The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1851-12-25
for the Union.
The Navy Of the United states

The Navy Of the United states
IT. present defe,eney-A plan for us reorganis cation,
tchch tcH insure The required efficiency, promote
mon justice, and at ne time sympaptise Nth he
great normal principles of he general government
Much dissatisfaction prevails among the commercially
interested people OF the country in regard 10 this
emneny popular and useful arm OF our national de-
fence, by OF its present substantial InecIency
manifested by sluggish action and frequent failure in
lcving and protecting vessels IN difficulty, when II is
the imperative duty Of naval ships 10 act with prompt
vgor in the assistance OF the extended of the
United States.
Such is the distaste for our naval establishments, that
men of character advocate the idea that i, should be
totally abolished, and the protection OF our commerce let
out upon contract private companies The preposerous
notion OF con6ding our national integrity ia a measure,
to the delicate honor OF stUckobbng corporations could
never have arisen but upon thorough conviction OF
the complete insucency Of the navy for that purpose
Can il be possible that an establishment which, in two
wars successfully dotted the pride OF the mistress OF
the sea" has fallen low 10 bear the broad mpulaton
that il is inadequate means OF commercial protec.
ton and aid n time OF peace" lis lamentable fact
and il must be acknowledged that the American navy.
an annual cost OF from pe 10 eight millions Of dollars,
renders fair equivalent in return for it's heavy
pense.
The two determining principles in the proposed organ
cation are usefulness and economy. And with a view to
usefulness in the item Of the first mportancegood
ren-il earnestly recommended that some inducements
OF permanent and beneficial character shall be held out
for the purpose OF attracting TO men-oiwar sailors
OF good moral mental and physical qualities, and OF
iinuing them in the navy
As The shpmen, OF men is now conducted the refuse Of
both our and foreign prisons find ready admlt'ance
1t is shame tina, flag should be a, all dependent ior
its honor upon dssonorable class of men.
The following plan, or something similar, will create a
stimulus 10 correct department. induce resbipnen,, and
al last afford competent subsistence for the WORKOUT
tar who has spent his valuable days in false position
on watery element denied himself the soothing com.
forts of domestic e fought his counrys battles and
protected the interests of the whole people, from the
owner of plantation down to the possessor of garden
spot
All other great maritime nations hold out inducements
in the shape OF good service money, PENSIONS &c, as
reward for the faithful services OF their sailors Why
should not this government do the same Certainly no
nation is more able But 10 the details Of the plan
lat Previous 10 the ending OF a cruise, a thorough
medical examination should be made Of the whole
noting chronic and other diseases that would unfit
for further service also making thorough physical
description OF the person, to height, age &c. &c.
ID The comma nding officer, first lieutenant, and watch
officers Of the vessel should be required to determine upon
the qualifications and character OF the crew.
ID The discharges" should be Of durable paper,
tanning full personal descriptions OF the persons dis
charged Those who shall have maintained good char
ac,ers for scamanlke ability, sobrety. sabordpaon and
strict attention to duty, should have upon their dis
charges the words honorably discharged all others
The word :" discharged"
4th. Those receiving " honorable discharges" who
NAV wish to enter the service should receive dollar
per month extra at every shipment and, after twenty
one wear. Of honorable and mcrtorous service should be
entitled 10 amonthy pensioa OF onehal OF their monthly
pay under THAR hast shipment
5th The medical officers should determine upon some
stamp or cipher to be affixed 10 the discharges OF all such