The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1852-02-06


Mr.. EDToR The necessity for a reorganlz OF
our naval establishment seems to be so universally ad
mitled, and the subject is undergoing so thorough
an investigation in both branches Of Congress that il de-
wolves upon all who interested in the welfare OF the
service to throw all the light they can command upon
what appears 10 be regarded rather an Intricate ques-
uon There is difficulty in the minds of many OF the
warmest friends OF this movement in determining where
TO begin, well as how far they should 20, in
eteeting the much-desred reformation. The dversl.
~ oil opinion known 10 exist among the officers them.
selves upon these points is calculated 10 discourage and
retad the efforts and operations OF those who have the
power in the matter and the only means by
which any good result can be accomplished is for those
who are Immediately and personally concerned 10 recon-
Gle all their conflicting views and preferences in the
premises, aud with one accord give their cheerful
quescence TO the passage OF any law by Congress which
may, IN the minds OF majority have salntary effect
upon the present diseased condition OF the service
Without presuming TO advance any purely original
ideas upon the subject cannot repress the inclination to
mbody IN as brief form practicable, the results OF
my individual experience and observation with The sub
stance OF The various opinions and arguments have
heard from others The which have operated 10
njure if not 10 destroy, the efficiency of the service
certainly not to be traced to the officers themselves al
though it cannot be denied that many OF the evils exist
ing in the navy could never have found there,
if all, majority OF them, had been faithful and
conscientious in the discharge OF their duties Few
be found in any walk of life who always ready
to sacrifice their immediate and private interests to pub
lie duty; and the only wise OF legislation that
be adopted for the government of any body OF men is
make their personal well professional interest to
adhere strictly to their dntiesto make their peferment
and elevation in all respects depend not altogether upon
their Of obligation to the employee, but also upon
their individual efforts to acquire proficiency in the know
edge OF the duties they required to perform. The
neglect of this fundamental principle in the legislation Of
Congress relating to the navy up to the present time will
account great measure for the notorious fact that
large number OF the officers OF the navy continually
striving TO select for themselves the character quality and
quantity Of duty which their Private Interests demand of
them. These not destitute of moral principle,
nor yet OF that generous ambition which should charac-
erize every aspant for military honors and every true
lover of his country. On the contrary there many
among them who in time OF need for their services in the
legitimate line OF their duties in the defence Of their
try, would be the most Jealous and faithful. But while
he who most devoedy adheres to the dull, stale, fiat
and Improbable routine of his legitimate duties
warded by professional personal consideration, be-
yond the receipt OF his annual pay, which affords him
bare support and perhaps the requirement OF repua-
ton for prompt obedience to orders, which only insures
for him double allowance OF the disagreeable duties oil
the profession it scarcely be expected that those who
have the and the ability to above this maudn
condition will suffer themselves to be tied down to the
drudgery Of the service While cannot regard this prn
cipe worthy OF commendation however, think its
existence and practice in the navy perfectly natural
consequence of the absence of any regulation OF the Navy
Department or law OF Congress, making the promotion Of
officers from grade to another depend upon the
amount and the character of the duties they have per-
formed in that grade 10 which they may belong There
must be test by which officers qualifications fol
advancement 10 be determined; and would respect
H. IaAn,t unrIa
will consist in requiring all 10 perform certain amoun
of in each grade before they possibly reach
the next one above. Any one failing to come up to THU
Standard and pass this ordeal should beyond the posi-
bty of escape, be placed upon furlough Cor half of h
leave of absence pay and the next one below him, con
forming this regulation, should be promoted in hi.
place. With junior officers and high the grade o
first lieutenant" contemplated in the plan have 10 pro
pose it might justly be stipulated aso that they shoulc
be continued upon this half-pay for limited number o.
years. and then discharged from the service. 1t canno
reasonably be expected OF the government, liberal
usually is towards its servants, TO support young man
in ideness who has failed to perform his part of the
contract which had existed between them; but having
spent long period of The most valuable time of life
lin view OF the means of earning supporD in the
vice Of the country il would assaredly be harsh and un
Just for the government suddenly and without any pro-
vision, TO cast penness upon the world who hac
devoted 10 its service the freshness and vigor of his
YOUTH even though he had failed in one OF the require
men,s OF duty am persuaded, however, that if the
plan have 10 suggest could be adopted. the additional
incentives held out to excite the ambition and esprit du
corps which ought TO exist in all military naval men
would obvate the necessity for exercising the cemency
OF the government in this respect Those who have
passed the grade of first lieutenant must be supposed
Also to have passed the meridian Of life and would b.
exceedingly difficult for at that age TO acquire
knowledge of any new business by which to Twins
for themselves and families therefore all above that grade
when placed on fuough pay for any cause, might justly
hone 10 continue there for life, unless, perchance, the
government should require their services, and then they
would be liable TO be called duty by the Navy Depart
ment
Another very obvious cause for the want OF system
and unanimy OF action, both on board ship and ashore
which characterzes the service at this time, is the alb
sence OF any adequate and satisfactory law TO establish
the relative rank of the civil branch OF the service will
the sea officers. regard the pretensons and claims
the pursers and surgeons ndispuaby just, so long al
thew are content with the nominal rank, and do not at
tempt 10 exercise the authority with which that rank
would invest them if they belonged to the military de
partment My observation teaches that there is
very general willingness the part of the sea officer
that pursers and surgeons should take rank with first lieu
tenants from the date of their commissions and continue
hold corresponding rank with them until they botl
reach the grade OF post captain beyond that presume
they hardly desire TO ascend in the scale oil mar,
rank, this position will carry with II all the respec
and consideration which is accorded TO any grade apar
from that inspired by military command. The assmilaeo
rank OF the Junior grades OF the medical corps, and o.
engineers in the navy could easily be defined on this
l.