The New era. [volume] ([Portsmouth, Va.]) 1845-1847, 1845-12-10


mdshipmen, the midshipmen themselves. in the
intervals between sea duty, might be collected in
body, and devote their time TO suitable instruc-
tion. For the pay Of the instructors Congress has
provided. In looking out for a modest shelter
for the pupils, was encouraged to ask for Fort
Severn, at Annapolis The transfer was readily
made, by order of the Secretary Of War, and
school was Immediately organized, on an unos.
tentarous and frugal plan. This institution, by
giving some preliminary instruction to the mid
shiPmen before their first cruise. by extending an
affectionate but firm supervision over them as
they return from sea, by providing for them suit
aole culture before they pass TO higher grade,
by rejecting from the service all who fail in ca
pacity or 10 good disposition TO use their time
well. Will 90 far TO renovate and improve the
American NAVY
The plan pursued has been unpretending, but,
1t is hoped, will prove efficient. few professors
give more and better instruction than four and
twenty at sea. No supernumerary officer has
been ordered to Annapolis. no idle man is attach
ed to the establishment Commander Buchanan,
to whom the organization of the school was in
trusted, has carried his instructions into effect
with precision and sound judgment, and with
wise adaptation of simple and moderate means to
great and noble end. Let not Congress infer
that new expenses are to be incurred Less than
the amount that has hitherto been at the dispo-
will support the school, and repair and enlarge
the quarters, received from the hospitality of the
army.
AT Washington, the admirable instruments
provided for the Observatory has been placed un-
der the charge of officers of the Navy, who are
well aware that the opportunities afforded them
Tor advancing astronomical science, are unequal
| ed on this continent, and scarcely surpassed in
Europe. Results honorable To the country NAV,
| o. nrA H.. 4
institution charts furnished TO the Navy at
cost, and the instruments used at sea are there
preserved, corrected, aud repaired. Would it
not be well that the plates Of all charts author
lzed by Congress TO be engraved should be depos-
tied there, as the place must appropriated for
| their preservation and use
1t was subject of great regret that the pressure
of business left no opportunity to visit the Yards
at the South and Southwest. The plans for
their improvement should be such as will not in
terfere with or injure each other.
Pensacola by lis position arrests public attention.
The security of our naval power in the Gulf of
Mexico depends, in great measure, on its condi-
ton and resources. The events of the summer
show cOnclusively the necessity for liberal pro-
vision at that station of all the means essential To
we'll furnished and efficient Navy Yard.
large estimate for that Yard is therefore presented
although / desire TO await further information
before finally approving the proposed mode of its
expenditure.
Memphis, on the contrary. being in the heart of
the country, on an ocean river; yet thousand
miles from the sea, is Inappropriate for the repairs
OF ships of war, but in building steamships it NAV
compete with Boston, New York. and Philadel-
phla-wlth ST. Louis, Cincinnati, and Pittsburg
IL lies, moreover, just below the great hemp grow
ing region, and is recommended by its position for
the establishment of the manufacture of cordage
ropewalk, with the latest improvements, is
therefore proposed, so that the West may not only
| produce, but manufacture, the hemp used for the
American navy.
| have disapproved some of the details of the
plan proposed for the Navy Yard al Memphis, be-
cause II was framed a scale of extravaoant ex-
penditure, which, for the mere work of prepara-
| ton, would have consumed many years, and would
have cost by estimate least two millions of dol
lars. recommend that Congress confine the use
of the moneys it may appropriate, FIRST to the i'm
mediate construction of a ropewalk, and next to
make simple arrangements for building and equip
| ping steamers. To introduce at the West the
manufacture of American hemp for the Navy,
will prove national benefit.
The United States should produce all the hemp
used in its Navy. Enterprise, climate, and soil,
leave no doubt that it may be raised and prepared
OF the best quality, and at prices within the limit
prescribed by law. To insure that end. gave
the subject early and continued attention; and no.
thing but American hemp has been received under
any contract made since came into the Depart
ment. Finding, by short experience, that to in
sist on the inspection at Charlestown, as hereto.
fore practised, would be injurious to the western
planter. directed that, while all who had made
contracts at prices based upon inspection and de-
livery at Charlestown should be held to fulfil their
engagements, purchases should be made of three
hundred TONS during the present fiscal year. 10 be
delivered and finally inspected at Louisville and
ST. Louis.
| The subject of lake defences is reserved for a
special communication.
| The care of the reservations and plantations of
live oak, recommend, should be transferred to the
land Office, which alone has the proper means Of
ascertaining titles, and which can assume the
charge with less expense and greater efficiency
than this department.
| may ask leave during the winter TO present
some suggestions the organization of the de-
partment and its bureaus.
The present contract system requires modifca-
ton, so that no fraud to the United States may
shield itself under the letter Of the law, or con
tracts be given out at prices exceeding The market
price
The balance Of appropriations on hand will, it
is believed, with the exercise Of rigid economy,
be sufficient for the remainder of the fiscal year.
r Il