Washington sentinel., 1853-12-09

shire, about the middle of September, some
one of the vessels having visited every part of
the regions frequented by our fishermen. No
complaints were made to Commodore Shubrick
by any of illegal or harsh proceedings on the
part Of the English squadron stationed in those
waters, and but one case of seizure was re-
ported to him. This vessel, however, was re-
leased upon the payment of the expenses in
Cured in the admiralty court by the proceed
ings in the case, notwithstanding the admission
by the master of an infraction Of the treaty.
tits believed that every effort was made to as
sure our countrymen of protection in the en-
joyment of their rights, and that the duties
confded to the squadron were executed with
fidelity and zeal. "
After the return of the squadron, the Alba
ny, Commander Gerry, belonging to the home
squadron, was sent on cruise to the fishing
grounds, and returned to New York on the 7th
Of November, having shown the American flag
from the mouth of the st. Lawrence, along the
eastern coast Of New Brunswick and Prince
Edwards island, and having passed over all
the fishing grounds most frequented by our fish
ermen.
In the fall of 1852, at the earnest request of
Lady Franklin, DR.. Kent an accomplished
passed assistant surgeon in the navy, was per-
mitted to engage in special service, to some ex-
tent connected with the search for Sir John
Franklin and his companions. He sailed from
the United States during the past summer.
While the officers heretofore engaged in this
interesting search acquired much reputation
for themselves and their country cannot but
express my regret that in certain charts uttered
from the English Admiralty photographic Of
fee on the 18th of October, 1853, an error has
been CON rmitted, and credit is given for certain
new discoveries of lands to officers of the Brit
ish navy; whereas, in truth, they have been
made, and the lands given name, by the Amer
ican expedition under the command of Lieut..
De Haven, which passed the English vessels
and led the way up Wellington channel in the
fall of 1850.
The Naval Observatory, under the superin-
tendence of Lieut.. NJ. f. Maury, is doing much
for science and navigation-much for the ben
eft of mankind and the honor of our country.
For few years past correspondence had been
conducted between the United States and GER
tain other governments on the importance of
adopting some plan to secure a more uniform
mode of making observations at sea. Ascer-
tanning that various governments designed be-
ing represented at Brussels, in pursuance of
scientific suggestions with which Lieut.. Maury
had been conspicuously connected, felt it my
duty to relieve him temporarily from service at
the Observatory, with a view to his visiting
Brussels. The result of his labors in conjunc-
ton with other eminent persons, will, have no
doubt, prove vastly beneficial to commerce and
navigation.
The letters accompanying this report--from
Professor Espey respecting his theory of storms,
and his meteorological observations, from Lieu
tenant Charles H. Davis, in regard to the nau-
L. l.. G.
touching the scientific investigation and expe-
riments upon the character of alimentary sub
stances-are referred to for information as to
the progress made in their respective works.
No further appropriation for the latter object is
considered necessary.
Lieutenant James M. Gilliss is actively en-
gagged in preparing for publication the result of
his astronomical observations at Santiago, in
Chill The report of Lieutenant Herndon,
presenting the results of his exploration of the
river Amazon and its tributaries, is nearly
ready for distribution. The report of Lieu
tenant Gibbon, who was of the same party, but
explored different section of the country, and
returned later, is nearly completed. @ s4
The indefatigable efforts of Lieutenant Dahl
gren to give accuracy and greater effectiveness
to gunnery, and to improve the ordnance of
the navy, have succeeded well, and none can
doubt the advantage the service will expert
ence therefrom.
A law was passed on the 4th of April, 1912,
authorizing a contract to be made with Robert
L. Stevens, of New York, for constructing an
iron war steamer, to be shot and shell proof
Difficulties of various kinds occurred, which
resulted in suspension of the work. In 1852
an act was passed by which the Secretary of
the Navy was authorized and required to have
completed, with the least possible delay, the
war steamer contracted for with Robert L.
Stevens, in pursuance Of an act Of Congress,
approved April fourteen, one thousand eight
hundred and forty-two." Aware of the great
changes which have been made in the power
and destructiveness of guns used on board of
ships-ofwar since l842, | expressed an unwill
proceed, in execution of the contract,
without an understanding that the proposed
steamer should be shot and shell proof, not
merely against those in use at the enactment
of the law of lS42, but also against the i'm
proved guns in use at the period of the law of
1852. Having come to proper understand
ing in regard to the law, shall proceed with
the execution Of the contract.
Napal academy.
This interesting institution is rapidly supply
ing the navy with numbers of educated and ac-
complshed young men, whose early training,
discipline, and instruction, under the guidance
of learned professors and experienced officers,
fit them to adorn the service The
beneficial results already witnessed, demonstrate
that it is now sustaining the same
relations to the navy that West Point Acade-
my bears to the army.
1t is well worthy Of the fostering patronage
of the government. There are, however, GER
tain facilities not now in existence at the acad-
emy, which, in consideration Of the fact that
steam is being recognized as the powerful
agent in naval warfare, deem all-important to
give completeness to the education of an officer.
The practice-ship attached to the academy
should be a steamer, and there should unques-
tionably be machine shop, Of cheap and limit
ed character, on the premises. IF practice in
the sailing vessel has been considered indispen-
sable to improve the students in practical sea.
manship and navigation, is it not manifestly
now that steam is the mighty engine
for propelling vessels Of war, that the practice
ship should display to the inquiring youth, in
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