Daily evening star. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1852-1854, 1853-02-17
EVENING STAR.
WASHINGTON:
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY II, 1853.

Reorganization Of tho Navy.
We again vacate the post Of honor for the
purpose Of giving place to the following ar
ticle on an important subject, now attract
ing much of the attention of C ngress and
the country. 1t is written by gentleman
we'll versed in the matter of which it treats,
with such marked ability.-ED.
Mr.. EDITOR: A few days ago when the
bill Of Commodore Stockton for reorganiz-
ing the Navy, passed the Senate with ma
jority so overwhelming, its friends INDUCED
the confident hope Of its speedy passage in
the other House; but the recent move of
Mr.. Stanton, chairman of the Naval Com
mittee, has put to fight the pleasing delu
sion.
l learn that this gentleman has peculiar
views upon the subject of renouatiny and i'm
proving our Navy novel to be sure, but
nevertheless entitled to some degree Of orr
ginality. He is wholly opposed to the Sen
ate bill; why do not know, unless it be
that it did not originate with him. His
plan is to dismiss all the officers of the
Navy and re appoint by the President aud
Congress, all such as are meritorious this
deserves to be styled 'Stanton's Coup detat,
Who, sir, is to judge Of the character and
seamanlike qualifications of the applicant
for re-appointment? Is it the President
and Senate of the United States? And how
are liley to decide who is the efficient officer
and seamen? The very idea bears upon
its front, absurdity and ignorance. Does
not every man Of reason and reflection know
that the officer the least useful at sea would
have On equal opportunity of success over
the most valuable and efficient. The Office
Of high professional attainments aud char
acter, as a genera rule, is mere constantly
at STA, whilst others of little worth, less
pride, and more political influence are foul
on shore, ever ready in any emergency to
avail themselves Of the most favorable gale
where interest prompts to rush on the wings
of celebrity to the Capitol, hang on to the
button holes of members of Congress, and
make friends of those in high places. Pc
. litic;.l influence would be the test of mans
htne - for Office. a=
A Jew years ago the President of the Uni
ted States dismissed twelve Marine officers,
most of them rendered unfit for the service
from the effects of dissipation. What was
the consequence? They besieged Congress,
aud every one of them through political in
fue";e 4 suppose) managed to get rein
stated in less than two years.
St nator Stockton's bill is an admirable
one, and meets tie appreciation of all intel
Hgens men who have the good Of the Navy
at heart. 1t proposes to make the officers
now 10 the service more efficient, by board
of officers composed of two from each grade,
TO retire on half those who are unfit for
the service. have heard it said that Mr..
Stanton is friendly to the interest of the
Nav. ifso, "God save me from such friends"
Iwo,,ld not willingly judge him harsbly, but
it dos seem to me, that his plan is designed
to d. ieat the Senate bill, and destroy all
hope Of reform.
Tus country calls aloud for reform in the
Navy, Congress is fully alive to the call, now
is the time, take up the Senate bill of Com
modore Stockton at once, and in two days
you ran lay the foundation of an efficient
naval establishment. r.
MF Mr.. r. W. Latham, of Washington,