Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1851-12-18
REPORT OF THE SECRETARY
OF THE NAVY.

OF THE NAVY
The Annual Report from the Navy De-
par,ment is document of moderate length,
and considerable ability, aud general inter-
est 1t contains sundry important RECON-
mendations regarding the regulation OF the
Naval Establishment and suggests num-
Der of desirable improvements.
Six squadrons are employed in active ser
vice on tho ocean. OF these, the Home
squadron, yet under the command OF Com
odore Parker, consists of five vessels, and
has cruised in the West Indies aud along
the coasts of the Caribbean Sea and the
Gulf of Mexico. The Mediterranean squad
ron, Com Morgan commanding, consists OF
four vessels; the African squadron, lately
under the command of Com. Gregory, now
of Com. Lavaleite, comprises five briggs and
sloops the squadron on the coast of Brazil,
Com. McKeever, includes the flagship
Congress aud three others the Pacific
squadron, Com. McCauley, includes eley-
en- seaworthy vessels and store-ships, and
the squadron for the East Indies, Com. Au-
lie commanding, compartments the steam
frigate Susquehannah and three sloops OF
war. The total number OF vessels employ
cd in the squadron service is therefore thur
ty-three.
The Report announces with satisfaction
that, in all quarters of the Globe, the recep-
ton of American cruisers has been respect
ful and cordial.
A complimentary allusion is made to the
Expedition in search Of Sir John Franklin,
under the command of Lieut.. De Haven
and the generous offer of the vessels, by
MIR. Grinnell, for another cruise, is convey
ed to Congress for their acceptance, should
il be thought proper to authorize a second
Expedition. The voyage of frigate St.
Lawrence to Southampton is also noticed
in appropriate terms
The number of officers during the year
in the Coast Survey were ninety. The
Secretary renews his recommendation that
the supervision of this work be transferred
TO the Navy Department.
The necessity Of revision OF the laws
relating to the Navy, and the adoption of
suitable and efficient system OF Naval policy
is recommended TO the attention OF Com
gress. Mr. Graham does not concur in the
policy sometimes advocated, that we should
apportion our Naval force to that Of the
principal nations of Europe with which we
may possibly come into collision; yet he
science and experience be applied to the
Improvement of our naval establishments
1t is in vain we rest contented with old
models and Anticipated ornaments. Our
obvious policy is to continue to build ships,
not only to supply losses, but to keep pace
with the Improvements Of the age ! he
necessity Of the establishment OF retired
list aud the want OF a class of small vessels,
to give employment IN command to senior
lleutenants, are two important recommen-
dations Of the report.
The question of Corporeal Punishment
in the Navy, is commented upon by Secre-
tary Graham at considerable length. A
material defect in our Naval cooe is held
10 be that which is occasoned by the fall
ure TO provide any punishment by way of
substitute. The report goes on TO argue,
that the abolition of Naval floggiug has
been attended with Improbable consequent
ces that justice is delayed by confinement
that honest men are made the servants of
the unworthy, while the latter are in con-
hnement-and the ships effective force is
weakened. The Secretary considers that
the consequences of the change have thus
far been detrimental 10 the service, and
commends the subject TO the consideration
Of Congress.
The Scientific researches which have
been prosecuted during the year, under the
direction of the Navy Department, are pro-
ducing valuable results.
The Naval Observatory and Hydrograph-
ical office have been in active and vigorous
operation; the Wind and Current Charts
planned by Lieut.. Maury, are being extern
ded to the Pacific and Indian Oceans the
Astronomical expedition to Chill, under the
direction of Lieut. ellis, has been actively
conducted, aud the first publication of the
Nautical Almanac, under the superintend-
ence Of Lieut.. Davis, may be expected in
the course Of the next fiscal year