The republic., 1850-12-05

.
llourishng condition. The attachment to the
academy of practice-shp, for the purpose of
practical instruction, is regarded as an improve
ment of great value.
1t is recommended that few appointments
at large of midshipmen be allowed to the Pre-
sIpENT, as means of promoting youths of ex-
traordinary promise.
The deficiency of the articles of war for the
government of the navy is referred to al length,
with especial reference to the alteration made
in them by the abolition of flogging. This abo-
lltion has left in the hands of authority but few
other sanctions than those OF death and impri-
sonment 1t has in no degree abated the Sc
verify of the penal code. But it was possibly
the iniliction of this punishment in summary
way by commander of a ship, in which
there had doubtless been abuses, that was
intended to be remeded. The opinion of
board of officers, assembled for another pur-
pose, has been asked on several questions con
nected with this change of discipline; and it is
suggested that committee of Congress take
the testimony on oath of experienced seamen,
as well as officers, in reference to a proper
code OF dlsclpilne tOr the service.
The operations of the several lines of mail
steamers and the payments made upon their
contracts, are set forth. 1t is recommended that
line for the transportation of the mails from
San Francisco to Macao, Shanghai, or other
point in Eastern Asia, either by steamers OF
sail vessels, be established.
The operations at the National Observatory
and Photographed Office continue to be con
Quoted in manner highly satisfactory. The
astronomical expedition, under Lieut. GILLIss,
| to Santiago de Chill, with a view to new
determination of the distance of the earth from
the sun, by observations carried on at the same
time there and here, and other scientific OBJ
jects, has prosecuted its labors successfully,
and has been signally favored by the Chilian
government and people.
The preparations for the publication of an
American Nautical Almanac, by Lieut.. DAVIS,
under the direction of the Department, are in
in an advanced state of progress.
The experiments of Professor PAGE in test
ing the application Of electro magnetism as a
motive power in mechanics have been contn-
ued, and he is now engaged in preparation for
trial TIP of locomotive on a railroad pro-
PEELED by this power. The meteorological OBJ
servations of Professor EspEY are still in pro
gress. The course of experiments in gunnery,
and the preparation of ordnance and ordnance
stores of all kinds at the navy yard in Wash
ington, have been conducted in manner highly
satifactory to the Department
A board of naval officers has been convened,
for advice and information on the question Of
rank between officers of the military and civil
branches of the naval service, and the relative
rank of officers of the army and navy when
acting together.
The joint board of officers of the army and
navy; who have been engaged in the examina-
ton of our Pacific coast with reference to har-
bors, Notifications, light houses, navy yards,
and docks, is expected to finish its work in the
present month, and return TO the seat of Gov
eminent.
The sum total of appropriations required for
all objects under the supervision of the Depart
ment is So, Ill 600. OF this sum, the amount
required for the naval service aud marine corps
for the year is $5,900,6 ,62l. The above aggre-
gate is less by more than n million of dollars
than were the estimates for the present year.
To it, however, must be added the amount
which may be required for the dry dock on the
coast of the Pacific. The Secretary suggests
that the appropriations for the annual support
of the navy be separated hereafter from those
for fixed and permanent objects on shore.
The expenditures Of the Department during
the year ending June 80, 1850, were 81 ,s9l,-
S9l "a, Of which sum the amount expended for
the support of the navy and marine corps was
s., ,523,722 SO. The unexpended balance OF
appropriations, at the date last mentioned, was
s., ,S39, ,253 S4, all of which will be required to
meet outstanding obligations for that year.
The remaining recommendations of the re-
port are certain reforms proposed by the chief
Of the Bureau Of Provisions and the chief Of
the Bureau of Medicine and Surgery; that the
sum of 100000, part Of the Navy Hospital
Fund, be invested in stocks; and that an aug
mentation be made in the Marine corps.