The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1851-12-03

esteem II now only necessary TO remark that,
while do not concur in the policy sometimes ad-
vocated, that the United States should apportion
their naval vessels and force to those of the naVies
of the principal nations of Europe with which by
possibility they may have collisions, we should
by means omit to avail ourselves of all the aids
afforded by science and experience in the improve
ment of our naval establishment, and at the came
time enlarge capacities for increase to any
neediul extent whenever the public cxigencies
shall require IL.
In every thing pertaining to the building, arma-
nent, and equipment OF vessels OF war the scru-
tinizng and active mind OF the present age has not
been idle Merchant vessels OF large draft have
been recently built and rugged in country,
which have sailed by the force Of the winds alone,
one thousand statute miles in three days. and with
approach to the like rate of speed in long vow
ages Improvements and discoveries in ordnance
and gunnery have been introduced, by means of
which, IN the opinion Of well Uniformed officers a
ship of inferior rating, say of thirty two guns NAV
be SO built and rugged, and armed TO prove more
than match for the stou;est line of battle ship
OF the old construction and armament. How far
the power of steam may be added TO increase the
superiority OF the modern vessels in speed, dcsruc
tiveness and other points of man Of war, is also
fruitful theme OF speculation and experiment.
With these Improvements, whether fully realized
or only in prospect, before our eyes, it vain
to rest content with the old models, and arma-
ments, and appliances of vessels, which, however
excellent in their day. may have been superseded
by more recent inventions. While, therefore, all
proper cautions are observed, and nothing however
specious, should be adopted without full inyesga-
to build ships not only to supply the places of those
decayed or lost, but to test and keep pace with the
improvements OF the age. IL has been suggested
as a matter OF economy, that such governmental
ships be built of white oak instead of live oak that
being the cheaper material and generosity used in
merchant ships.
In illustration of one of heimprovements in war
steamers II is represented to the Department that
the boilers OF the Mississippi planned fifteen years
since, and with the best Intelligence of that day.
may be reduced nearly one half in their dnen-
IDh and ut The.
double the power of the vessel with about the same
expenditure OF fuel as at present The letter of the
engineer discussing, in detail, this particular i'm
provement, and its recommendation on the score
OF economy is herewith submitted.
therefore recommend that authority be given
to build, every year, two new vessels, sail and
the other steam, upon such models as shall be
approved and as old vessels may be found unser-
viceable, from fault of model or other cause thew
may be sold or broken up.
In this connexion, invite the favorable consid-
Grafton of Congress to the recommendation of the
Chief OF the Bureau of Yards and Docks that ma
chinery be erected in one OF the navy yards
OF the country, for the building of engines
and construction of war. steamers complctc
class OF small vessels is much wanted to give
employment In command to senior lieutenants
many OF whom are kept in long and tedious mac
ton before their promotion to commanders and
would be highly useful as cruisers, especially those
propelled by steam, by reason of their ability to
penetrate into harbors and rivers inaccessible To
ships of larger class.
ton, presented for the consideration of Congress
propositions to reduce the number of officers in the
grades OF captain, commander, and lieutenant of
the navy, beg leave respectfully, to refer thereto
for the review of the officers in those grades
and the commands and employments to which
they may be called in the present state of the SER
vice. While the number in these grades might be
appropriately reduced, it is worthy of considera-
ton whether the number of masters should not be
enlarged, and the grade of second lieutenant es-
tablishcd,
a ms att ia opfs
officer on board of every vessel in commission and
at every navy yard-to seventy -six vessels and
eight navy yards there are borne upon the regis
ter the names OF but thirty masters and of these
nineteen out of the line of promotion and
many OF them are superannuated, or otherwise in
capacitated for duty at If the number of mas
tiers were raised TO nifty, exclusive of those not in
the line OF promotion (who must needs be re-
moved by death in the course of few years) and
the grade of second lieutenant interposed between
hem and that OF hrstlieutenant, all of which could
be arranged without adding the number of Off
cera below the rank of commander now in the SER
vice, 1t would not only be Improvement in the
proportions OF the different grades, but would exert
a cheering influence on the Younger officers who
are now doomed to linger in the inferior grade Of
passed midshpmen, until the ardor of youth ia
passed, and professional distinction has lost much
The series of promotions held out to a naval Off
Ger compared to that in the army is exceedingly
limited, without taking into the account brevet
rank, with which distin guished service in the lot
ter may be rewarded. And these a additional Grades
cannot but be regarded as new objects of hope and
new incentives to ambition among the asprants in
'he haVai service. For reasons similar the fore
gong, as well as others Of great cogency repeat
The recommendation formerly made TO elevate tho
ranks OF the service by legalizing that of commo-
nore and establishing two offices of rear admiral
As reward Tor the gallant conduct of come of those
surviving veterans who, more than third of a CEN .
fury ago, illustrated arms in conflicts on the
ocean, and as stlmuant to others TO emulate their
example, these superior ranks would be graceful
IN
position we occupy among the naval and CONNER
ciai powers OF the world renders their immediate
recognition matter of undoubted policy. With
one such officer employed near the head of the
department. In Washington, in the disposition and
supervision OF the personnel of the Navy and the
other stationed at San Francisco, with power to
ISSUE oroers to our squadrons in the Pacific and
emma seas, as veil to all officers residing west
OF the ROCKY mountains subject TO general direc-
uons ana supervisor from the Department much
it is believed could be Elected in giving promntness
and yigor to the servic. in tho remote rnoronsS
the world, in imparting tit uniformity and svs-
tenn, and in relieving nferio, officers from Jiic,I
events.
also most earnestly renew the Recommendation,
to establish retired list to which officers NAV ba
ION on reuuceu rates Of pay, who may be
annuauon or other cause. If it be objected thot
TINS would burden the treasury with new class
OF pensions the answer u, that the evil already
exists the question being between full and half
pay, or even a lower rate; between denvinr 10 tho
vigorous, the willing and aspiring, who perform
'he duties, and must constit,te our reliance in time
Of danger, the positions and INDICTMENTS in which
they may improve their taleAs and extend their
Usefulness; and retaining and komotnp as Of tba
effective force, all who have beeiadmitted into tho
service, without reference to ntttvenng dsabii.
lies or disqualifcations. No refolo il of yreotnr
moment as regards the efficiency oltbe mo- 81
none can be more obviously just.
The disputed questions of rank eetNeen the sea
the aha @lndes OF n aud be-
and navy, and the reports of the boardstS offcnts
to consider these questioS nero
brought to the attention of Congress in 4.roc;aI
at the last session, and arG ra;n
to its consideration.
Perceiving that the laws for the government
The navy, passed more than fifty years since, were
defective and unsuited to the present state of the
service, ] have caused them TO be revised by
board of officers, with instructions to prepare pro
per amendments and additions and am prepared
TO transmit their report for the examination of
Congress, and respectfully recommend that the
code therein proposed be taken as seois of legs-
ation on this subject. Or, if there be deposi.