The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1846-08-26
BY THE M AIIS.

WASHINGTON, Aug. "a, 1916
The Secretary of the Napy-Ihe Steamer Uniom--
Merico-Aceident ON the Apenue-Retu,n of the
President
The recent rumor that the present able and
efficient Secretary of the Navy is to leave the
Cabinet, has occasioned much Joy among some of
the older officers of the Navy The reason for
this is obvious. He has fearessly exposed what
he conceives to be evils in the naval service, and
given Congress, at their own request, his views
connected with the subject When civilian or
statesman has the independence to point out de-
fects or recommend reforms in any branches Of
government, he must expect to encounter the ILL
will of those whose interests may be affected to
their own detriment. But while this is the case,
the public welfare is the better subserved pur-
suing a course of conduct that will rebound to
the advantage of the really meritorous, throwing
aside the supernumeraries that, like polYpi, have
hung so long on the public treasury. Just look at
the astounding fact, which appears in an official
report of the Secretary. At the opening of the
last session of Congress, there were sixty-eight
captains, ninety-seven commanders, and three
hundred and twenty-six or twenty-seven lieuten-
ants OF the captains, but fourteen were at
sea I; Of the commanders, but twentyt two Of
the Geutenants, but one hundred and twenty
six. OF the captains, sixteen had not been
at sea since their promotion of the COM
manders thirtyeight were in the same condi-
number is still larger of those who within that
time have made full cruise. The navy Lam
gushes from the prolusion OF officers; and Mr..
Bancroft places himself on the broad ground that
ability to all the duties OF an Office should go be-
fore advancement to Office, that capacity should
be condition of holding Office, and that the doc
trne that advancement is due to seniority alone.
irrespective of capacity for duty, places personal
interests before the public good, and partakes Of
the very essence of the worst form OF arstocracy.
Commanders, or Masters Commandments, when
attached to vessels for sea service, receive 500;
while the captains (sixteen OF whom have not
been to sea since their promotion) receive the
same sum for waiting orders, or Tor dong nothing.
The gros. amount of pay of the sixty-eight cap
tains who were dong nothing at the commences
ment of the last session of Congress, was
$l35,O 00.i
For desire to lop off portion Of this vast and
useless expense, Mr. Bancroft has encountered
the bttercst opposition, to which, no doubt, he is
reconciled, by consciousness that he has per-
formed his duty to the country.
have no acquaintance with Mr.. Bancroft;
many of his acts do not meet my appreciation
but when see interested persons endeavorng to
detract from the principles of economy and JUS
tice which govern him in the particular stated, 1t
is right and proper to submit the truth to those
who have to deiray the national expenses.
Mr.. Bancroft may go to France, as our minis
ter, but if Mr.. Burke receive the appointment Of
Secretary of the Navy, the " merltorious" will
have greater cause than heretofore to rejoice.
The hands lately at work on the ''Waterwtch,"
at our navy yard, have been transferred to the
steamer "Enion" at the same place. The order
has been given within the last two days, and the
vessel is to be fitted out with all despatch for the
Gulfof Mexico.
There are still many speculations as to what
will be the effect of Santa Annals restoration to
power on relations with Mexico. News from
that quarter is now looked for with interest, and
many specializing as TO the reception OF the
proposition made on the 9th of July, by the Pre-
/ sident, to his Exceliency, the Minister of Fo-
/ reign Relations of the Mexican Republic" not
knowing who he may be by the time Commo-
dore Conner transmits it to Mexico. Until we
have the result of this act ofpeace, the opinion Of
Mr.. Slidell may serve to relieve the public ankle
| ty. GAS to any change ofrulers in Mexico, look
upon them matter great indifference. We
shall never be able treat with her fair terms
until she has been taught to respect us. 1t GER
tainly was proper to place us in the strongest
moral position before our own people and the
world, by exhausting every possible means OK
Cancellation but here all amcable advances are
coneidered as indicative of weakness or ueach-
ery."
This morning, horse attached to a small car
rage, and driven by boy, became resnve near
the corner of Twelfth street and Pennsyivane
avenue A poor old black woman, who was
crossing the street, had not time to get out OF tho
way, and she run over and so much injured,
that her death is considered almost certain: Tho
horse then ran towards the sidewalk, and the car
riage wheel striking a stepping stone, threw out
Mrs. G.. Parker, who occupied one Of the seats.
drcn in the vehicle escaped uniniured.
The President of the United States returned to
this city from Old Point, this afternoon.