The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1852-12-10

10 Mr.. HALL, to the Assistant POstmasters
General, and to the subordinates of the De-
Report OF tho Secretary OF the Navy.
The Secretary Of the Navy, in bringing to
the notice of the President and Congress the
subjects worthy their attention, reminds them
that many valuable suggestions Of his prede-
cessors vet 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 to
two. The, term, however, is subject to an oc-
casional prolongation when the public interest
requires it. a7
The East India squadron has been lately re-
organized and placed. under command of Com
modore PERRY, and his force will consist Of
the line of-battle ship Vermont to be ready
about the LIST Of March next; the steam-frigate
Mississippi, his fag-ship to be followed by the
steam-frigate PowhataD, detailed in place Of the
Princeton, whose machinery has been found i'm
perfect. The corvette Macedonian, the sloop-
cfwar Vandalia, and the steamer Allegheny
will compose the remainder Of this force. The
storeships 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 be placed under
the command of Commodore LAvALErTE. The
Secretary suggests that the time has come
when the necessity Of continuing this squadron
may be considered. .@.ss4
On the coast of Brazil Captain SALrER will
in the spring relieve Commodore McKEEvER.
The Mediterranean squadron, in command
of Commodore SrRINaHAM, 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
Commodore NEwroN, consists of the flag ship
the frgate Columbia, the steamers Saranac
and Fulton, and the sloops- war Albany and
Cyane.
The Secretary adverts to 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
RINasoLD, distinguished for his participation
in former expedition; and the sloop-of-war
Vincennes, the propeller John Hancock. and
the brig Porpoise have been detailed for the
purpose. .. ...-.~. wv,
With view of contributing to the fulflment
of the high expectations which the country has
formed Of the navy, the Secretary has also set
on foot two other expeditions, from which great
good is anticipated. These are the African
expedition, under Commander LYNCH, and the
expedition for the purpose Of exploring the river
La Plata and its tributaries, which will be
placed under the command Of Lieutenant PACE.
In connexion with these, the Secretary refers
to the return of Lieutenant HERNDoN, to whom
was consigned, in conjunction with Passed
Midshipman CHOW Lieutenant) GIBBor, an ex-
ploration Of the valley of the river Amazon and
its tributaries Lieutenant HERNpoN has col.
lected valuable statistics in relation 10 the coun-
try, and report of his journey is in course oi
preparation Lieutenant GIBBoN has not yet ar.
rived, but when he returns the facts gathered
in his route will also be submitted.
The services of Lieutenants LEE and Der
RrMAN in ascertaining the position of dan
gerous rocks between the United States and
T. ticed. ..as-
The expedition in search of Sir JOHN
FRANKLIN, about to be organized under the
auspices of Messrs. GRINNELL and PEABODY
will furnish occasion for valuable scientific OBJ
,eryation; and the Secretary thinks he has done
no more than justice to a meritorious officer in
acceding to the request of Lady FRANKLIN,
by permitting DR.. KANE to accompany the ex-
pedition. IF additional means should be ne.
cessary for his scientific researches, the sub
ect is commended to the attention Of Congress.
OF the Naval Academy at Annapolis the
Secretary gives his views at 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 fundamental
change in its structure, and recommends that
the academy should be composed exclusively Of
cadets, or young men who are received
as candidates for admission to the navy. By
the arrangement which he proposes, Con
rress 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 ex-
aminations. Various other suggestions, in this
connection, are offered in regard to The cassi-
cation Of midshipmen. passed midshipmen, and
masters, and the establishment Of a hydrogra
phical corps. The yearly graduates Of the