Jeffersonian Republican. [volume] (Stroudsburg, Pa.) 1840-1853, 1850-01-17
THE ARMY AND NAVY.
Reports Of Messrs. Crawford and
Prasfnn


Preston, OF the War and Navy Departments, are
able and interesting documents They furnish
clear and comprehensive views ofthese two impor.
tant branches of our national service, and abound
with enlightened and patriotic suggestions.
With regard TO the Army, we learn tha its pre-
sent strength is less than the organization provided
by law. The deficiency arises from the discharges
deaths and desertions that have taken place, and
the difficulty OF immediately supplying the want by
new enllsments The deserons have seen most
numerous IN California, where the temptations to
embark In more lucrative pursuits and the facili-
| ties for the sudden acquisition of wealth are so
| greatly multiplied. Out OF force of twelve hun
dred regular troops in that territory since the lst
OF January, the deserons within the first eight
months have equaled two fifths of that number
The necessity of adopting some rule for retired
officers is earnestly urged. Mr.. Crawford says
that the injurious effects of foreign war; prOsecu-
ted in climate unfavorable to health, and the cas-
ulties inseparable from contest remarkable for
the disparity of the opposing forces, have added to
the list of those disabled from age. or other cause
and greatly increased the number of ineffective
officers. To retain them would but impede that
activity and efficiency which the protection of our
recently extended frontiers necessarily demands
from the army and without doing violence to
sense of Justice towards this deserving class of
OF officers, il is respectfully suggested that The
President be authorized TO place on the retired
list such as in his judgment may be disquali-
fed from age, wound, or other disability with
an allowance equal 10 the pay proper Of their
respective grades.
The Secretary also recommends The plan of
providing an asylum for the comfort and repose
of veteran soldiers on whom time and The per-
lis of an arduous service have produced their
natural or accidental effects.
A proper compliment is paid 10 The Military
Academy at West point.
Fortlfica,ions on the Pacific are respectfully !
urged.
In regard TO the Navy, the Secretary reports
the operations Of the varions squadrons during
The year, and their present posts of duty; The !
various scientific examinations conducted by
the Department mentions that of $l,749,200 !
appropriated for mail steamers, S6SI 500 have |
been drawn from the Treasury discusses some
general matters included in The conduct of the !
Department and says of The four first class
ea-going ships, for which Congress made ap-
propriations in ls47, that the Saranac will |
shortly be ready for sea, the San Jacinlo in |
Spring, and The other two during the coming
Summer. Farther additions to steam force Of
the Navy are recommended. The expenses !
Of the navy and marine corps for the year have
been Sl0,S9S,342 81 including all objects
placed under the care of the Department.
The unexpended balance in The Treasury, on
the 30lh June was So ,O39,79S l3, which was
required 10 meet outstanding obligations. Mr. I
Preston asks attention 10 the presen, organiza-
lion of the navy. He says that the number of
officers in The higher grades are greater than
are required, either for the vessels now in COM
mission for the number of men authorized by |
Congress 10 be employed, or for any increase
of force afoat which may reasonably be ex
pected. The numbers in The respective grades
are dlsproprotioned 10 each other. lis present
retards promotion. Age, infirmi-
Iy, and want of employment have disqualified
many for the performance of active profession
al duties. These evils are felt and acknowl-
edged by all who have ust regard for the
prosperity and honor of The service. The diff
icuily lies in suggesting a remedy, which,
Thle II will relieve the country from unneces-
'ary burdens and at The same time operate ust
y and literally on those who have devoted
arge portions Of their lives TO the service, will
afford regular and constant occupation 10 those
Who are retained, increase their energy and
lctivily and hold out to all the indispensable
stimulus 10 honorable ambition, the prospect of
at period Of life hen each is bes,
qualified to discharge the duties required of
lin. Whatever may be the extent OF our ma
al force, or the number Of officers retained in
he service, the largest proportion possible Of q
he officers should be kept in active profession /
i skill which will render them efficient for COM /
nand when an emergency may arise, and to
mako them really and truly the nucleus capa-
lie of any and every expansion which the fu- s
ure exigences Of the country may require. AS
ne only practicable means of accomplishing I
hese results, he recommends 10 Congress a re-
uc'ion of the numbers in the various grades of {
fcers 10 that poln, which will secure sufi-
lent number in each for such naval force as
congress may determine is necessary and prop "
r, and that provision be made for retired list
II such officers as are disqualified for active !,
ervce, on such terms and with such pay as ;,
ay be thought liberal and just L.
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