The New era. [volume] ([Portsmouth, Va.]) 1845-1847, 1846-12-17

Report to the close - r1&F
BY the terms Of the annexation of the republic
of Texas as one of the States of our Union. the
public vessels which composed the Texan navy
were ceded to the United States On the
eleventh day Of May last. Hiram G. Runnels.
Esq. appointed agen, for that purpose. received
at Galveston, from the Texan authorities. the
sloop of war Austin, hrigs Wharton and Archer,
and the schooner San Bernard. The sloop Austin
has been brought to Pensacola, and will be re
built, aud form an interesting accession to the
navy of the United States. The two briggs and
schooner, after survey, were fund too much de-
cayed to Justify their repair, and have been order
ed TO be sold. The proceeds of sale will be paid
into The treasury OF the United States.
Under orders from their government, certain
officers ct The Texan navy were in charge of the
vessels in ordinary when the delivery was made,
and continued in that employment at jhe request
OF onr agent. They cuuld mt he paid officers
of the navy of the United States hut believing
it to be jus, and proper, directions have been given
To make them compensation for taking care Of the
property of the United States. at the rate of pay
which was allowed them by Texas at the date of
its incorpora tim into our Union.
Beyond this. | have considered that the
laws Of the United States authorized me to make
payment to any one because OF his having been an
officer of the navy of Texas.
The estimates for the naval service for the
next fiscal year have been prepared by my direc-
ton, and transmitted Ia the Secretary of the
Treasury. according to law.
have the honor to present herewith the re-
ports from the several bureaus, and estimates in
detail for the several branches of the naval ser
vice. They are based on the employment, pend
ing the war, of ten Thousand men, allowed by
law, and number of vessels in commission to
give them employment. A statement of the
classes of vessels. with their rate and number is
marked e in the papers accompanying the report
from the Bureau of Constructions No estimates
are presented for the constructions Of vessels as
permanent additions to the navy. | deem il,
however, my duty to suggest, that authority for
building at least four sea steamers, capable of
hearing an armament sufficient for their own de-
fence. would essentially promote the interests of
the public service. The great utility of such
vessels in the squadrons in the Pacific, the China
seas. the cosst of Africa, and on the Brazil
station is established by the experience of other
nations who employ them.
The estimates from the Bureau of Yards and
Docks have been prepared in reference to the ex.
listing and pressing wants Of the public service;
and attention is respectfully asked the remarks
of the officer at the head of that bureau. The
difficulties which have been experienced in the
work on the dry duck at New York. have re-
arded its progress, but its practcablity is not
doubted and its great importance to the navy in
tion ofthe required funds for its prosecution
The importance of Pensacola as a naval station
with the necessary facilities Of repairing and re-
fitting ships of war. has for many years been
pressed on the consideration Of Congress But
at no period has the public interest so imperiously
required that Improvements should be made at
that place as at this time. large naval force
is employed in the Gulf of Mexico. exposed to
injury from lempests. and engaged in hostile ope-
raiions. II any of our vessels become materially
disabled, they cannot be repaired without Leaving
the station, and coming as far north as Norfolk 4
and in The voyage the most serious disasters may
befal them.
dock with sufficient capacity to receive ves-
sells Of the largest class, is an indispensable i'm
provement at Pensacola, and earnestly recon-
mend that an appropriation may be made for that
purpose.
fever OF most malignant form has prevailed
In The hospital at Pensacola during the past sea-
son. herewith transmit copy of report of a
joint board of army and navy surgeons, who were
directed to investigate the causes Their opinion
is that The place will be restored to its former
salubrity, by removal of local causes of disease.
Estimates submitted for this purpose
BY the act of Congress of August 10, 1916,
the appropriations for the navy-yard at Memphis
tor the current year, are To he confined in the ex-
pendltuTe 10 the construction of rope walk
Proper measures have been adopted To conform to
this restriction. The estimates are prepared with
this view. If it shall be deemed advisable to
make this yard place Of construction, and in
view Of lis great advantages in the building and
oniht of steamers, may hope that the original
purpose of The establishment will not be abandon.
ed 1t Will be advisable not To continue The restric.
ton on the appropriation for the next year.
The piece of ground called ST Helena, % op
poslie the navy yard al GOspurt, has been bought
by virtue of authority given in the act of 10Th of
Iact hon tInS Iata ~ III
have consented TO the said Purchase. an estimate
VIII be submitted to make the improvements
which were contemplated when the authority 10
make the purchases was given.
The system by which clothing is furnished
To the navy has realized The expectations of those
who devised it, The supply is abundant. of
excellent quality, at a cheap cost and no an
preparation is asked fur the next year. or without
some great disaster, will ever be reunired AGAIN
In supplying our sqnadrons abroad, depots or
stores, In which provisions are collected in anlici-
paon OF the wants Of the vessels, are indispen-
sable | concur in the recommendation of the
chief of the Bureau Of Provisions and CIotbino
that the act Of June H. 1874, requiring The Sec
rotary OF the Navy TO order commissioned or war
ram oihceIs oi The navy to take charge Of The ma
val stores tor foreign sIuadrons, ought TO be mod
ihed. The compensation allowed would command
the services OF competent and experienced persons
IN cIyIl Lille. 1t is duty which but few officers
desire, or are qualified lor, and it does not appear
proper to require Of an officer to enter into bond
to perform duties under orders From the expe-
Renee had of its operations. have no doubt
mat money would be saved by allowing the APP
Polntment of civilians, with the advice and con
sent Of the Senate and thus ENLARGE the sphere n
selection
The act of march Sd, 1913, requiring supplies
Tor the navy to be procured nv contract, On adyer
hsement, with the lowest bidder. has not been CON
sIrued to affect contracts executed prior to its en-
actment. Contracts for the supply Of cheese and