Washington sentinel., 1853-12-09

anu lay tnem DeIOre our readers as SpeeuIy as
possible. With that view we present to-day
the Report of the Secretary of the Navy.
REFORM IN THE NAvY.-sECRETARY
DOBBIN's REPORT.
We have read the report Of the Hon. ]. G.
Dobbin, Secretary Of the Navy, with great
pleasure. 1t is an able document. More than
this, it is a very interesting document. It is
manifest, from his report, that he is working,
pains-taking Secretary. He has evidently Ia
bored diligently to acquire an accurate and
minute knowledge of the duties pertaining to
the responsible post over which he presides SO
acceptably to the navy, SO acceptably to the
country. His views, and his plans Of improve
ment and reorganization are not only in har-
mony with our own opinions, but are in harmo-
ny with the spirit of the age. They are pecu-
liarly adapted to the wants and necessities Of
the navy.
The report is too voluminous to admit in one
article ofa complete summary Of, and copious
comment on it. The Secretary arranges his
subjects under different heads, and treats Of
them separately. After stating the present
naval force of the United States, and its distri-
button; he speaks of the Naval Academy,
which sustains to the navy the same relation
that West Point bears to the army. He treats
of yards and DOCKS of rules and regulations,
and then considers the subjects of the increase
and the reorganization of the navy, and a
modification of our system in regard to seamen,
with a view to encourage more permanent en-
listments, to identify them more thoroughly
with the navy, and elevate their character by
a plan of rewards as well as punishments. Ii
is these three topics that we propose briefly
to consider this morning.
We feel that we cannot too highly extol the
recommendations of Mr.. Dobbin on these
points.
First, the INCREASE OF THE NAVY. In order
to form an intelligent and reliable opiniononth this
subject tits necessary to consider three things:
First, the objects Of navy: secondly, the
force of our navy, and thirdly, whether that
force is adequate to the accomplishment Of the
objects contemplated in its establishment.
The objects of navy are succinctly and
lucidly stated by the Secretary. The navy is
one important arm Of national defence Ener
gy and strength should therefore be impaired to
it to fit it for all the exigencies Of the service
One object is to protect our commerce in dis
tant seas; another is to guard our coast; and
another is to enforce an observance Of the rights
Of our citizens and our country abroad.
In order to accomplish these objects a con-
siderable naval force is necessary. What is
the size of our navy--and..is it large enough
for necessary and useful purposes?
1t consists of about seventy vessels, includ
ing as well the smallest briggs, schooners, and
store-ships, as the ships-ofthe-line Many of
these are not only unfit for service, but not
worth repairing. There are not now forty ves-
sells that could be brought into service in ninety
days, if needed. There is no steamer in the
Pacific or African squadron. There is but one
in the Brazilian squadron of two guns. We
have in our navy no steamer of more than ten
guns. Only $500 men are authorized by law
to be enlisted-whch are sufficient only to
man properly a feet of fifty vessels. In point
of size, our navy is much less than one.ftM Of
that of several ofthe greatest powers Of Europe.
With this navy we have an Atlantic coast of
more than 1000 miles, and Pacific coast Of
vast extent, to protect with all our present and
rapidly growing trade in those oceans.
We agree with the Secretary that an increase
of the navy is imperiously demanded, by every
consideration Of national defence and protec.
ton. This increase should be gradual-but il
should keep pace with the developments and
the necessities Of the times.
While we do not believe that war steamers
can take the place of sailing vessels, yet we
agree with the Secretary in thepropriety Of i'm.
pressing all the aids Of steam into the naval
service. Steamers answer many of the pur.
poses of war as well as those Of commerce.
Steam ships constructed on the principle OF
screw propellers, are, we think, best suited to
our navy.
The Secretary advises that authority be given