The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1850-01-03

proof war steamer, TO whom, in consequence OF a
failure TO fulfil his contract no further payments
have been made.
1t is no, though, advisable to remove the insane
of the navy or marine corps from the navy hos
pitfalls to private institutions. There are but
twelve insane persons at present in the navy hos
pitfalls.
The joint resolution authorizing contracts for
term hot exceeding five years, for the purchase
of American water-rotted hemp, for the use of
the navy, designed, as it is presumed for the ben
eft Of American agricultural interests, has failed
of It's purpose--but two bids, and those only for
twenty five tons per aunum, having been receiv-
ed. Proposals were invited for two hundred tons
annually, on the 18th eff March last, and offers
were made but the form Of the bidding was not
according to law, and they were rejected. If there
had been no legal objection to these bids, under
the authority provided by law, the Department
would have declined them, inasmuch as they
would have created a monopoly in the hands Of Il
single individual or association, 10 the exclusion
of the farmers and growers, for whose benefit the
resolution was obviously intended. Such altera-
tions in the law are recommended as will prevent
n monopoly and secure the supply of hemp for
the navy TO those actually engaged in its growth
and prepa alton.
The opinion is entertained, tllatif the Govern
mCnt will make known its willingness and deter
minaticu to purchase American water-rotted hemp
alone, if it can be procured at price not exceed
ing the average price paid for the last FIVE years
for foreign hemp. that quantities adequate to the
wants of the navy, and of quality greatly supe-
ri0r TO The foreign hemp. would be prepared and
offered by the f,rmers of the W est at such points
as would suit the convenience of the Government
The buildings, steam engine, and machinery
for the ropewak at Memphis will be soon CON-
pleted. and the necessary delivery of large guam
titles Of hemp at that point, II is thought, will
great'y facilitate the purpose Of the resolution.
A favorable report is given of some late expert
rents in gunnery Also, of the observations, cal
culitons, aud experiments, at the Observatory.
A joint commission Of engineer aud navy Off
GERS, for the examination Of the coast Of the Pac
fc with a view TO the establishment OF points of
defence and occupation, was ordered, but, owing
to various circumstances, no report has yet been
made The increase of our commercial relations
and The condition of Shipping after the long voy
age. render some adequate and proper means for
their repair, on the coast Of California absolutely
necessary
Appropriations to meet the demands originat-
ing i'll the completion Of the floating dry-iocks,
basins md railways at the navy yards at Kittcry
Philadelphia and Pensacola. are asked
Some difficulty has been experienced in rcl-
tion to prize agents, originating in the late war
with Mexico-the act of March, 1919. requiring
all prize money to be paid into the Treasury.
In view of our duty to protect our citizens
wherever they may be--oG inc immense extca. ct
our Pacific coast, our enlarged obligations, and
the trade of China and the Pacific Ocean opening
to us-the Importance Of a steam navy is urged
upon the attention of Congress.
By an act Of March, 1S47, an appropriation
was made for building and equipping four first
class sea-going steamships, which are now in pro-
gress of completion. The amount heretofore APP
propriated, it is believed will be adequate to COM
pete them.
With a view to preserving the practical ef-
fcieBcy Of the oifciSl force of the navy, 1t is
commended that reduction of the numbers in the
various grades of officers be made 10 that point
which will secure n sufficient number in each for
such naval force as Congress may determine is
necessary and proper and that provision be made
for a retired list on such terms and pay as may
be thought liberal and just.
The naval school gt Annapolis under the super
intendcnce Of Commander Upshur, is highly ap
proved In the month OF O2toher, "a board of Off
GERS WIS directed to revise and amend the regu-
lations, with view to reorgonize the school, con-
forming it, as nearly as the two branches Of the
service would permit to the West Point cademy.
With the reports from the bureaus the est-
mates for the naval service for the fiscal year
ending 30th June, 1881, is submitted, amount
ing to e0,203, 3j615
From which should be deducted
Fer transportation Of the
mail 1871 Geo
For dry dock Of ~ York, lso,66o
For floating dock, i,0N@,5G2
For improvement Of navy
yards, Sl59GG
For nautical almanac, l2NjO
Amounting to the sum Of S299S.97S0O
And leaving ion che years expense
Of The naval service the sum Of 80 sOl as H.
The sum of SO N9S3l2S7 is shown as 'he tx
pense of the navy and marine corps and includ-
ing all OF ects placed under the control Of the
Navy Department, for the last fiscal year
SECRETARY OF WAR.