The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1846-01-27

one SNIP OF inc iine, SIX irlsales, hileeh soopsoi
war, six brigs schooners four armed store-shlps,
sea-steamer, and one steamer on lake Erie.
ln ordinary, and which can be equipped IN three
months, two ships-of-he-ine, rszee Two frgates,
four sloops, one sea-steamer, two eoaSt-steaniers,
and Two brigs; and one ship-ofthe-lm for harbor
service. In ordinary and that be equipped in sir
months, another ship-ofthe-line, frigate, and
two sloops. And ia iiesius months two small frig-
ates could he raced 10 large corvette sloope.
This would give an aggregate force Of FIVE ships
of-the-ine, one Iazee, nine rigates, sea-stesm
ers, twenty-lhree soops eight briggs and schooners
two harbor-steamers, and four armed store-shps.
In addition TO the foregoing, there are upon the
stocks at the different nayy-yards, four ships-of.
the-line, three frigates, and two soopsof-war one
iron steamer building at Pittsburgh, one for harbor
defence contracted for at New York, and one ship
of-the-line, partially finished, at Saekett's Harbor,
on lake 0aiario. ...... .
or these there could be completed in three months,
one frlgate and one sloop. In SIR months two frig-
ates, one slooP, and the steamer at Pittsburgh. In
hcslre Hsonihs, two ships-of-the-line. In fifteen
months, two more ships-of-the-line. Which, added
to the aggregate number of those adoat and in ordi-
nary, you'd give US navy of nine ships-ofthe
lne, one razee. twelve frgaies three sea- steamers
twenty-h five sloops, eight briggs and sehooners, two
harbor steamers, and four armed store-ships. We
have also on hand and in good condition, complete
live oak frames for twelve ships-ofthe-line, twelve
frigates, hye soops-of-war, and three smaller sailing
vessels, two sea steamers, and one coast-steameI.
And incomplete live oak frames for three ships-of
the.line, four frgates three soops, and two smaller
sailing vessels, two sea and two coast steamers, and
a white oak frame for coast-steamer. Contracts
Il is underso cd, have been made for completing the
frames Of the ships. of-the-line and the frgates.
The other materials on hand il may not be neces-
sary at this time TO enumerate.
In view Of these statements, il will be perceived
that the country Ia not quite so destitute be would
not say OF resources, but Of almost immediate means oil
defence, as many have seemed to suppose. Ii has
become fashionable Of late, in certain quarters, to
decry and undervalue our own means and re.
sources, and TO magnify those Of England Com
pairing the condition of the two countries now with
v hat they were at the commencement of the las
war, and the advantage will be perceived to be Ia.
fnitey in our favor. At all events, no reason can
be perceived for yielding any Of our just rights TO
foreign power, or Of submitting to national indgnity
and wrong because we incapable of protecting the
one, or of resenting the other. Just estimation OF
our means will not be likely to impair just appre
citation Of our rights.
But Notwithstanding this favorable view Of our
present condition and resources, il is clear that
something further should be done. In regard to our
vessels upon the stocks and those in ordinary this
bill invests the President with power to complete
the one class and repair the other as he may deem
the exlgencies Of the country To require. The sum
proposed TO be appropriated for this purpose is TO
be sure, somewhat large But surely this need not
create alarm to those who have confidence in
the President Ifthere shall be no prospect of war
as many insist, why then transportation amounts
| TO nothing. 1t stands upon the statute book, bui
not dollar is taken from the treasury. But fsen.
utors should be mistaken, and war should actually
occur, It's approach be perceived TO be newt
able, surely all would then admit the propriety OF
the appropriation for the purposes named. IL the
appropriation outright, depending upon no con.
ting ency, but to be expended at all events he admit
ted that might well hesitate to make it; but as il is
contingent and only to be used in case Of necessity
he Trusted the Senate would not withhold il.
The naval supplies, materials, and ordnance pro-
vided for, IT is believed will be needed under any
circumstances. The appropriation for this purpose
is much smaller than that recommended by the
chiefs Of the bureaus; but under all the circum-
stances, it ia hoped will prove sufficient Al all
events he could not think the Senate would regard
this amount as unreasonaby large, but would cheer
fully vote il. ..-'.. .....
The building of the steamers provided for in the
first section is, at the WORT, but an anticipation
Of what will be required at early day, should our
peaceful relations with all nations remain entirely
undisturbed and under any circumstances, it is be-
lieved that this kind Of naval force will be found
peculiarly adapted to the wants of the country
England and France have a long start Of us in this
respect; and though he would not propose a rival
ship with either in regard to number and force of
war-stcamers, or in amount of expenditure, vet he
was persuaded that some approximation to me-
dunn point ought to be at once. attempted. Having
ter, or rebelious subjects abroad and at home 10
control, but operating at point, as 1t were-for by
the rapdity of steam navigation, whole coast is
reduced to pont-and Astounding in facilities of
every description, our naval power might be equal,
for all practical and valuable purposes to that OF
England, though far inferior in numerical point of
view.
As last suggestion in favor of this BILL he would
be permitted to say, that all the indications he had
seen or heard of popular expectation upon this sub
Iceland he had taken some pains to inform himself
not relying upon the public printst was decidedly
in favor of this or some similar measure. There Is
strong feeling among the people in favor Of putting
the country in posture Of defence; and especially
are their eyes turned towards the navy. The navy
has ever been, and justly SO, a favorite with the
country. Its gallant services through the TripoItan
difhcues-its brilliant and glorious career during
the war of 1912, will never be forgotten by the
American people. Its glorious achievements are
not only craven upon our memories, but are conse-
Grated by our love of country, and by the noblest
attributes that dignity and adorn the character Of
the man and the patriot.
1t is true, there may have been, and still are,
abuses that need corr ection No human institution
is perfect They are, however, but spots upon the
sun; and even these under the wise, sagacous, and
energetic administration Of present able and dis
tnguishcd secretary, are fast disappearing. r..
One word III regard to the amendment proposed
ny his friend from Indiana, and he would be done.
He wished he could regard il with more favor,
knowing the spirit with which it was offered. That
gentleman is always acuated by noble and patriotic
impulses. In this case, however, Mr.. F. feared his
zeal needed to be tempered by discretion Should
this amendment be adopted, il might have the effect
Of breaking down the BILL He should therefore
feel compelled to vote against it.
Mr. BE NTON said that he had not made any
war speeches, because he had not seen anything to
Justify It, He had not seen anything to Justify
war speeches or war measures. The bill which
WINS now before the Senate was brought forward
as war measure. 1t was so minated by the Sec
rotary Of the Navy twas advocated by the chair.
man OF the Committee on Naval Affairs; and it so
appears on the face Of the bill itself 1t was war
measure, We were now brought to the point when
the Senate Of the United States were called on to
present, in the face Of Europe and the American
people, their opinion of approaching war. That
was the question which we were now to present in
the face OF Europe and America. He apprehended
that they had not reached that question, and for
himself he was ready to pronounce against il, go.
ing in toto against the bill, framed in accordance
with the recommendation Of the Secretary Of the