The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1850-12-19

In the last annual report II was recommended
that steamer should be built to supply the place
of the propeller princeton" The engines and
machinery taken out Of that vessel efficient and
valuable. but, unless employed in vessel of simi.
lar description, will be entirely ussless. The bu-
would again call attention to the subject and
add that, as there are frames and other suitable
building materials hand, the expense of con-
struction alone will be incurred. ltwoald also re-
spectfully recommend that the frigate Omitted
States" built in the year 1897, the Constitution"
and 'Constellation built in the same year, be no
longer fitted for service. Their great age rem
ders extensive repairs frequently necessaryj more
over, their dimensions and armament far in :
ferior to modern frigates Of their class. The bu-
reau would therefore suggest that these distin-
guished ships, that have borne our flag gallantly
for more than half century, be returned to the
ports from whence they were launched. be pre-
served in commission receiving ships, and
mentoes of brilliant achievements The bureau
would also respectfully recommend that the irgae
"Sabine," on the stocks at New York, and "San-
tee" at Portsmouth, New Hampshire be completed
and launched. to supply the places of the "Consi:.
tution' and Omitted States" The Sabine and
'Sanee" have been on the stocks, in an unfinished
state, for many years. They arc of larger dimen-
service, and may, it is believed, be launched and
equipped at cost not far, if at all, exceeding the
amount required to repair and equip old frigates.
The economy of the measure is evident, as the new
ships will run a number of years without repairs.
As the naval powers of Europe introducing
successfully steam propellers board many of
their ships Of war, thus giving them decided ad
vantage over those dependent upon wind alone for
their movements, the bureau would offer for the
consideration of the Department the propriety OF
fitting one or both of the new frigates proposed
with suitable machinery to drive them by steam
This measure would add much to their efficiency rs
ships of war. proportion Disclaimers added TO the
navy, as auxiarics, would greatly increase it's eff
cheney, especially in the protection of rivers and
bays, as by their means the heaviest ships would
be enabled to overcome all the obstacles to their
movements now presented by adverse winds and
tides. The bureau would also recommend the in
PRODUCTION OF large number Of heavy shell guns
on board vessels able to bear them. Although il is
not expected that the United States should vie
with European natives in point of numbers, never.
theless the small force have in commission by
the introduction of all the Improvements of mod
ern science, should be equal to any other vessels
afoat.
Plans have been formed for razceing the Crank
lin,' "a small 40 her class having become obso-
lete, by the introduction of very superior order
OF vessels OF the same rate. 1t Is proposed, should
this recommendation be adopted, to arm her with
batteries of heavy guns, thus rendering her for
midable vessel of war. The second class frigate
Macedonian" il is proposed to razee, and arm
her also with battery of shell guns, instead Of
her present armament of Is FOUNDERS.
The hemp agents at Louisville and st. Louis
have been notified to make preparations for the
purchase of American water-rotted hemp. The
agencies are furnished with machinery necessary
to test its strength and quality
The reports on the subject of canvass prepared
to resist mildew unfavorable to its adoption.
am, sir, respectfully, your obedent servant,
CHARLES w. SKINNER
To Hon. WIN. A. GRAHAM,
Secretary of the Navy.