Gallipolis journal. [volume] (Gallipolis, Ohio) 1837-1919, 1852-12-16

been commenced-some oil them
nearly completed-designed TO pro-
tect our principal seaports from Bos-
ton TO New Orleans, and a few
other important points. In regard
10 The necessity for these works, II is
believed that little difference OF
opinion exists among military men.
therefore recommend that the ap-
preparations necessary TO prosecute
them te made.
/ invite your attention to the re-
marks on this subject, and on others
connected with his Department.
contained in the accompanying re-
port of the Secretary of War.
Measures have been taken to carry
into effect the law of the last session
making provisions for the improve
ment of certain rivers and harbors,
and it is believed that the arrange
ments made for tha; purpose will
combine efficiency with economy
Owing chiefly TO the advanced season
when the act was passed, little has
yet been done in regard to many Of
the works beyond making the neces-
sary preparations. With respect to
a few of the Improvements, the
sums already appropriated will sui
fee TO complete them, but most oi
them will require additional appro-
priations. trust that these appro-
priations will be made, and that this
wise and benefcent policy, so ausPi-
ciousIy resumed. will be continued.
Great care should be taken, how
ever, to commence no work which rs
not OF sufficient Importance 10 the
commerce of the country to be
viewed as national in IFS character.
But works which have been COM
menced should moi be discontinued
until completed, as otherwise the
sums expended will in most cases be
lost.
The report from the Navy Depart
ment will inform you Of the prosper
ous condition of the branch OF the
public service committed 10 its
charge. II presents TO your con-
sideration many topics and sugges-
tioDs OF which | ask your approval.
II exhibits an unusual degree of ac-
tivity in the operations OF the De-
partment during the past year. The
preparations for the Japan expedi-
tion, TO which have already alluded;
the arrangements made for the ex-
ploration and survey Of the China
Seas, the Northern Pacific, and
Behring's Straits; the ;ncipient meas
ures taken toward a reconnaissance
of the continent of Africa eastward
OF Liberia; the preparation for an
early examination of the tributaries
OF the River La Plata. which re>
cent decree Of The provisional chief
of the Argentine Confederation has
opened to navigation; all these en-
terprises, and the means by which
they are proposed TO be accom-
plished, have commanded my full
appreciation, and have no doubt
will be productive OF most useful
results.
Two officers Of the Navy were
heretofore instructed to explore the
whole extent of the Amazon river
from The confines OF Peru to IFS
mouth. The return Of one OF them
has placed in the possession Of the
Government an interesting and
valuable account OF the character
and resources Of a country abound
ing in the materials Of commerce,
and which, if opened TO the industry
of the world. will prove an mex
haustible fund OF wealth. The re-
port OF this exploration will be COM
TO you as soon as it is
completed.
Among other subjects offered 10
Y your notice by the Secretary of the
Navy, | select for special commenda-
lion, in view OF its connection with
the interests OF the Navy, the plan
submitted by him for the establish
ment OF a permanent corps Of sea-
men, and the suggestions he has
presented for the reorganization Of
the Naval Academy.
In reference to the first Of these, |
take occasion to say that ! think il
will greatly improve the efficiency
Of the service, and that regard it as
still more entitled TO favor for the
'aluiary influence it must exert upon
The naval discipline, now greatly |
disturbed by the increasing spirit Of
nsubordiDation, resulting from our
present system. The plan proposed
or the organization Of the seamen,
furnishes a judicious substitute for
he law of Septe mber, 1850,
lbolishing corporal punishment, and
satisfactorily sustains the policy Of
hat act, under conditions well
adapted to maintain the authority Of
and the order and security
,f our ships. II is believed that
my change, which proposes perma-
lently TO dispense with this mode of