The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1853-11-02


There IS perhaps no branch of our military service
that has done better constsB service, according
10 Their numbers. Than the gallant corps Whose name
heads this article ia ordinary duty has been IA small
detscments shpboad where On appears TO have been
well setteI) their services cannot be dispensed WITH
ether m wsr OF peace Small detaehments have also
been employed as guards al The navy yafds Although
lis nuGbefs have always been too small we have mol had
war since the establshms OF the navy which this
corps has nc, scaght occasion carry all OF lis dispose
bic force, however small into the field Its important
services snoa and on shore during the war OF lsll5
are matters OF history, and within the recollection OF
many ln the Florida the gallant soldier al the head
OF that arm oil The ssrscs sesxht active employment IN
the held with part OF his command. md personally
shared IN the exposures and dangers OF the campaign
10 The Mexican the corps although few in numbers,
noby represented in the hottest OF the conflicts, and
among the first to enter the gates OF the city OF
Mexico No looked upon that Spartan band that did
mol feel proud OF lis gallant bearing and small as the bat
TALON was Al not only maintained the wei-earned repu-
aon Of The corps but added fresh aures 10 the wreaihs
that already enclrced lis brows.
The object OF this notice. however not 10 expand The
fame OF this corps by panegyc That has been done Tor
il by more substantial means-the vaor and s.eadness.
the chvaly and honor, OF its ranks under all trials
No. the object has practical bearing upon the improve
OF the public service AID TO invite the attention OF
the government and the public 10 measures OF justice 10
neglected. corps, anu through
efficiency OF its arm to increase the strength OF
iona msrne 10 uphold the honor of flag, and bet
illustrate the character and excellence OF mill
sry discipline wherever the and stripes may float in
the breezea circuit limited only by the spherical bound
aries OF our planet
Our army has nursery OF science in West Point and
its practice in garrison and in the field Oar navy proper
has IFS nursery OF science at Annapolis and lis practice
amid the ocean storm, and may lis sails TO challenge
the admiration OF its friends, clear lis decks TO defy
the threats Of its enemies but where The nursery OF
science and The practice OF gallant marines. who have
to face the criticism OF the world al home and abroad?
None can look upon The difficulties with which il has
had contend bu, 10 admire the energy and capacity OF
the commander and his subordnaes in the management
OF the means with which they have been furnished 10
preserve the efficiency OF that arm.
Ii is only necessary take retrospect Of the past.
and view Of its present condition and future demands
and to consider the diversified positions In which our
may be placed 10 suggest such MEASURES may
be necessary
For the past the marines have been placed in positions
where knowledge OF the various OF the service
and evolutons of The line has been required OF them,
without having previous instruction practice for want
OF numbers and opportunity. For the present. owing 10
The smallness OF numbers and the calls for de-
achments, recruits OF few days drilling from
The necessity OF the case guards ships OF the
navy, where perfect knowledge Of arms and the strces
DISC Pune ana reg ulAIty are necessary.
For the past and the present. the smallness of the num-
bsrs of the rank and file has admitted OF opporiu-
nifty OF drilling and nsrucng the previous TO pla
cling them the decks OF public ships. where
should be but thoroughly instructed and disciplined
men, only regards the tactics and familiar OF
arms. but 10 the principles and practice OF subodna
ton and good order The evils and Dangers Of this
best known 10 those who have the and RESPONSE
bily OF national vessels they see and perhaps
have felt the difhcses and embarrassment; that
when il necessary call in the aid OF the for
any purpose for which they Intended in finding
and inexperienced recruits where they ought have
steady veteran soldiers 10 depend upon.
II frequen lily been found necessary in the English
service, well in own. for the marines per-
form important ices shore, where the SIX III
and seadness requucd and yet in any service il
would be unreasonable 10 expect such skill and slsad
ness from recruits.
Now when every nation is seeking TO ilfuse additional
skl and power INTO ais military marine, every American
should be well instructed in the artillery practice
well in the Infantry drl and exercise; he should be
lrey familiar with both arms and should be well
in iorllheaon, siege, and naval gunnery. well as IN
the management OF held artillery and he shsuld be
pert in the OF small 10 be able fire with
great accuracy, (Which is essential. and which has
been decisive 40 OF close naval conf cis)
all OF which 10 be attained only by accurate instruction
and sufficient practice. This be Afforded with the
the service therefore, mpersyey require increase OF
numbers, TO ufcient afford proper supply OF
all the eesemenis required for the vessels s6oal and
Tor all the navy yards and stations and leave reseye
sufficient form school OF instruction IN garrison,
where drill. tactics, gonnery, sharp shooting. and the
principles Of subordinson and military duty being thor
oughy impressed. would prepare The marine proper
for The discharge OF any military duy which
peculiar naiure OF that might require of him The
gallant commander OF that corps would then be able all
tines TO supply the public ships with deach oil reg
uar, prepared for any emergency OF The service. The
d scpllne and efficiency OF these would do honor
our flag in all parts of the world. and would he firm
reliance for the safely and preservation OF order every
vspse
The excellent arrangement for drll and instruction
infantry 90 far time will permit, under the orders OF
the aDcani of the cops garrison the of
government been very effective, considering The time
emp ed hastily preparing ecruts Tor bo,
j, be very unsatisfactory 10 the officers TO send the
men of Alter drill OF lew weeks and OF
nfew DAYS for The want OF sufficient reserve 10 retain The
recruits long enough 10 garrison to furnish from fhose
we'll Instructed soch soldiers the service Of the country
demands
There every hope however. that under ID.
wise al OF the Navy Department by it's pres.
ent Distinguished head. approved by III. President these
evils will be speedily remedet by improvement. that wall
country.
mus, plead my apology tor the obrus'on Of thu
aricleIs Tie PROPHECY OF calling TIE attention Of the
Executive and OF the pubic this subject; and I'd the
iniefcs, that have felt from my boyhooi for the vel