The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1846-02-10

this bill proposes TO repeal, restricts the sea
men to that number. The marine corps consists oi
field officers, Is captains, % first lieulenants ~
second lieutenants, and ,226 non-eommissioned
officers and pnvales-being in all ,2s5 Some small
increase Of the navy leutenants and Of wauant-of-
6eers may perhaps be required If this bill passes.
The idea that IL will be necessary 10 fully man all
the vessels at all times IL war does not happen--to
have every Of them ready for actual w1iiks
p.es-l presume will not be entertained by those who
now have or may have the administration of the
Navy Department. Sailors do not generally vote
at elections and there can be objection 10 taking
of the restriction Of the law Of l545, arising from
any apprehension that there could be political In
dueement to augment their number unnecessarily.
No political patronage Is given by repeal OF the
restriction.
But il is said the navy pension list will lie in
creased by an increase Of the navy. Referring 90
this list, Mr. w. said il afforded eogeni argument
IN favor Of the navy, IL compared with the army
penvion list The whole number OF the United
sss,ss Psasisa.ss z 2, az q ,esss. =. ~ AS
are navy invalid pensioners, and "a priyateer pen
sionerp. To pay these pensions, 81, 900 900 were
disbursed IN the fiscal year ending 30th June l645,
and yet all were not paid. This statement shows
that the navy and pryatser pensioners together, do
not number ons-fourth of the number Of army PEN
soners and this fact affords an additional argu-
Sir, (said Mr.. W. repeat that ! agree that
searching System Of reform in the administration Of
our naval affairs and rigorous sysiem of retreneh
ment as TO the manner and mode Of the expenditure
Of appropriations, should be instituted. 49,.
II il is done-f such system be adhered TO, | be.
leve the amount appropriated by this bill could be
saved in Ave years 10 the government Examine and
purify the various 'pantrys for rats" which have
been contrived in times psst-he public work shops
nayy-yards, stores, ssyums, schools, bureaus, DC;
look into the contracts Of various kinds made by the
different branches Of the department.; nspect the de.
tails and operations Of your system OF construction
and building Put an end TO mere jobs. Abolish your
live-osk humbug arrangements Do away with
perquisites, and all discretionary allowances, and
give all employees Of every kind, fixed pecuniary
salaries for each specific grade Of service Intro
duee a more rigid system OF accountability at GER
tain stated periods make the responsibility Of every
one direct and certain; and the saving annually TO
the government will be very great. Not merely
ly drive out the rats but stop up the rat holes IL
has been observed on this floor that there were a
great number Of naval officers reported being on
shore "Uaiting orders" Dismiss those who refuse
to perform or are unit for sea-servce. Those un-
able TO render service by reason Of causes arising
from past honorable service, and some who are su.
perannuaied she I'D be allowed TO retire on liberal
allowances. You need not Crafty the aspirations
Of those seeking to have the title and increased pay
and perquistes Of the rank Of commodore and admi-
raj, which would be oil no dement, 10 TIE country.
Set your committee Of reirenchment and reform at
work forthwith. This is the only true method Of
lessening unnecessary expenses. Do not begin at
the wrong end and refuse to increase your navy be-
cause Of abuses in the expenditures
Mr. President (said Mr.. W. il would seem as
IL some supposed ships could be built in few days,
by magic. Suitable timber cannot be found-,eui
down-hauled TO a water-oourse-rahed To seaport
put on board vessels and transported to your
navy-yurds--inspected, seasoned, fashioned, and
fitted for each rar Of the ship, and iron, copper,
and other materials procured at once. Months are
required 70 build sesssl psopsrly. Creating adj
ditional naval force Is one of the preparations for
war that requires time. Should war break out, an
army could be raised and equipped in few days
less than mouth; but your navy has to be built,
you will be surprised by your enemy before you
can get il afoat, and they will inaict serious injury
upon you. ...... .-..
(Mr. w. here gave way for motion by his col
league [Mr. YULEE for the Senate TO adjourn. He
resumed his speech on Monday, Februrary9. The
conclusion will appear hereafier.]
Navigation and commerce pilh the Mtdie,raaean from
1t July, Isi3, to LIST July, 1914.
(IArEsr OFFICIAL RErURN.)