The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1846-03-31

department snouiu KNOW whut means III can com
mand in the course Of few months, that Il may
forth with make preparatory arrangements for using
them. IL 10 equally important that II should be al
once appnsed OF the means which will be placed al
It's disposal for the armament ordnance stores, DC,
now wanting TO make up a full supply. Considera-
BILE time Is required TO fabrleaie heavy ordnance, &c,
and preparations be safely made in anticpa-
ton Of the necessary appropriations. Some Of the
materials require TO be provided several years before
they are in the best condition for use. The esti-
mates for forhhcations &c, already made, have ex-
elusive reference 10 certain works, some OF them not
begun, and others in no state OF forwardness With
all practicable despatch it will require more than a
year 10 complete them. Should the points they
are designed TO and protect be threatened the
defence OF them will depend on temporary works,
and these will require considerable expense. For
these no estimate has been submitted. The precise
character OF these temporary deences cannot be de-
signated; IL be now determined where they
will be wanted. would recommend that con-
siderable sum for these purposes should be placed
at the discretion of the Executive. II not needed
il would not be used. In my opinion, two TO three
hundred thousand dollars might properly be appro-
pristed for those objects. In OF war threat
sned attack much larger sum would be necessary.
Very respectfully, your obsd,ent servant,
Secretary Of War.
Hon. THOMAS ii. BEsros,
Chairman Of Committee on Military Affairs,
Senate. =. ... .... ..
HoLAEs, chairman Of the .Napai Committee Of Tia
House Of Representatives. "
. NAVY DEPARTMENT,
.." January 8, 1886.
SR In reply 10 the inquiries proposed IN your
letter Of the 22d uliimo, have the honor To enclose
to you report from the heads OF bureaus Of this de-
partment
Although the naval preparations Of commercial
nations, which are struggling TO maintain them
selves in an unnatural position OF greatness, ID no
criterion for country like ours, which seeks only
the occupation and defence OF its own territory the
protection Of its citizens and their interests, and the
development Of It's own resources; and although the
existing naval establishment Of the United States APP
pears sufficient in all but sea-going steamers for a
condition Of ascertaned and undisturbed peace, yet
the present aspect ofour foreign relations makes IL
a duty 10 suggest TO the Committee on Naval Az
fairs the Propriety OF greater preparations than the
ordinary annual appropriations contemplate.
These greater preparations should consist, far
as possible, Of such expenditures will be but an
ticipations Of what, at early day, would be re-
quired, even in Of the establishment Of harmo
ny with all nations.
They should consist, first, Of an accumulation Of
naval materials and stores necessary for the rapid
equipment of the vessels which are sfoat, for such
Of those the stocks IL may be desirable 10 en-
ploy, and for such others as Congress may autho-
rize TO be built. IL means granted, immediate
measures be adopied for the collection Of such
materials and stores; and the early purchase Of
many Of them would be but anticipation OF
what would soon be required for ordinary cxpendi-
lures. Dr.. ... .
The second branch Of expense that should at
once be authorized at the discretion Of the Presi-
dent, should be the repair and equipment Of all the
vessels in ordinary, and Of the fgates and sloops
on the stocks. Were such authority and means
granted, the President could exercise more free
judgment Of the selection Of vessels for immediate
preparation, whilst the actual expenditure could be
limited to existing urgencies for the vessels, and
improbable OUTLAWS be avoided, fpesce should con-
tinue.
II is also advisable that the limitation heretofore
imposed on enlstmests in the navy, by which the
number is confined to Z 500 ssamen, be suspended
for definite period and that further enlistments be
authorized and provided for.
II is further proper, even in the event of peace to
increase our ses-going steamers. At present, the
United States have but two-the Mississippi and the
Princeton--that can cruise at would recon-
mend that authority be granted for the construction
of three steam frigates FIVE steam sloops, snd two
steamers of smaller class. Such an increase would
not be disproportionate to resources wants in
a time of profound tranquility.
1t will also become necessary TO increase the ord
nance and ordnance stores. This, again, would be
but an anticipation Of expense which, at an early
day, must in any contingency be required.
A system Of steamers for harbor defence, to be
thoroughly efectua would involve the necessity of
feet Of steamers for each harbor in the the country
The enormous expense would be further increased
by the annual repairs, which would require repe.
tition of the whole outlay once in seven or eigh,
years II is still further be considered that these
steamers, being only for harbors and coasts, would
in time of peace prove costly burden, without an
adequate equivalent. In the event Of war, the i'm.
mediate employment of mercantile ships and steam
ers for the defence Of ports, in cooperation with
ident citizens would be attended with less aggre-
gate cost and the fertility ofinvention, and activity OF
patriotism, would, as danger approached be quick
ened to devise methods Of defence, which, though
somewhat irregular, would prove effective, till q
force could be organized suited to the emergency.
Inquiries are now making into the capacity OF oul
mercantile steamers for being thus employed, and
the result shall be communicated to you so soon as
| received. IS t,.,t
The danger to be apprehended from inroads upon
our territory by hostile fleets will be greatly dimin
ished by the disasters consequent on storms; thu
Recessty Of frequent returns to port for supplies o.
provisions and WATER the superadded want to steam
ships of fuel the general inaccessibty Of the coast
from shallowness of water; the certainty of vigor
Gus resistance on the part of our citizens IN thu
more densely- peoped regions: and the uselessnes'
of naval attacks on sparssly settled coast for any
| permanent influence on the issue OF war. Ihes'
| circumstances have, in all times past, made grea
naval expeditions almost fruitless Of results agans
remote settlements on land.
The measures recommended, if adopted, will no
/ involve useless expense, even on the continuance o
| tranquility, and seem to be sufficient precaution
| airy against any contingency that is likely to occur
and as preliminary to more extended organization
| in the event it should become necessary II vii
place the navy in condition to inspire respect, t.
render aid in protecting our commerce, and to con
tribute effectively towards the preservation of peace
| l have the honor to be, very respectfully, you
obedient servant,
i Hon. I. e. HOLMES, .r
/ Chairman Of the Naval Committee
Il of the House of Representatives.
The last dispatches received from the army OF oc
cupation are dated at Los Pintos, 81 miles from Cor