Semi-weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1853-18??, 1853-12-17


| rate and independent sections. Unless it has the
protection of quiet harbor, it would necessarily be
much affected by the andulatng motion of the waves,
and be much at the mercy of the winds 8
When vessel is placed on the dock and foated
into basin it may remain there for month repairs
without any danger from storms. My predictions
arevery decidedly IN favor of stone docks; but Con-
gress has decided that asSectional floating dock is
preferable in California. entertainSthe opinion
that basin is necessary to render it perfectly safe
when large ship is locked for repairs, which may
expose it to months of dangerous weather.
As to the usefulness to the public service, my
pinon is that it is proposed to build but this one
dock on the Pacific coast it would be rendered
doubly useful by having the basin and railway, by
which many vessels could be accommodated at the
same time. Although the rGilloay would be USefuL
to the public service, not of opinion that it is
7aecessa7Y.
The opinion having been given by the Attorney
General that the title of the United States to the
land purchased for maynard was not good, have
declined to make any contract for building the basin
and railway. On examination l ascertained that the
contractors had entered into separate agreement
with the government to erect pier to secure the
dock for three years only and dock the vessels of
the navy, provided they allowed to charge for
docking merchant ships for that space of time. 1t
is expected that the difficulties as to the title will be
removed at the approaching session of the legislature
of California when shall proceed to execute
tract for the basin unless Congress shall otherwise
direct.
The sale Of the portion of land attached to the ma
Ny-ydu at DFOOklyn, Dy the act OF the laSC
Congress- for set forth in the letter from the
Bureau of Yards and Docks, has been postponed.
The letter accompanies this report.
The suggestions made by those who have preced-
ed me, touching the policy of naval establishment
at New Orleans, are commended to favorable con-
sideration; provided, however, it is previously
certalned by proper surveys that the bar will adj
init Of the approach of vessels ofwar The resolutions
of the Senate, directing the Secretary of the Navy
to report whether it will be advantageous 10 the
government to establish naval depots at Newport,
Rhode Island and at or near Beaufort North Carroll
IA, will be made the subject of special communica-
ton to the Senate sufficient information
is received from parties making surveys.
Commander Blake, of the navy, despatched
to Key West Florida, in October last, for the pur
pose of making arrangements for carrying into exc
cution the act of July 81, 1852, for establishing
coal depot for naval purposes at that place. His
companying letter explains the progress made.
RULES AND REGULATIONS.
Attention has been repeatedly invited by my pre-
decessors to the Importance of further legislation
the subject of rules AUTHORIZATIONS for the govern
mcnt of the navy.
The law for 1.-THE better government of the navy"
was approved in April, 1900. This law passed more
ment OF the navy, having been but little altered with
the exception OF that part of it relating to corporal
punishment. Many amendments of that law, with |
a Wow to economy of time and money have been |
rendered important and necessary account of the
great expansion of country. 1t is not adapted
to our present condition. When it passed our |
ships-of-war on the coasts of Florida, Texas and |
California were acting out of the United States"
and its provisions as to courS-martia could be
vcnicntly enforced. But if large squadron should |
be at San Francisco however important early action
might be for converting or dssolvng court martial, |
there must be delay until the department at |
Washington can issue the necessary orders in each
case
The "Rucs and Regulations" were adopted in
1918, under the act of 1915. They need much mod
iicaton. In December 1852 a board was convened
that lnHn nr11nr FROM tloS
IF the Navy. They reported q system of rules
which were approved by the late Executive in Feb
'uary, and few copies were issued to officers. A
question: however, having arisen to the authority
If the Executive to adopt this system of orders and
Instructions without the sanction of Congress, and
he opinion of the Attorney General having been
hat without the sanction of Congress they were IL
egal by your direction order was issued rescnd-
ng them. The regulations of 1918, therefore, are
till in force
Controversies between the sea and civil officers of
he navy, in regard to rank have arisen and will
continue until adjusted by legislation
/ sec objection to the assignment of a proper
ank to the civil officers of the navy-not merely as
qualification of pride, but to prevent discord. 1t
xists in other navies and in our army.
INCREASE THE NAVY.
The result of my investigation of this subject is a
ccded conviction that the maintenance Of our prop |
r and elevated rank among the great powers of the
world; the just protection of widespread and |
rowing commerce; the defence of our thousands of
he lakes and the Gulf of Mexico the recent marked
improvements III the art of naval architecture adop-
ed by other nations-all unite in demonstrating tie
olicy the necessity, Of increase Of the navy. 1t
truo, indeed our policy is peace No lust of do
linion, spirit of aggression marks out
bur national mission is, by the moral force of exam
lie to illustrate the blessings of liberty and peace,
Utilization and religion. But the reasonable inquiry
peace be best maintained by the exhibition of
weakness. or by display of strength
nd preparation which, while it invites not
let at least deties assaults? What are the objects
rect conclusion to the size and character Of the
avail force of republic situated geographically and
officially as the United States? DO not wisdom !
alcuations for the future while he takes thought of
this right of defence, at the time not to
G unmindful of the comparative force, efficiency,
nd character of the naves of the great powers with
HON, with all our cherished love of peace, may
ave to contend? Is it the suggestion of sound '
secretion to rely exclusively upon the sudden prep
'aton of patriotic people, when the perilous
ency starts up before them, and shut eyes with
uiet composure to our real condition? Or is it
User to make the preparation which considerate G
ance at the true state of facts shall persuade is
sential to security? S
believe that it is only necessary to present the
as truly exists to the attention of those who
ave the power, to produce the desired results.
The American navy consists of about seventy ves Il
lis, embracing all, from the ships-of-the-line to the
nallest brig, schooner, and store-shp. Of these S
any ships line frgates, steamers and sloops