The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1853-08-23
'ur steam MAYA Measure OF Reform.


The public attention has been much attracted Of ., Ia
Their unsuccessful performance at sea. and their nd,
quscy for The purposes for which they designed have
conlrased broadly with the expectations formed in rsd
them and with the expense OF their construction and
repair.
We are glad perceive from an advertisement published
for several days past this journal by the Navy Depart
ment, that the Secretary OF the Navy has undertaken
remedy this state OF things, and TO adopt plan in III.
repair of steam vessels which shall result in giving
them degree OF efficiency commensurate with ID.
progress of the country in the arts pertaining 10
steam navigation With this view, the Secretary has
announced that he will receive propositions for the re-
pair and re6tling Of The steamer San Jacnto the con-
dition Of which shall be that satisfactory trial trip shall
be made by her under the inspection of the naval eng
neer before any portion of the payment shall be made,
and that half of the payment shall not be due until the
vessel has shown her capacity by specified period Of
succesu! service under similar inspection. strikes us
that while this proposition is perfectly fair towards
the contractor, it is admirably calculated TO a..
cure good work TO the government and to secure
10 the country efficient steam vessel in return for
The public money expended for the purpose il
pledges the contractor TO his best eHors, and it open,
The work TO the fairest and resst competition In IN,
introduction of this principle and plan Of operation ip,o
The public service there appears to be means Of escape
for the future from the frequent costly failures which The
government has encountered in the construction and
modelling OF ills steamers In regard to The plan adopt.
ed by Secretary Dobbin the Philadelphia National Argus
very justly remarks
REFORM TuE NAvY.-RKrAIRs TO THx u s. rRIeArE
SAN JAcINro"-The Secretary OF the Navy in the di'po
son he has evnced to increase the efficiency Of
onal marine service and give to II higher character,
has won The hearty approval of the whole country Our
navy has justly become national eProach There
is why il should be expensive and less PEI
than the private marine yet It is VIGOROUSLY and
whep after another, the various steamers OF the
are required for immediate and important service they are
all found or less imperfect and wholly united for the
duties required 1t remedy this evil and TO apply lbe
corrective in the proper quarter that the Secretary now
earnestly labornR, and no will succeed, we feel A.
sured n correcting the evil should il be found
say change entirely the system of building and
construction As IL now lie, the steam brsnch OF navy
is almost useless and IL incom potent Tor tho duties
qnred OF it In peace OF what possible nsc could II be
means of pi election defence in war; Tho private
Of the country the other hand though costing much
les propo ons,ey, has far different character Thath
unsurp passed in efficiency and speed, and the savingd
fuel The contrast is great in fact ~ TO airest tho Al
tcntion OF the careless observer and while M
so il very greatly detracts from our national namc and
character Our national should not he
passed in respect by any ahoat and
la ind cative of state oil things in this rsspec
that The Secretary in tho notice he has issued for Pre-
poals for furnishing new engines. machinery and boilers
for the stesm fgao San Jacnio." the Pniaae.
pha navyysrd, specifies that the payments shall only be
IN ade in this One-iaf successful trial uip,
satisfactory to the department. and he balance after
years successful running This conceive be the
policy 1t certainly is much for the governments
for individuals, and lead the way very nporAn,
change for the better in this branch of the public
We learn, 10 this connection, that it is the intention
The Navy Department TO convert the franklin line-o.
battle ship at The navyyard al Kit,ery, Maine,
steam. propeller of the first class. The Franklin has
long been in unserviceabe condition sailing v.,.
sell and instead of attempting 10 repair her, the Secretary
designs, learn, 10 dismsne her altogether and
that portion Of her TIMBER which is good y
and that portion only--for the construction of power.
full and efficient steamship.
IL cannot be doubted that in these underiak nes and
The spirit which prompts them. the Secretary Of III. Navy
is responding 10 the wants OF our public services and
the wishes Of the country.
improvements at the Capitol