The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1846-08-22
THE NAVY DEPARTMENT.

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bold reforms:
THE NAVY DEPARTMENT.
As to Mr., Bancroft, he is profting by his contin-
uance in the administration, by occupying himself
busily in the introduction of important reforms in
the American navy. He has commenced by found
ing at Annapolis naval school for the reception OF
midshlpmen in the intervals of their voyages and
cruises, and for the purpose of devotng the study
| of the various branches of maritime science, that
time which is usually spent by mariners in dleness,
if not in debauchery. The establishment will &C
commodate one hundred young men,, of whom the
most industrious and intelligent will obtain rapid
advancement, while those who shall be found to be
ignorant incapable will be struck from the rolls.
The Senate has so well comprehended the advanta-
ges of this institution that it has, without hesitation,
appropriated the sum Of twenty eight thousand dol
lars to be placed at the disposal Of Mr.. Bancroft.
The latter, in order to complete his work, is matu-
ring, it is said, the project Of another school, which
will resemble more nearly the French schools, mas
much as the pupils entering the school with the
title ofupprentces, will leave it with that of midsp
men.
In the meantime he has just adopted another
measure which introduces new grade and, at the
| same time, an Improvement in the maritime hierar-
chy In future, the masters, instead Of being APP
pointed almost at random, without any precise rule;
will be selected from among the passed midshipmen,
who shall be found most worthy of promotion on
examination or from the reports of their services.
The mIdshipmen thus promoted will have the pay
of masters, and will be considered in the line of pro-
notion that the passed midshipman before becom-
ing lieutenant will pass through the intermediate
grade of master. This is a good thing in itself, be-
cause it substitutes a good seaman for man often
incapable; and good also in this, that it will excite
the emulation of the young men, This plan, there.
fore, like that of the Schools has met with general
| assent.
| Such has not been the case with Mr. Bancron's
proposal substitute selection instead Of lapse of
time the general rule OF promotion in the navy.
This proposal has excited clamors and discontents
which may be understood coming from certain old
mariners, but which cannot be understood coming
from enlightened men, who sincerely desire the
greatness Of their country. Ia il not unjust in fact
the secretary himself has sad-is it not absurd,
also to set aside young man, full of zeal, and
perhaps of talent, in order to place the command of
a vessel in the hands of man grown old in subor-
dnate situations, who has often neither the informal
ton nor the energy necessary TO enable him to fill
superior rank, and assume the responsibility which
is imposed upon himl Not that we hesitate TO ac-
knowledge that the new system has likewise its in
conveniences; but its advantages outweigh its dan
gers, and besides, prudent admixture of the two
modes Of proceeding may always be adopted this
adixture constitutes the happiest solution of the
question. To give everything TO length of service,
is TO require the seaman perform his duty strictly
without energy, without zeal, and to grow old at his
post, without any object in view but to await the
moment when the superior rank shall reach him.
To give much if not everything, to merit is to hold
out reward to industry, to talents, to the energies
Of the young men, in saying to them, "he better you
conduct yourself the sooner you will arrive at your
object" OF these two modes, which is the best to
obtain young intelligent, active, and energetic sea-
mann The answer Is easy, and the example Of
England and France is at hand to illustrate it.
We believe, then, that this last proposition Of
MIR. Bancroft offers advantages sufficiently obvious