The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1853-01-16
Reform In the Navy.

OF the details of the plan for the reorganization and
form of the navy submitted by Senator Stockton do
not presume to speak with any pretence of authority
Recognising, nevertheless the existence OF abuses in
the naval system of the United States the immediate cor
recon of which is demanded by prudent regard for the
public welfare. and concedng, what, indeed. nobody will
dispute that Com Stockton is perfectly competent to
ure scheme which shall insure the greatest possible eff
cheney to this OF national Defence can but esteem
the fact that he has submitted plan for the eorgan
cation OF the navy as justly occasion OF patriotic con-
graduation The existing naval establishment OF the Uni
ted States, so far from beng commensurate with the pot
cal importance Of the country scarcely equal the pro-
lection OF its commerce Happily, the day 10 past when the
richly Laden argosy could the ocean secure only
under the wing OF convoy still, the presence Of re.
spectacle military force in the great highways and at the
chief points Of is essential to the protection of
the American flag and the rights of American citizens
The commerce OF this country encircles the globe psne
rates into the most remote and inaccessible SEAS and
gathers and distributes its treasure in every region and
cline. The navy Of the United States hovers in in.
considerable force around only six, and those no, the
most important, points In respect TO the exgences OF our
commercial marine. The disparity between the mercan.
tile and the naval strength OF the American marine il
astonishing when contemplate the vast force with
which other maritime powers protect their commerce
And is not only in reference the exigencies OF peace
that common prudence would advise an augmentation of
the naval force OF the United States The dread but
possible emergency OF war must be anticipated by
nation mindful of its own interests and Jealous Of
its military fame. 1t is an unpleasant but no, an
unfounded reflection that In the event of war with
either France or Great Britain the coast, of this
country would be exposed TO the we'll nigh unchecked
avages of their "Devasta,o6s" and their "Vul,ures
Relatively the American navy at the present day ia no,
so efficient as in the Of 1884, and we certainly could
not expect oil the present generation of officers nober
display OF energy and yaor than tina, which
the memory OF Perry and Decatur; yet, despite the umos,
exertions and the extraordinary achievements OF those
gallant men, our comnerce was the helpless prey OF
British rapacity and coasts were ravased with i'm
puni'y by bnains navy And so would il be again if
ouI navy were not made a more efficient means of ma
uonal defence.
It results from the geographical position OF the Amer
lean republic that its navy must constitute lis chief de
fence against hostile invasion. There is no power upon
this continent from whose wrath or ambition we have
anything to apprehend against whose assaults the
land forces Of the country would not be sucien, proec
ton Any formidable blow agains, the United States
must come from across the and upon the ocean be
met and repulsed IL is idle 10 talk OF the expense
OF naval establishment when the bonbardmen, Of one
city, which sufcien, naval force could prevent, msh,
involve destruction Of property, to say nothing OF hfe
greater than would suffice TO build fleet of ships.
These considerations touching the Importance of an
efficient naval establishment, are irrespective OF crcum.
stances and apply as well period Of perfec, calm as
OF political doub, and dsqaetude But other and strong
for augmentation OF the naval force of the
United States suggested by the threatening onens Of
the present crisis The tangled and delicate condition
OF the foreign relations of the country is enough 10 ad
nonish the vgilant statesman OF the necessity OF pro
viding against the possible contingency OF war From
all indications, this government is abou, to PROFOUND 10
the world more positive, more manly, and more
energetic foreign policy, and certainly becomes !, 10
support such step in advance by respectable demon
s,ration Of power England, France, and Russia. the
two former especially, are employing the utmost re,
sources OF their power 10 put their naval force UPON
basis Of irresistible and invncble efficiency, AMI The
safety OF this county demands that It should prepare
for any solution which events may give to the Central
American and the fishery disputes.
The scheme oil Senat or Stockton comprehends some
reformation 10 the official distinctions and the method OF
appointment 10 the naval service 10 respect to his sus
geslons in this particular, must rspei, the deelars
lion with which began this article that do pre-
TO speak with authority in whatever criticism we
may offer We recognise, however, in the report Of the
Commodore, the assertion OF general principle which
commands our wsrnest commentator, and which the
common Of the country IL perfectly compe,en, to
appreciate this principle Is. that the rank OF an oassr
should be determined by hs merit Under the existing
v;ous sysen Of succession by seniority, the most CON
mandng abilities postponed to venerable imbeciliy
and the nobest achievements of vaor and genius are
denied their appropriate reward and distinction This is
a double musician injustice TO the individual in
not recognising and rewarding his galan,ry, and an
injustice to the State in limiting TO subordinate station
capacity for independent conm,nd and for daring
achievement This further evil consequence ensues-a
principal stmulant 10 the ambition and energy OF the
naval corps is wanting when preerment is simply an
inheritance by succession, and not the reward and orna
meni OF gallant service. The necessary effect of the
presen, system OF pro notion s monopoly OF the chief
commands in the navy by OF exhausted energies and
worn out nteect--by TT for the calm retreat
OF declining years than the active and stormy services OF
manhood lmbecility does not become tho naval service
The ardor and energy, and ambition of early manhood