The Lancaster gazette. (Lancaster, Ohio) 1846-1852, 1848-01-14
polihrol.
From ne BallimOre Sun.


though the comparatively limited oppor.
tunity for active service Of this branch
of our national strength, has afforded but
little material for remark. We gather
from the document the following facts
and observations:
Some delay has occurred in the compile
tion of contemplated arrangements for
increasing the navy establishment in con-
sequence of the activity of demand for
seamen in the mercantile marine.
The squadron in the Mediterranean had
been temporarily increased by reason of
intelligence of the capture of an Ameri.
can vessel, by one called the Unico,
claiming to cruise under Mexican author
iiy. The American vessel was carried
into Barcelona, but promptly released.
and the captors imprisoned. The efforts
of the Mexican government TO induce
persons 10 accept letters of marque have
found no favor in any quarter. and Spain
has honorably fulfilled the condition Of
her treaty in this respect.
In maintaining as quadron in the Medit-
erranean it is designed so to arrange ii
that vessels shall be tranferred from the
African station, and cruise in that un-
healthy quarter restricted within year.
The movements of the Ohio and Co.
lumbia in carrying out Mr.. Tod and bring.
ing Mr. Wise home from the Brazilian
court, are duly noticed.
An unsuccessful aitempttoopen friend
ly intercourse with the Japanes by the
visit of the Columbus and Vincennes, in
July 1916, is reported; to the most friend
ly overtures that were made, the un-
changeable reply was-"Go away. and
do NOT come back any more"
The proceedings of the squadron, and
the changes that have been made therein
on the Pacific coast, are noticed; and the
measures adopted and carried into exc
cution for the suppression of the insur-
rection at Rio San Gabriel, with deserv.
ed commentator of the gallantry and
perseverance of the sailors engaged in
the affair. They have. says the report,
served in the most creditable manner
as infantry, artillery and dragons"
Tranquility is reported in Upper and
Lower California; and the confident be-
lief entertained that Commodore Shu-
brick has before this time captured Ma
zatlan, San Bias and Acapulco.
( The execution of the orders under
which the squadron in the Gulf acted in
the attack upon Vera Cruz. is highly ap
proved; and the warmest admiration ex
pressed of the conduct of officers of eve
ry grade, and the courage of the men,
The proceedings of Com Perry in the
capture of Tabasco. Avsrado, Tuspan
Laguna, &C., are referred to in the same
terms of liberal commendalion. The
sickness that has prevailed in the gull
squadron the past year, is represented tc
have been of very malignant type.
The cooperation of the squadron il
the levying of duties upon Mexican i'm
ports, is satisfactorily referred to. TIL
policy has been liberal, and justly appre
ciated by neutral nations. The money
collected have been applied to the use
of the squadron.
In the relation to the captures ofprize
the right of the captor, by condemnation
of the vessel, has been submitted to tn,
, jurisdiction of the District Court of th'
United States in Louisiana. In relation
tothe captures on the Pacific coast, a cour
of admiralty was established there 70
the purpose of passing upon them.
The trips of the Macedonian AM
Jamestown. with stores for the relief c
the Irish sufferers, are referred 10 and tn
heartfelt acknowledgement of high func
tionaries of the British government suita
bly, noticed.
The experiment of Mr.. Brown wit,
the liquid fire of his invention, is unfa
vorably averted to.
The reports ofthe several bureaus cor
nected with the department. are submit
ted with the respective suggestions {
each, which are recommended; they re
hate TO construction, equipment aud re
pairs; ordinance and photography; yard
and docks; provisions and clothing; med
| icine and surgery. The appropriation
: asked, amount TO S10,365. $50. An itel
, of $4,000 600 is asked for the compietio
of the four war steamers. now in proce'
of building.
During the past year, $345,l75 hay
been paid for II vessels, store ships
steamers and schooners, OF suitabl
draught for the service of the Gulf.
Contracts have been effected under III
act of Congress for the transportation {
the mails between New York aud Live
pool, New York and New Orleans, al
from Havana 10 Chagres, with Messr
Collins and Sloo; and with Arnold Harr
for the transportation Of mail betwet
Panama and Astoria, in Oregon, once
month each way, upon the foIlowir
terms: To E. K. Collins. 1885, 900; to !
G. Sloo, $500, 900: and to Arnold Harr
Sl99000. Thirteen new steam vesse
:. will be constructed in pursuance of thes
contracts.
: The observatory is in successful opel
: alton, and an appropriation of Sc 900 asl
ed for its support, especially with rete
: ence to the compilation of nautical a
: manac. The refunding of duties upc
instruments for the observatory, amour
ing to S2,e79. is suggested. The nav
!, school is spoken of as sprogressing. with f
vorable indications. Thep plan Of appoil
! ! ting midshipmen from the States, accor'