The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1846-12-12

present defective system, while cannot fail be attend
I'd with the most important benefits to the navy
Connected with the Bureau Of Ordnance and HydogR-
ply is the Observatory. Besides conducting an extern
sye series OF astronomical observations, il Is the duty Of
that office 10 construct charts prove nautical instruments
before purchase rate chronometers and supply armed
cruisers with the nautical books Instruments maps and
charts necessary 10 their safe conduct AT The
angement Is such as TO promote economy and 10 give
assurance that these indispensable aids may be relied
The observations made and published exclusively the
work OF naval officers, and are highly credabe their
scientific aainments There can be no doubt that with
the facilities OF the Observatory we might produce
our own nautical ephemers, for which we are now de-
pendent on foreign nations and without which our
ships that abroad could not find their way home
nor those at home venture out OF sight OF our own
shores "A small appropriation would be sufficient 10
compllsh the obeC and II may wei! be anticipated that
the expenditure would be returned by supplying
chant vessels with the American nautical almanac at
cost
! invite attention to the report from the Bureau Of
Medicine and Surgery The authority TO appoint small
number OF assistant surgeons necessary TO the public
service Under existing circumstances, II has been
fGsA cpeSsary 10 employ citizen physicians IN some Of
our smaller vessels. The COmmanIaut OF the marine
corps has prepared estimates for the number OF officers
and marines rs fixed by law. strongly impressed
with the opinion that Increase OF the rank and nile Of
the corps would greatly promote the efficiency OF our
ships IN their operations against Mexico. With light
pieces prepared as Held artillery on board each Snip
the expeditions which must include operations shore
would derive important AID from increased guards OF ma
nncs.
The act OF August Ith l>i! provided that until other
ordered By CungIess, officers OF the navy shall not
b. increased beyond the number in the respective grades
that were in the service the LIST day Of January,
SI2 This restriction has been construed to apply to
warrant officers other than mIdShpmen. The number Of
bOat~wans gunncrs carpenters, and saImakers happen
c To be small for the wants of the at the date
fixed Embarrassment often felt for want of authOn-
t. 10 aid to the number II power which has never
been abused and such appointments rewards Of
mcrtOrOus scamcn or mcchamCs II appears to Inc that
the restriction might be removed without detnment 10 the
public interest danger OF abuse.
! cannot conclude tins report without inviting atten-
ton the operation OF the act OF Congress OF March 3D.,
1873, in regard to the appointment OF mdshpmen. The
justice OF the principle established nuqueslIOnabe, and
its application has given general satisfaction. Previously
to It's passage appointments male without regard
residence and resulted inequalities, which It will
take many Years remove. The law iorbdS any APP
pontment from Il State having than ITS proportion
Some applications for mldshWmcn's warrants have re-
Gently been male in behalf of OF officers who have
fallen in battle which could not be granted, account
Of their residence in States not entitled. recommend
that the restriction OF the law may be far removed,
that out of five vacancies "a they occur IN the
grade OF mii-hWnen may be filled at large, irrespective
of the place of residence, in the manner por
ton of the cadets at West Point annually ap-
pointed. Cases OF peculiar merit occasionally presenting
themselves, might thus be provided for under the drec
ton OF the President.
have the honor 10 be, very respectfully Your "hedent
servant. }. ! MAS)N.
To the PRESIDENT