Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1846-01-02
from tie Washington Union, Dec. S.

i FROM US VUSHTNgDW CHtOW, rec. y.
REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY
The Secretary's Report will command the at.
tention which il so well deserves. 1t will attract
attention, not only for its vigorous and manly
tone, but for the bold suggestions which il makes
| for improving the Navy, and bringing into eff
cent action all the talent and energy Of lis Off
GERS To benefit The service il is necessary 10 re-
form its faults; and to this work of reform Mr..
| Bancroft seems to have given his earnest and
careful attention. II lays before the country a
complete view of this important arm Of the pub
lie Service-ils condition. destination and SER
vices, during the present year.
The NAVY during The year has been called into
unusual activity; and the report does justice TO the
services OF our various squadrons. II looks ahead
to its future operations, and presents the most gra-
lifying evidences Of The energy which rules over
the department II is difficult in hasy sketch
like this, 10 present complete analysis OF its va
rious statements and suggestions. The very con-
densa,ion OF the paper supersedes the necessity
of an extended summary. And yet il is compre-
hensive, as well as condensed.
The Secretary Of the Navy steps at once in
medals res. There is no preparation or preface TO
the work Like working man OF this working
cabinet, he proceeds TO the task in hand. He
tells the country where our squadrons have been
employed during the past year, what our vessels
have been doing in the Mediterranean, ON the
African coast, on the Brazil station, on the Asiatic
station, embracing Commodore Parkers cruise
10 the Chinese coast, as well as Commodore Bid
dies destination to the same station0 and what
vessels have constituted the Pacific and The Home
squadrons. He devotes short but striking pas
sage 10 the employment Of the home squadron I'M
der Commodore Connor-which Che says) "was
much larger than has usually sailed under one
American pennant 1t gave efficient protection
10 our interests in the Cult of Mexico, and conui-
buled TO spread a sense otsecurity over our coun-
try 10 its ertrenH limit 0fte Del NUrie."
/, refers 10 our navy-yards, TO the naval asylum
in Philadelphia and TO the navy hospital fund
1t pre-. ents an interesting sketch of the new naval
school at Fort Severn, at Annapolis-which, Tor
less than the sum OF SOS, 200, already appropria-
ted by Congress for employing professors to teach
the young officers OF the navy is calculated 10
teach a greater number OF midshipmen and 10
Undue them better with some of the most impor-
tant elements of their gallant profession.
Ii refers 10 the Observatory at Washington, TO
whose superintendent (officeis Of the navy0 1t
pays the compliments to which they are so Justly
entitled for their attachments and services. II
calls for liberal provision TO extend and improve
the navy yard at Pensacola; and whilst il doubts
the adaptation Of navy yard al Memphis to the
repairs OF ships of war, it explains the decided
advantages it possesses for building steamships,
and establishing manufacture Of cordage in the
immediate vicinity Of the hemp-growing region.