The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1848-11-13

me assures to put our steam navy on such footing
as will be compatible with the extent OF our com.
merce, and the maintenance of the honor and Dig
nifty Of the nation.
There is another subject In connection with our
navy which needs the bosom OF reform very
much. Ii should be less aristocratic, and moro
democratic than il is. Ever since the last war; it
has been controlled by few parties, whose in
fluence has been directed towards making il an ex
elusive family affair. To such an extent has
political and family influence controlled our navy,
that it is matter of impossbilty for worth or
merit to make Its way, or obtain promotion
The other day, an orderly sergeant who exhibited
great galanry and daring on the coast of Calitor-
MIA during the recent war with Mexco-who was
recommended by the Commodore, and every officer
on the station, as worthy of promotion, and who,
in addition to all that, backed by considerable
support here in New York, as well as in Washing
ton-in his application for second lieutenant
ship, refused; while the Office which he applied
for was given to the son Of Senator, who never
smelt salt water IN his life ; and this, too, IN
spite Of the numerous recommen lati0ns which
were voluntarily given in favor of the orderly SER
geant. Similar instances OF disregard of merit,
and of appointments through favor and political
influence, have come TO our knowledge; and all we
have TO say OF the system is, that if it be perse
vered in, il will ruin navy, and make il tool
in the hands of politicians for the ACKNOWLEDGMENT
of favored few. The Navy Department should
not be conducted in this manner. Such a system
ls directly at variance with the spirit of our
government and institutions. The navy should
be like everything else connected with our coun-
try Its highest honors and Offices should be with.
In the reach of ALL and merit, bravery and gal.
lantry-and those alone-should be the stepping
stones to them. While the honors and commits
bartered and sold for political influence,
what encouragement we would ask, Is held out to
the thousands of gallant fellows who are ready to
perform deeds of daring at the risk of their
lives, when opportunity offers to show their
devotion to their country None--not the
slightest. Their merits are overlooked. and
rank and honor are bestowed in return for pollti-
cal support, and are attained only through political
influence. 1t is time, full time, that the spirit of
democracy which pervades our institutions on
shore, was extended to our navy. There is not an
office, from the highest to the lowest, on land,
which is not within the reach of merit-as the
election OF General Taylor to the Presidency will
testify TO but 1t Is not so in the navy
The country will expect from General TAYLOR a
reform in this, as well as in other things They
will call for check on this family influence in
our navy. And we trust that one of the first mea.
sures which will occupy the attention of the new
administration will be the enlargement of our
steam navy, so that the United States NAV he
in position to be prepared tor any contingency
that may arise out Of the revolutionary state of
things In Europe.