The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1846-06-21

possession of the whole of California ahd (6e
splendid harbors on the coast. Once possessed
of these, railroad that will connect the waters of
the Atlantic and Pacific will be constructed -
Here wewil open, and have within our grasp what
has engaged the attention of all nations since the
discovery of America, direct route to India and
China. II was the trade of India that first gave
an impulse to the commercial enterprise of the
old world, finally gave the control of the ocean
10 England. 1t has been proved by men who have
gwen the subject their attention. that this gigantic
enterprise is not only feasible, but in country like
this, can be accomplished with comparatively
small cost. Nature has kindly hewn out chasm
IN the great rocky mountains as if she intend
ed the two oceans to be connected by the inven-
tons OF man. With this railroad in operation,
the struggle would be over. We would then have
the presumption of all the markets in the Pacific.
Our manufactures would find an unlimited mar
ket-our agricultural interests would be spur
red on-nur commerce increase, and finally we
would become master of the ocean, and the
greatest nation in all creation. Our contguity
TO China and India, would enable us to become
the carriers Of the world; and the wealth of all
nations would pour in upon us, by which we
would become the richest. The visions of the
most sangune, the ideas OF the absurdes theorists,
never approached in grandeur or sublimity, the
actual and tangible prospect that now lies before
us. We have, as it We're, only TO stretch forth
our hand to grasp the reality we have but to
reap, for the harpest is ripe and plentiful, and lies
at our feet Nature has selected America as the
husbandman.
Such is the prospect before the American PEG.
pie We have tried to sketch it, but the subject
is too vast, too magnificent for the mind to en-
compass. We must approach it gradually, and
become familiar with it before we can appre-
ciaie it. We have taken the initiative in this
grand and honorable struggle for commercial SUI
premacy and national greatness. Our newly APP.
pointed minister to China is about to proceed to
his destination in the Cahota. He will sail this
week, possessed of the necessary credentials to
ensure a hosptable reception from the Emperor
and TO break the ground for the intimate and
profitable intercourse we shall here after maintain
with that distant part of the world
Our NAVAL ScHooL.-Our attention has been
called to this branch of the Navy department, by
noticing that the present is the season for the an
nual examination Of our young midshpmen It
may not be uninteresting to some of our readers
to learn few particulars Of the system of in
struction pursued in this institution. A few re-
marks too, on this system, may no; be improper
In the first place the pupils are all mdshipmen,
who have been at least, four years in the service
sometimes they have served more than four wears
previous to entering the school, in consequence of
their absence at sea when the term commences
On entering the school, then, they are supposed
to be already practically acquainted with all the
details OF navigation, and the complete manage
ment OF ship of war. They are now taken in
charge by professor of mathematics, who is APP
pointed and salaried by the government. This
gentleman passes them through a course of ma
themahcs, giving them such a superficial know
ledge OF this science, as may be obtained at any
Of our universities in six months session .'rbev
also receive instructions gunnery-and of late
An important point in our opinion-s,eam has
been added to their course of studies.
There is connected with the in Institution. a teach.
er. of the French and Spanish languages but il is
altogether optional with the pupils whether they
receive instructions in those languages or not. a
few avail themselves Of the opportunity thus Of
fered, for the sake Of accomplishing themselves
while nine out Of every ten neglect it. Why does
the government not see to thisf It seems to be of
some Importance, that our naval officers should
be able 70 converse in French and Spanish, and
yet not one out Of every twenty can speak word
Of either language.
Inc session having terminatsd-(it generally
ends IN the month OF June)-a board OF exami-
ners is appoin ted by the Executive. This board
usually consists OF four or five commodores and
commanders. The pupils are examined ,epa-
rately and with considerable care, not only upo,,
what they have been studying during the ses.;or
but also upon seamanship, and IN. fact every
thing pertaining to their profession. When there
i large class or "date " Of midshipmen-,he
examination usually lasts two or three weeks.
Great pains are taken by the board to discover
mo- only the absolute hnf the relat,ua 90