Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1847-01-01
SYNOPSIS OF THE REPORT OF THE SEC
RETARY OF THE NAVY.

The Mediterranean squadron has not been
continued during the last year. tits proposed
TO revive If as soon as circumstances will per-
NIT. The station at Mahon has been discon-
tinued at the earnest request of the Portuguese
government and measures are IN progress for
the removal of the public stores from thatplace.
The East India squadron, consisting OF the
Columbus, IA, and the sloop Vlncennes, Is
supposed to have sailed for Japan and kam-
skatka, in the month of May or June last, and
to have returned to Macao about this time.
They will probably commence their homeward
cruise via the North Pacific in January or
February. Orders were sent to Com. Biddle
in January last to proceed to the west coast OF
Mexico, and assume the command of the squad
ron there. No acknowledgment of the receipt
of them has been received at the Department.
The Brazil squadron consists of the frigate
Columbus, Com. Richie, and the brig Balm
bridge, Lieut.. Com. Pennington, under Com
Rosseau. The African squadron consists of
the frigate United States, the sloop Marion,
briggs Dolphin and Boxer, and store-ship South
ampton, SO guns in all.
A full and interesting narrative is given of
the operations of the Pacific squadron since
the war, both under Com. Sloat and Com.
Stockton, and copies are annexed of the Off
ciaI reports of these officers The squadron
now consists of the Savannah and the Con-
gress, frigates the sloops Portsmouth, Levant,
Warren and Cyane; schr. Shark; and store
ship Erie. The race independence is on her
way out with Com Shubrick, who will, on
his arrival, assume command, and the sloop
Preble has sailed for the same destination
The doings of the home squadron are also full:
ly narrated, and copies annexed OF the official
reports of Com. Conner, in reference to the
blockade, the designs on Alvarado, the affair
at Tobasco, and the taking Of Tampico. Full
Justice isdone to the commanders of both squad
rons, in whom the confidence of the depart.
ment seems undated. Extracts from the in
structions under which they acted, show also
disposition on the part of.the Government to
avoid all collision with Mexico, if possible
The vessels comprising the Navy of Texas
seem to have been found unworthy of repair
with the exception of the Austin, which is al
Pensacola. The others have been ordered to
be sold.
The estimates of the department are based
on the employment of 10000 men, though nc
more than $500 are now in service Author
ity is asked to build four sea steamers to be
employed in connection with our squadrons
abIoa1. The practicability of the dry dock al
New York is not doubted, and the work is ur-
ged upon the favorable notice of Congress-
4 dock at Pensacola is also recommended, and
other Improvements to increase tie efficiency
of the yard at that place. The restriction on
the Memphis work, adopted at the last Con-
gress, it is thought may be advantageously re-
moved The exclusive employment OF naval
officers, as naval storekeepers abroad, is moi
thought to be wise, and a modification of the
law on this SUBJECTS recommended. The ma
val school is spoken of in terms of approba-
ton, and the same appropriation is asked fol
it as was had last year A suitable notice is
also given to the officers of the observatory
whose valuable operations are beginning to
attract the attention they deserve. An addi-
ton to the number of assistant surgeons is We
ry much desired, and the department also re-
commends an increase in the rank and file OF
the marine corps and in the number of war
rant officers. The report concludes with ad-
vising that authority be given to the President
to appoint one out of four or six midshipmen
at large, irrespective of the place of residence
of the person appointed. Provision might thus
be made for cases OF peculiar merit which are
now excluded. Nothing is said in the repor
on the system of promotion. The Secretary
confines himself to a faithful narration of tn,
doings of the Navy, with few practical sug.
gestions such as we have mentioned. His re
port is ably written, is clear and interesting.