Martinsburg gazette. [volume] (Martinsburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1833-1855, 1851-12-23
vol. 5g.-NO. 10.
anaass sseposs ]. d.. secretary .s IL. navy,

Anauri Report on shs sssfetnsy - tne "~vys
lie ANNUAL Rcp,st from The Navy De-
partmcat. is document VI moderate length.
considerable ability and general interest 10
contains sundfy important Recommendations
regarding TIE regulation OF The Naval Estab-
IIshmcnt and Suggests many desirable I'M
presements
Six squairons are employed in active SER
vice un the ocean. OF these, tho Homo
squadron yea under the command Of Com.
Parker. consists 81 3 vessels, and has cruised
IA the Vest indies and along the coasts Of
the cariihhian Sea aud the Gulfof Mexico.
The Mediterranean squadron, Com Morgan
commanding, consists OF four vessels; the
African squadron lately under the command
Of Coui Gregory, TOW of Com. Lavaletta.
comprises Eve briggs and sloops; tbe squad
ron on the coast OF Brszil. Com Mckeeyer.
Including the flag sbip Congress and three
Others The Pacific squadron. Com. McCauly.
includes eleven seawurthy vessels and store
ships and the squadron for the East Indies.
Com. AuIlek commanding, ccmprehends the
steam lligate Susquehanuah and three slocps
Of war. he fetal number ii vessels employ
ed in squadron service is therefore thirty
three. Tho report announces with satisfac.
ton that, in all quarters of the Globe. the
reception Of American cruisers has been res
pectiul and cordial. A complimentary allu-
sion i maie to the expedition IN search Of
Sir John franklin under the command Of
1 Lieut. DE Haven and the generous offer Of
1 tie vessel. by MIR, Grinnell. tor another cruise.
is conveyed to Congress for its acceptance.
should it be thought proper to authorize
second expedition. The Voyage Of the frigato
ST. Lawrence to Southampton is also noticed
in appropriate terms
I The number Of officers employed during
tie year ii the Coast Survey was ninety.
The Secretary rencws his recommendation
that The supervision Of ills work be transfer
red TO the Navy Department. ~
The necessity of revision Of the laws re-
lating TO the Navy, and the adoption Of
suitable and eilicicn; system Of Naval policy
is recommended to the attention OF Congress.
Mr. Graham does not concur in the policy
sometimes advocated, that we should appor-
ton oar Naval force to that cf the principal
nations Of Europe with which we may posi-
bis come in collision: yet be recommends
that all the aids afforded By science and ex-
. pcricnec be applied to the Improvement Of
our Naval establishment 1t is vain that we
, rest contcnfed with old models and antigua
ted ornaments Our Obvious policy IS to
continue to build ships, nei only to supply
losses. bn. 20 keep pace with the improve
rneutsof the age The necessity OF the -es-
|, iaolisamept of retired list, and the want Of
class Of small vessels. to give employment
in command to senior lieut9nants. are two
recommendations Of the report & aa6,
Tie question of Corporeul Punishment IN
The Navy. is commented upon by Secretary
Graham 1T considerable length "A material
4 defect in our Naval code il held 70 Be that
which is sccasioncd BIZ the failure to preyids
any punishment By way Of substitute. Tho
Report goes en- to argue. that the abolition
Of Naval Flog.ing has been attended with
unprohtable consequences; that justice is
delayed by confinement; that honest men nrg
made the servants Of the unworthy. while tho
latter is in confinement; that The ship effec-
tive force is weakened. The Secretary con.
siders that the Consequences If the changes
have thas far been de.rimentalto the service.
and commends the subject to tho considera--
tion Of Congress
The Scientific researches which have been
presented during the year under the direction
Of the Navy Department. are producing val
liable results. The Naval Observatory and
Photographed Office have been il active OPP
GRAFTON; Wind aud Current Charts planned
by Lieut.. Marry, are being extended to tho
Pacific and Indian Ocean; the Astronomical
expedition to Chill, under the direction Of
Lieut. ellis, has been actively conducted,
and the first publication Of the Nautical Al
manac uuder the superintendent If Licr'
Davis may be expected in the course Of l.o
fiscal year. 3sz