The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1848-12-19
TnK GoIp DlscoxxRxs-RK-oRaArrzar1on OF

The GOLD DfscovxRns-RE-o OF
THE NAvY-The discoveries of the gold mines In
California, the probable construction Of means Of
con municatlon between the Atlantic and the Pa
cIic, combined with the extensive commerce that
will no doubt soon spring up between Asia and
India and our Pacific coast, and between the Pa
cific and Atlantic, and thence with Europe, bring
before the imagination picture OF prosperity that
Is almost startling In order to protect this COM
merce and our rights, in those distant regions, It
will be necessary to increase our steam marine TO
a very great extent. To avoid war, we must IN
crease that arm of defence as rapidly as our COM
merce increases, and be prepared at all times to
assert rights, prevent, if possible, injury; and
promptly punish aggression, should any be offered
to our flag or our people. THIS is clearly the die
tate of wisdom. Vessels depending on the wind
alone will not answer the purpose-we must con-
Strict powerful steam marine, composed of YES
sels capable of carrying respectable armament,
and ready, at short warning, to be converted
into formidable vessels of war. In fact, complete
and radical reorganization of our navy, on the
basis of steam, as mode of propulsion, will soon
be needed, and must, within comparatively short
time, be effected, if we desire to remain at peace
with the world, and at the same time maintain
dignifed position among the nations OF the world
The reorganization of our navy will call for
re- organization Of the course of instruction that
has been pursued in the service. The tactics, to
great extent, must be changed, and perfect ac-
quaintsnce with the sea steam-engne and all its
varied combinations and appurtenances, ought to
be acquired by every officer. The English have
steadily been increasing their steam marine for a
number of years past; and, with the view of making
1t as efficient as possible the Board of Admiralty
have lately determined that, IN future, know
ledge of the principle and application of the steam
engine shall be deemed a necessary qualification
for all mldshpmen, before they can be allowed to
pass for the rank of Lieutenant. We would desire
TO see similar change made in our system; and
we think that it would add very much to the eff
cheney of our national steam marine, if 1t were
established.
The time is fast approaching, when nations vii |
have to depend almost exclusively on steam ves
sells for the maintenance of their honor and the
protection of their rights The recent discoveries
IN California, and the consequences to which they
will lead render 1t incumbent on the United States
to have powerful navy of this description; aud,
in order to make it as efficient as possible every
officer should be qualified, in case of emergency.
to act as engineer, and direct the power which
would propel these vessels. We commend TIL
suggestion to Congress and the Secretary of the
Navy.
Mr.. FORREST AND AMERICAN DRAMATIC LIrERA.
IURE.-lt will be recollected that in June, 1917,
Mr. Edwin Forrest, the great American tragedlan,
offered premium of three thousand dollars for the
first, and of one thousand dollars for the second
best, original drama that might be furnished him
by American dramatic writers. 1t seems by a card
which has just been published In Philadelphi,
paper, that he has received large quantity OF orl
ginal manuscripts, and the following is his decl.
sion on that interesting bundle of dramatic litera
| ture =
| - PHILADELPHIA, Dec. 7, 1913
Dear Sir IL have just finished reading the large
vered me- in consequence Of certain made by
| me In June, 1847. Among all the plays which have
been presented to me: do not find one that could
venture to put upon the ssge-but your tragedy
| Mahommed" has been determined upon as worthy
Of the second prize inssmuch it is ,idered tups.
ricr to all the others dramatic poem, herein en-.
cese you check for the Of one thousand dollars
1t Is my intention to visit Baltimore in few days
when hope TO have the pleasure of making your per
with sentiments Of the highest esteem, .m, my
GEO H. MILES, Esq, Baltimore
! This Is very strange and curious note Mr.. For.
rests great actor, and ought to be something of
Judge Of dramatic literature yet we have the force
of his great name to sustain the opinion that there
is not dramatic genus In the country capable Of
writing tragedy fit io be put upon the stage.
What has become Of the first for which he offered
three thousand dollars, Mr.. Forrest does not say
but the one thousand dollar prize for the second
best, 1t seems, Is merely presented to Mr.. Geo. H.
Miles, of Baltimore, by way of favor, IN conse.
quence of his tragedy being very good dramatic
poem, although unfit for the stage The letter of
Mr. Forrest addressed TO Mr.. Miles, of Baltimore.
appears to be unsatisfactory and mysterious, and
we think the numerous authors of the large mum
Der OF manuscripts which they sent to HIM, should
at once make arrangements for publishing their
productions, In order that the public may ascertain
whether Mr.. Forrest is as superior dramatic
critic and literary judge DIS he is an actor and ira
gedlan Mr.. Forrest, in his decision, and the terms
In which he has conveyed 1t, has certainly given
much greater blow to the reputation of dramatic
literature In this country, than his recent card was
calculated to produce on the reputation of Mr. Ma
cready, or any other competitor. We hope to see
the mystery involved in this singular literary COUP
d ftat disclosed and explained to the public.
Theatrical and Musical.
BowERr THEATRE-The production of . new drama
by Herr Dresbach in which wonders were to be en-
acted by him, attracted immense audience last even
Ing they disappointed; for more remarkable
exhibition has been presentsd to the public The
piece itself being written for the purpose Of intro
ducing the animals, will scarcely bear much criticism
The story founded ncide ns in the incur.
zion by tie French into Agers and Arabs and French
priucfual Jdray Dfrso Hsrr