Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1853-1862, 1853-12-15
TIE REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF THE NAV,

THE REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY.
The report of the Secretary of the Navy is an
important document from the fact that he advo-
Gates the reorganization of the navy, and recon-
mends the appropriation of five millions for the
building of several steam propeller frigates. He
says there are not forty vessels which could be
brought into service in ninety days if needed In
advocating the construction of steam propeners, he
continues
81 recommend, therefore, that the Department be
authorized to have constructed least six first class
steam frigates--propelIers. The opinion is that
that number may be built in our several yards in
addition to the work now going on, and the repairs
usually needed on the return of vessels from long
voyages. 1t is estimated that they will cost be-
tween four and five millions of dollars, and can be
built in about twenty months, with the exception
of some deficiency in the supply Of white oak and
yellow pine which can be without much difficulty
procured. We have on hand at the various yards
ample materials to accomplish what is recommen-
ded. 1t will be perceived, on referring to the es-
Inmates of the Bureau of Construction that an es-
innate is made of the entire cost.
asst is deemed desirable to make the addition
to our naval forces early practicable, in con-
sideraton of the number of vessels which will soon
be unfit for service, and not worth repairing and
as it is important to retain on hand for energen-
cies . reasonable supply of building materials, 1
venture to suggest the policy of making the appro-
priation at an early day. to enable the Department
to build them with despatch, and purchase sup
ply of material so as not to diminish the amount on
hand
He also recommends that the Santee, at Kittery,
and the Sabine, at New York, on the stocks since
1919 be altered modernized, and finished, as sub
sttutes for two fgates of the same class withdrawn
as worthless. The old ship-ofthe-line, Franklin, is
being repaired at Kigtery, and her model changed
with view of converting her into first class
steam frgate "Shoud these recommendations be
adopted the report adds, sour naval force will be
strengthened by the addition of two first class sail
ing irgates, and Of seven first class steam frigates
capable of mounting fifty guns each, there being no
steamer at present of more than ten guns. My
opinions, ii would be sound policy to dispose of
such vessels asare deemed unfit for service yes
sells of war" This branch of the report concludes
with Recommendation for the establishment of ma
chine shops, and an increase of enlistment men
from the present number-seventy- hundred
to ten thousand
Under the head of ere organization ofthe navy
the Secretary recommends a retired list on reduced
pay, for the faithful who have become infirm; the
discharge of the inefficient who have no claim on
the bounty Of their government for services rem
dered; promotion regulated by capacity and merit,
and not by mere seniority Of commission pay to
some extent controlled by sea service. A board of
officers of various grades to be selected by the
President, can be convened periodically to report to
him the names Of those who, in their judgment,
should be made subject of the rules prescribedsbut
their report to be binding the President only so
for as he deems proper a system of rewards and
punishments to the sailors, and honorable discharge,
is suggested means of encouraging more per-
manent enlistments, &c.
The Secretary it decidedly opposed to the resto-
tention to the Naval Academy, Navy Yards, &c,
and with regard to the basin and railway at San
Francisco, for which an appropriation was made
last Congress, leaving the construction of the work
discretionary with the Secretary of the Navy, he
considers, although it would be useful it is not
cessary.