The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1845-10-16
THE UNITED STATES SCHOOL on MIpsHIpnIEN

Agreeaby to the order of the Secretary of the Ma
Wy, this institution was formally opened at Annapo-
lis (Md) on Friday last, the 10th inst. At ii
o'clock, a. M, the officers professors, and midshp-
men assembled in one Of the recitation rooms, and
were impressively and feelingly addressed by the
Observation-Disclosures Franklin Buchanan
who also read, and illustrated with proper common
tary, the "rules and regulations" he had prescribed
for the government of the school, and he concluded
the ceremony by reading letter from the Secretary
of the Navy to him. disclosing, distinctly and lucid
ly, his views and purposes in regard to the organ
ization and conduct of the school,
We understand the objects Of Mr.. Secretary Ban
croft, in removing this school from Philadelphia to
Annapolis, to be- lst To avoid the temptations and
distractions that necessarily connect with large and
populous city, to the detriment of young officers ID
To concentrate the services of excellent professors
and teachers, already in the employment of the gov
eminent, which have been hitherto, in great de-
gree, lost for the want Of the necessary buildings,
&c. for their accommodation in connection with the
school. And, Sd. To ensure moral discipline and
mental culture, by organizing and maturing acad
envy where professors and students may be habitu-
ally kept together when on land under the whole
some restraints of the laws of the navy, and rules
made in pursuance of them. To these purposes the
government property at Annapolis is admirably
adapted. The situation is healthy and secluded,
and yet of easy access; the grounds are extensive
enough; the buildings commodious, and, with slight
BILE. 1t is situated the mouth of the Severn river
beautiful tributary to the noble Chesapeake, af-
fording thereby ample opportunity to the young Off
to acquire nautical skill, and to apply their pro-
fessional requirements practically, by being from
time'to timeSs 'ahoat." We conceive that Mr. Ban
croft has discovered most commendable sagacity,
well in selecting this admirable location as in ma
king il one of the leading features of his adminstra-
ton of the Navy Department, TO mature an instiu-
ton indispensable to the welfare of this favorite
branch of the public service. However fortunate
his administration may be, and as we trust it will
this design of his will contribute more than
any other to his fame 1t commends itself
to the approval Of the whole country, because
its direct tendency and ultimate result is the cutiva
ton of the morals and mental faculties of class Of
men whose peculiar duty it is to defend our proud
flag, and to maintain the character, honor and glory
of our magnificent country in the face Of the world
What has contributed 80 much to the high char
acter of our army officers as the establishment and
maintenance Of the West Point Academy If moral
perfectons and scientific attanments are deemed in
dispensable to the accomplished and useful soldier,
surely they cannot be thought the less so, at this
enlightened epoch, to the sorm-ex posed sailor to
whom is entrusted not merely the thunderbolts of
battle, but the whole art Of naval scence-whch in
cludes mathematics, architecture, astronomy, tho
arts OF fertilization and gunnery and the application
and mastery of that great modern wonder, the steam
engiHe IN Wishing foreign CilneS, our vessels OF
are the representatives OF our country; and those
who charged with their control should be the
embodiment of the character of the nation-brave
intelligent, courteous gentlemen; qualified to discuss
mercantile and other interests in any of the Eu-
ropean languages. No one, therefore, can fail to
appreciate the importance of academical instruction
to the youths who enter and devote their lives to the
naval service at an age so early and tender that
government guardianship must take the place of
parental control, if we would have knowledge and
virtue rather than ignorance and vice. This we
understand TO be the aim and scope of the honorable
secretary, alike credable to his enlightened sagacity
and to his elevated patriotism. He does not pro-
pose, for the present at least to purchase additional
property, or to create new Offices, or to make any
heavy expenditures; but simply to provide for the
better If not adequate education of midshipmen by
the use and occupation of property already in pos
session, by the more efficient employment Of teachers
now in the service, and by the strictly economical
means within the control Of the department We
sincerely congratulate the secretary the navy the
administration, and the country upon this laudable
essay.
Great praise is due to Captain Buchanan for the
vigorous energy he has exhibited, upon SO short
notice. in preparing Fort Severn for the reception of
the midshipmen, and the organization of the school
The high character sustained by this gentleman in
the navy for general intelligence, courteous and
upright bearing, and decided and prompt action, is
guarantee Of his peculiar fitness for the responsible
station he holds. We are sure these qualities will
mark his administration of the school, and make it
satisfactory to all concerned in its welfare The
officers and professors associated with him are
scientific men, and thoroughly qualified to mpart
instruction. and assist in the successful prosecution
of the pan.-.Naiionai hieiiigencer.