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

Commodore SINNERS Report.
The report which we publish below from the
Bureau of Construction, Equipment and Re
pair will be read with interest 1t suggests,
among other things, the propriety of building
new steamer to receive the machinery of the
Princeton; and also of fitting the new frigates
Sabine and Santee with stern propellers We
perceive that the best naval journals of England
take the ground distinctly that no ship is en-
tlrely competent for war purposes unless it is pro-
vlded with auxiliary steam power. In pursuance
of this policy the British Admiralty have caused
n very large number of their sailing ships to
be furnished with the screw propeller and
steam machinery. In consequence of recent
Improvements, this change can now be effected
without impairing the strength of the stern, or
in any way disturbing the efficiency of the yes
sci when under sail. An ingenious contrivance
for unshipping the propeller, when unemployed,
so successfully introduced in the U. s. ship
Massachusetts,, converts at once the propeller
steamer into the perfect sailing ship. Another
advantage of this arrangement is, that if the
propeller should be broken or injured, it can he
readily lifted from the water for repair without
the necessity of the ships going into dock.
Though the United States have been back
ward in following their own example, it is
matter of just pride 10 our navy that it was the
first to demonstrate, by the successful expert
ment of the Princeton, the great advantage of
the propeller for ships Of war, and for ocean
navigation. France and England now number
their propeller steamers by scores and hundreds.
and the improvement has found its way into
the navies of Turkey and Russia, till il pro-
misses 10 reyolutionize the naval system of the
world; while the United States has but one
such vessel. the Massachusetts,, in actual ser
vice, and one only, the San Jdcinto, in the
progress Of completion. We hope. therefore.
that the well-tmed and judicious recon-
mendation Of Commodore SKINNER will be
acted upon, that the Princeton will be re-
built, and that not only the new frigates, but
that the old ones in good repair and condition
will be provided with suitable steam machinery
and with the stern propeller The Princeton,
we believe, is admitted to furnish the best mo
del for the propeller engine, and all her ingc-
Nous contrivances might well be reproduced in
the new or even in altered ships.
We ought not 10 omit 10 notice that Mr.
Secretary GRAHAM, in his admirable report.
calls the attention Of Congress to the recon-
mendation Of Commodore SKINNER, and thus
gives additional weight to the suggestions Of
that skiful and experienced officer.
NAVY DrPaRrNtrT
Bureau Of Contribution, Equipment, Sc,
NoUOnbS l, 1851.
STA I have the honor 10 transmit in conformity
with your instructions estimates for the fiscal year
ending on the 3Oth June, 1852, embracing that por-
ton Of the naval service coming under the cogni-
rance Of this bureau, accompanied by statements
exhibiting the rate. and distribution Of all the ves.
sels ofthe navy Of the United States in commission
on the fret day Of November, 1885, the number and
rates Of those in ordinsry tbose the stocks, (the
building Of which has been for several years SUE
pended > and tbose undergoing repairs. Also re-
port. Of the estimated value Of articles received and
expended, with the cost and amount Of labor upon
objects connected with this bureau at the several
navy yards, during the same period. The estima-
ted value Of articles on hand at each yard at the
commencement and close Of the same /, shown in
the table containing the amount Of receipts and OK
penditures-a schedule Of which is annexed for re-
ference
The estimates for construction, equipment, ar
msnent, repair Of ships, coal for steamers, hemp.
sc, are reduced 10 the lowest amount at which
force equal 10 that now in commission can be
maintained.
Since the las, annual report, the steamers " Sus-
quehanna," " San Jacnto," and "Powhatsn"
have been launched, and arc now receiving their
engines and machinery, preparatory for service
Great delay has been experienced in their manu-
facture nt the several foundries. To obvisto like
delays in future the bureau would respectfully re-
commend. az matter Of economy Of money and
time that the public yards be supplied with the ne
cessary apparatus for the construction Of steam
engines for naval purposes. At the Washington
yard they are prepared for IN. manufacture Of the
largest sire. Those Of smaller class already built
afford evidence Of what may be done under the d.
reciion Of and by the able mechanics employed at
that establishment.
The steamer "ssrsnsc," on her recent trip to
and from Cuba, proved 10 be a vessel combining
speed with all the qualities necessary 10 constitute
an efficient vessel of war. An injury sustained
in part Of her engine frame, which has been re.
paired She ia now ready for active service. The
performance Of the steamer Mississippi" hereto
fore in the Gulf Of Mexico and now in he Medi-
terrsnean, has ELECTED the highest encomiums from
naval men; and after period Of nine years
tive service, she stands unsurpassed war
steamer
The number Of ships and rates Futable for the
relief Of vessels, and TO supply the places Of those
returned from foreign service during the past year
have been repaired and equipped at the several
naval stations and proceeded to their destination