Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1853-05-27
se.re.sry Dol,,..a and si,e navy.

Secretary Dobgssa and the Navy.
In a late number OF Tie Pennsylranian. while rc
ferrng 10 the excellent selection which Cen perse
has made for The Navy Department and the difficult
lies which surround Mr. Dobbin upon his induction
to that Office, also pointed briefly 10 the mode by
which he would distinguish his administration OF it.
Our views have met such hearty response from
the press generally, Wing and Democratic that we
deem il our duty 10 resume the subject, in the hope
that Others cognzant of the abuses constantly per-
pe:raed in that department, may be induced to end
their aid in exposing the Encouragement OF those
who have so pertnaciously resisted public opinion
by combining and unfolding each other in their daring
and reckless exercise of power. Conscious that their
position is dependant upon the confidence OF the Sec
rotary, they yield TO each other the necessary support
by the /" you tickle me. and I'll tickle you" system
| If one happen to render himself obnoxious in one
bureau he readily transfers himself TO another In
deed so far has this spirit manifested itself that
interference with their claimed prerogave is per-
med, and objects of special inquiries by Congress
have frequently been frustrated by their interpretations.
We distinctly remember instance of this kind hap
pening during Mr.. Graham's connection with the De-
pariment
The Naval Committee of the House sent for the
opinion of the Engineer in Chief of the Navy upon
certain points submitted but the Chief of COnstruc-
;ion Equipment and Repair undertook to add further
inquiries to force reply in accordance with his own
particular views. The being furnished to the
Naval Committee, they Indignantly sent the communi-
cation back almonshng the chief that when his opta-
This Bureau has probably more than any other ex-
hibited evidences of abuse and extravaganza, partly
because IFS duties more complex and varIent; ana
when an investigation is had by Congress, which we
trust Mr. Dobbin will invite, Developments will be
made OF such nexcusabe ignorance and lmbecllty as
will cause purgation OF the concern.
Ii has been stated, and we have doubt tina; the
former Senior Naval Constructor displaced be-
he would yield 10 the monstrous suggestions
of men whose experiments have cost millions OF money
and rendered the material OF the Navy laughing
stock of the mercantile marine, and Il disgrace TO the
country. Another highly accomplished constructor
succeeded under the impression probeby that he was
mc re plant; but his professional pride and dignity
were not to be worked upon
The abilities of these very excellent, but venerable
naval gentlemen have in many respects, been vastly
oveIraled but, they have managed the Navy and
IFS Secretaries long, by contemplated reforms that
have served 10 blind the latter that we have ceased TO
wonder The multiplicity and incongruy of orders
which have emanated from there, that any public
man, however high his previous position, could re-
tire from the Secretaryship of the Navy with an un
clouded lame. Indeed, we may fairly ask where thai
man is, public estimation who has served two years
{ in the Navy Department? And why is this 1t II
because as we have stated in our former article up
on the subject, that have usually been selected
for that Department lily qualified for the performance
), OF such duties, and they consequently become TIT
). mere crank by which the whole machinery of TIT
). Navy is worked improvements suggested by practl
is wasted in endeavorng to work up their comprehen
sbiIities just claims of citizens obstinately ques
e toned while two millions of dollars annually ex
pended in the Bureau of Construction, Equipmen
5 and Repair and comparative and dsgracetul Inef
cheney alone its fruits.
y But we predict a better issue 10 Mr. DObbin and
= recent act indicates the sagacity and determination
his mind. The steamer Saranac ordered by Com
modore Shubrick 10 Norfolk for repairs After bein
there few days he ordered her into the Dry Dock
horo hnr yy1ct IN ha % nd
h then that the steamer should proceed 10 the Washing
ton Navy Yard at an expense probably of more tina
K ten thousand dollars, 10 have her machinery repare
after which to return 10 Norfolk to be fitted out !!
l. THIS inconsiderate scheme fortunately ntercepe
, by Mr. Secretary Dobbn upon learning the facts, an
d he forthwith countcrmanded the orders OF the Chic
" of the Bureau.
,e We shall continue the sub ect .-Penmsy vanian
m The Present Administration.
We have been pretty much mixed up with polite
le since the election of John Quincy Adams to tn
presidency by the House of Representatives and W
e. think we are safe in saying that the administrator
of President Pierce has so far met with less oppos
lion than any other since the period have name,
re The cabinet selected by Cen Pierce everywhe,
rs we'll received and the subordinate officers
generally as to put cavilling at fault The prcser
r. epoch seems like that which succeeded the electio
VI Of Monroe when for while party spirit was Durie
III and purely national feeling peryaded the countr
=; 1t would be happy thing if, after the yiolel
~ and factious struggles which agtaed and alarme
III the country few years since, we should enjoy
# calm; and feel that the shocks through which "
have passed have only served to cement the gree
9 10 brotherhood of States more firmly together TT
~ election of Franklin Pierce not the mere II
70 umph of party-it was the sentiment of the n
u ton and we hope that his administration will
r. essentially national one, giving security to
e. one, and elcvating the character Of count
ne abroad to that high position which it occupied
el- the close of MIR. Folks brilliant administration
o. W. fool that th;s will no tbe coso Tho cboroct
of the official advisers Of President Pierce authc
H. ICES to propbesy that the honor, the glory and Il
interests of the republic safe in their hands.
Baltimore Argus.
A. Two Million Dollar Diamond.
The Goshen Democrat and Wing tells the folio