The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1852-12-16
REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY

SUBJECTS worthy tuelr attention, reminds them
that many valuable suggestions of his prede-
cessors, yet not acted on, have lost none of their
interest
The distribution of the navy into six squad
rons has still been adhered to- and the term of
cruise remains at three years except on the
coast of Africa, where it has been limited 10
two. The term, however, is subject to an oc-
casional prolongation when the public interest
requires it,
The East India squadron has been lately re-
organized, and placed under command of Com
modore Perry and his force will consist os the
line-of-battle ship Vermont to be ready about
the LIST of March next the steam. frigate Mis-
sissippi, his flagship; to be followed by the
steam-trigate Powhatan, detailed in place of
1.-The Princeton, whose machinery has been found
imperfect The corvette Macedonian, the sloop
otwar Vandalia, and the steamer Allegheny,
will compose the remainder of this force The
storesh'ps supply and Southampton are also
attached to the East India squadron.
The Pacific squadron will be put under COM
mand of Captain Dulany.
The African squadron will 10 placed under
the command of Commodore Layaette. The
Secretary suggests that the time has come
when the necessity Of continuing this squadron
may be considered.
On the coast of Brazil, Captain Salter will
IN the spring relieve Commodore McKeeyer
The Mediterranean squadron, in command
OF Commodore Stringham, will probably here
after be reinforced by either the Princeton or
Saranac. This squadron has been conspicu-
ously engaged, and the zeal with which it has
performed its duty is commended
The Home squadron, under command of
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the frigate Columbia, the steamers Saranaa
and Fulton and the sloops-of:war Albany aud
Cyane.
! The secretary adyers 10 the expedition for
the purpose of establishing relations of amity
and commerce with the empire of Japan, and
to the expedition for the exploration and survey
OF the China seas, the Northern Pacific and
Behring's straits. He anticipates important re-
suits from both these expeditions The latter
Is placed under the command of Commander
Rmggod distinguished for his participation in
FORMER expedition and the sloop-of-war Vim
Gennes the propeller John Hancock, and the
brig Porpoise, have been detailed Cor the pur-
pose.
With view of contributing to the ful6lment
Of the high expectations which the country has
formed Of the navy, the Secretary has also set
good is anticipated. These are the African
expedition, under Commander Lynch. and tho
expedition for the purpose of exploring the
river La Plata and its tributaries, which will
be placed under the command Of Iieu,eaan
Page.
10 eouuection with these, the Secretary re
iers to the return Of Lieutenant Herndon, t.
whom was consigned in conjunction with Pass
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exploration Of the valley of the river Amazon
and its tributaries. Lieutenant Herndon ha
collected valuable statistics in relation 10 tn,
country, and report of his journey is in course
of preparation. Lieutenant Gibbon has no,
yet arrived, but when he returns the facts
gathered in his route will also be submitted
The services of Lieutenants Lee and Berry
man, in ascertaining tho position OF dangerous
COCKS between the United States and Europe,
are noticed.
The expedition in search of Sir John Frank.
lin, about to be organized under the auspices
of Messrs. Grnneii and Peabody, will! furnish
occasion Cor valuable scientific observation
and the Secretary thinks he has done no more
than justice TO a meritoriOus officer in accedinp
to the request Of Lady Franklin, by permitting
DIR. Kano to accompany the expedition IL ad-
dtional means should be necessary for his sci
entfc researches, the subject is commended 10
the attention of Congress go" . %
OF the SaYal .,cadcmy at Annapolis the
secretary gives his views mt some length As
the number of those who can be admitted TO
the school under the present system is necessa-
rily small, and as the school is liable to some
other objections, he proposes o Fundamental
change in its structure, and recommends that
the academy should be composed exclusively of
cadets, or young men who are received as can
didates for admission TO the navy. BY the ar
rangement which he proposes, Congress would
be called on to nominate fifty seven candidates
every year, and the President FIVE besides the
appointment to vacancies arising out of failure
to pass preliminary examinations. Various
other suggestions, in this connection, are offer.
cd in regard to the classification Of midshiplnen,
passed mdshipmen, end masters and the cstab.
lishment Of d photographed corps. The wear
ly graduates of the academy will, according to
this system, be assigned to the two branches of
service described-namely the regular naval
service, and that Of the hydrogyapbioai corps.
The Secretary enters into very explicit details
Of the proposed system, and states succnctly
the reasons which call for its adoption.
Praise is awarded to Commander stribling,
who has charge Of the institution, and to the
officers, professors, and assistants under his
command for the assiduity and intelligence
with which they have performed their duties.
On the subject Of the organization and disc-
pline of seamen, the Secretary dwells at length.
The abolition of corporal punishment, without
provision for suitable substitute has been
followed by unsatisfactory results and the most
frequent complaints Against the abolition of
corporal punishment are made by seamen
themselves Looking at this state of things,
the Secretary submits the outlines Of new
system Of enlistment, by which the sailor, after
suitable probation, shall be permanently at
tached to the navy of the United States, rcceiv-
ing an additional dollar month for every sue
cessive five years service, the right to this ad-
ditional pay being liable 10 forfeiture by his re-
signation or being struck of the list, which is
only 10 be done by order Of the Secretary Of
the Navy or by sentence of court martial
the registered seamen 10 be exempt from any
corporal or other punishment.
The Secretary recommends an increase OF
the naval establishment Of the United States,
and especially invites attention 10 the recon-
mendation Of the Bureau Of Construction that
three frst-cIass screw propeller irigates, and
the same number Of propeller sloops-ofwar be
provided for There Is an abundance Of tim
Der in the navy yards Ip connection with this
subject, be represents the necessity Of estsb-
fishing one or more factories for the construc-
ton Of machinery for the largest class Of steam
ers.
Il IN also necessary TO increase the number
Of seamen, and to increase their wages
Authority is asked for the appointment Of
twenty assistant surgeons, with u correspond
ing promotion Of those already in service.
The marine corps and the ipadeauasy of IL
numbers are next rafarred 10.
Additional pursers are needed.
The Secretary renews the recommendations
heretofore made in regard to retired list and