The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1852-07-31
Condition OF the Navy-Present available
Forces for the Protection OF Ihe Fisheries.

| The asscmbage in the Bay Of Il Lawrence, OF
British feet Of nineteen armed vessels, without tue
slightest notification, TO enforce new construction
Of a treaty, different from what has prevailed ior
thirty years and longer, is new feature IN the IN
tereourse Of Great Br ain With friendly and pow
erful neighbor Still more unexpected and unJusti-
fable was the seizure and confscaton OF an Ameri-
can vessel engaged as was supposed, IN the undis-
ruted right Of fishing in said waters. This is regard
cd throughout tho length and breadth Of the land,
as deliberate and gratuitous insult to our national
aag-an outrage that diplomatic explanation cannot
be permitted TO satisfy 10 diplomatic circles 1t is
considered unfortunate mistake on the part OF
the ministry Of the Earl Of Derby attributable to
the inexperience of that chief and Of the Secretary
unfortunately entrusted with that department Of the
public business, which viii cost them both their
places and be ultimately settled by humble and
ample apologies and concessions, the part of their
successors in the government.
BE that it may, the present position of
affairs is unusual one, and requires all the wis.,
| dom and vtgor Of action OF which our government
is capable.
1t is known that certain ships of are already
ordered, and probably their way, to the DIS
puted fishing grounds, and that others are to follow
as soon rs they can be got ready for sea-al with
distinct and positive orders (Which their command
ers win not be backward in executing to the last let
ter) 70 protect the undoubted rights Of our com-
mcrce and fisheries in that quarter, in the most en-
Iha,ic manner and without reference to future con-
| sequences.
Ii is extremely probable--nay, almost inevitable
that the execution of the orders understood to have
been given 10 the commanders of the naval forces on
| both sides, win bring portions Of their commands
into collision. From what We know Of the temper
ond irmness of both John Ban and Brother Jona-
than-when either thinks his rights inysded-we
may expect that, in the event of forcible measures,
the affair vii. not end very soon or very quietly.
Either her Majetys ships win clear the coast Of the
Yankee fishermen, they are ordered to do, or our
naval vessels win prevent that high handed outrage,
they ordered to do In either case, force will
be employ ed, aud force against force; and the
cess Of either party win render achievements
cessary on both sidcs-on the one side to maiatain
the acquired advantage the other to succeed
in second effort, should the first have failed
This inevitable necessity for rcnforcements, the
experienced heads Of the itish navy have doubt
less foeseen, and there probably on their way,
by this time, many vessels, from various quarters To
the scene of action. That this call for reinforce
ments is also foreseen by our government, is evil
denced b. the extraordinary activity Of operations
in repairs and fitting Of vessels in navy yards
The arrival OF these two reinforcing squadrons-per-
haps neets-at the point in dispute and each en-
deavorg to sustain their antecedents must, if they
arrive separately, produce reprsals and separate
conflicts, and if together, or whenever they come
together, must result in naval general action
| Should such occur-whch Heaven forbd-it will be
first naval general action with England, but it
| will not be the last Quarrels for supremacy be-
tween brothers, always fearfully in earnest In
this case, the dominion of the seas will be the OBJ
iect Of contention and nothing short of that will
suffice either party's ambition. The Goldfish and
machvIei disI'ose viii ~ N,ts~e..~ The parties
bellgerent win have other and bigger fsh to Try.
In this view of the case, it becomes to examine
our own resources, to know what we can depend
upon to meet present and future emergencies. Ac-
coidingly, we have heretofore stated Mr.. Gwin
has moved in the Senate for information of the
present disposabe force and condition Of the navy
and, in course of time, perhaps some information
will be given; perhaps copy of the Navy Register
may be submitted in reply. But the readers Of the
HERALD are not accustomed to depend upon the slow
action the meagre reports of the authorities at
Washington for information important subjects Of
general interest. We have, therefore, condensed,
from variety Of authentic sources, for the infor-
nation OF our readers-who are the mass Of the
people-a particular report of the present state Of
the navy, so far as the present matter calls for in
formation; and shall, soon il can be prepared
for the press present full information of the state of
the entire naval service both Peronnd and mQterid,
in all their ranks divisions, and departments These
reports viii be more full, more accurate, and more
reliable and produced with greater despatch, than
what the old foges at Washington can produce in
this hot weather They will show
l. What naval force we have Immediately avail
able for service in the fisheries.
2 What naval force for Reinforcement, if ne
| cessary.
3. What naval and national resources we can rely
upon for the possible exgency Of long and bloody
naval war with the first naval power on earth.
| 4 What alterations and additions to present
system are required to enable successfully to COM
pete with the mistress Of the scas-perhaps with the
world, in arms for it is impossible to foresee the
events Of a war between two leading powers-what
train Of consequences may ensue, how far other
powers and interests may be embroiled and stirred
into the matter before its completion and termna-
ton.
For immediate service in the fisheries, the follow
ing vess els fso ordered, arrive of Halifax, as
| here given
Steamship Mississippi 10 guns, Capt. W J. McCluney,
detached Japan Expedition for the present service
lying the port Of New York fully ready for with
officers men provisions, coal and ammunition board
waiting final orders to sail, Her battery is medium 80
Founders and 2long l20-pounders pivot guns throwing
shot or paixhan shells of two feet and half circum
ference The Mississippi arrive at Halifax direct by
the "a August.
Steamer saranac, Commander G. !. Pendergrast-6
gum (probaby long "a FOUNDER paxhans) flag ship Of
Commodore Foxhell A. Parker, commanding the Home
Squadron She i. lying at Philadelphia Offered Inclined
poyisoned coal Sc board fully ready for sea- (sad
to be odered Boston and Bay of St. Lawrence mme-
diateIy) If ordered can be OIL Halifax by % August
n