges of The
| Supreme Court, he considers himself as appointed
| for life. The oldest captain, when in service re
ceves salary equal to that of Justice of the
Supreme Court of the United States the nav of
! the youngest captain, when doing no duty
and only waiting orders, is much above the aver
age salary OF the district Judges of the United
States. He bears the flag of the country TO for
eIgn chimes; he has authority over officers and
men he directs the power of armed squadrons
he Is the protector OF the persons and interests of
our citizens abroad. The body of captains should
be body of chosen men. There should NOT h,
among the number one of doubtful merit. The
nomination and confirmation TO that post should
be acts of solemnity, fixing the attention of the
country, enhanced in value by approving public
opinion, and conceded to those only whose charac-
tiers and career are guarantees Of honorable con
duct and professional merit all their life long.
Selection, it is objected, will degenerate into
favorltism. In promotions there should certainly
be no favor. The records of the department. or
the concurrent opinion Of officers. will disclose
professional merit. If these could be dis .coarded
the Senate may inteTpuse. IL the Senate yislds
the voice OF public opinion, the press, the vipi,
lance OF party, the restorative influence of the
popular will, would, in the end, make impartiali
| ty necessty-woud certainly protect merit
from neglect. Indiscriminate promotion is inins.
ce to the country, and, ifperserysd in, will prove
| fatal to the Navy.
! The efficiency Of the service demands reduc.
lion in the number Of officers in active service or
awaiting IT, Sudden, indiscrimlnate, and exces.
slve promotions compel the recommendation Of
such reduction. There are many captains and
commanders, that, under existing laws were all
capable OF commands, and each cruise to consist
OF three years, each captain would be, at sea once
IN Twelve years, each comma nder once in eiph.
teen years. This evil attIacted the attention Of
me last Congress and the power so neces nv 10
the service, Of placing a reluctant officer n, e.,