The southern press. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1850-1852, 1850-12-05
neuts constantly going ON in ocean steamers, [

ments constantly going on in ocean steamers,
would not recommend large addition to this
species of naval force, except in the event of
war, lest the progress OF invention shall sup
plant them by others uf superior construction.
OF the four war steamers authorized to be
built by the act Of Congress of the Sd OF March,
l847, the Saranac only has been gotten ready
for sea. II is, however, not doubted that the
other three will be also ready in the course of
few months
While the Saranac will be retained in the
home squadron as an effective cruiser in any
emergency which may arise, it is contemplated
to attach the Susquehanna to the East India
squadron, and to send the two remaining ones
TO the Pacific and the coast of Brazil. 1t is in
contemplation, also, to require the commandants
Of the squadrous in the Pacific and the East In
dies, and in like manner of those on the coasts
of Brazil aud Africa, ut certain convenient times
and places, to meet with the greater p1rts OF
their respective commands for the purpose of
exercising in fleets. 1t has SO happened that all
our naval battles in which the skill and prowess
Of our officers have been so signally maintained,
have been with inconsderabe exceptions on
the lakes) fought between sirgle ships and it
remains to be demons rated whether their pro-
fciency in the signals, combination, manGuvres,
and exercises of fleets is equal to their we'll
tried abilities in inferior commands.
The Naval Academy at Annapolis having been
placed nnder a new and improved system of
regulations to take effect from the lst day Of
July last, and under an enlarged corps Of pro-
fessors affords facilities and means of profess
siona education not heretofore enjoyed by the
young gentlemen entering the service, and 1t Is
to be hoped is destined to furnish the navy with
what has been so long and so benehclally en-
joyed by the army in the Military Academy at
West Point. The attachment to the Naval
Academy of practice ship, for the purpose of
practical instruction in seamanship and gunnery,
on short cruises, under the direction of the su-
perntendent, in analogy to the system of en-
campment by the cadets, is regarded an i'm
provement Of great value. The academic term,
in conformity with the new arrangement, COM
menced on the lst Of October, under the direc-
ton of Commander Stribling Us superintendent,
and is in successful progress. Plans and esti-
mates for improvements in the buildings and
grounds of the Academy, will be found in the
report Of the Chief of the Bureau of Ordnance
and photography, which are approved and re.
commended by the Department.
Applications of meritorious persons for the
appointment Of midshipmen, induce me to re-
commend that few appointments Mt large be
allowed to the President, rs Il means OF promot-
ing youths of extraordinary promise, and of
placing the sons of officers of the navy and
army, who have little choice Of residence, on a
footing of equality with the other young men
Of the country in eligbeness for the naval ser
vice.
The deficiency of the articles Of war for the
government Of the navy, have been so repeatedly
brought to the attention Of Congress by the re-
ports Of my predecessors, that would contend
myself on this head by Il general reference to
them, but for the alteration made in these arti'
Giles by clause in the appropriation act OF last
session. As the Department CONSTITUTES that act,
the punishment by Whipping for any crime or
offence, whether by the judgment of court
martial or the summary command Of the chief
officer Of ship, is totally abolished. Deferring
entirely to this decision of the Legislature, deem
it my duty TO remind them that the act in ques-
ton has imposed on them the duty Of revising
the whole system of offences and punishnents
in the navy without delay. Both officers and
seanlcn should be early informed, not only what
is the rule Of their conduct but what penalty will
be incurred in case of its violation. The pun
ishnlent by whipping entered So largely into the
code heretofore existing since the foundation of
the navy, that its abolition has left in the hands
of authority but few other sanctions than those
of death and Imprisonment And it's simple pro
hibition, without any other change of the system,
leaves the offender still exposed to the extreme
penalty of human law, to which stripes were in
many instances only mlder alternative.
Thus, Article a. No officer or private in
the navy shall disobcy the lawful orders of his
superior officer, or strike him, or draw or offer
to draw or raise any weapon against him, while
in the execution Of the duties of his office, on
pain of death, or such other punishment as Il
urt-martal shall iufct"
art. II, If any person in the navy shall de-
sert, or shall entice Others to DESERT he shall
suffer- death, or such other punishment as court
martial shall adjudge," &c.
"-Art. 20. If any person in tic navy shall sleep
upon his watch, or negigently perform the duty
assigned him, or leave his station before regul-
arIy relieved, he s!sa! suffer death, or such other
punishment rs court-martial shall adjudge or
if the offender be private, he may, at the dis
erection Of the captain, be put in irons, or logged
not exceeding twelve lashes."
1t is manifest, therefore, that in all such cases
involving the sentences Of courts martial the re-
cent legislation has in no degree abated the
| severity of the naval code.
But it was probably the infection Of this pun
ishment in summary way, by the order of the
commander of Il ship, in which there had doubt
less, at times been abuses, which was the prin-
tentative in that case, and which now exists, is
confinement in irons. Aside from any compari.
son in degrees Of degradation of these two modes
Of punishment, it cannot fail to be observed that
the latter disables and weakens the ships COM
pany by the amount of every man confined and
would have few terrors for hardened offenders
on the trying occasions Of battle or storm
1t must also be recolleced that, existing at dis
erection, 1t Is liable to the same abuse with its al
tentative already mentioned, although not so eff
cicnt for the enforcement OF discipline In view
of the difficulties which Surround this subject,
| avail myself of the presence of board of
highly intelligent and experienced officers, as
scmbled at the seat of government for another
purpose, to ask their opinion several questions
connected with this change of discipline and will
probably be able to communicate it within
few days. And | respectfully suggest that
committee Of Consress shall take the testimony
on oath Of respectable and experienced seamen,
as well us officers, in reference to proper code
of discipline for the SERVICE, and especially in re-
gard to the discretionary punshments to be i'm
posed by officers in command of single ships.
The line Of mail steamers between New York
and ivprnOol owned nv r. X COlins and bs