Washington sentinel. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1853-1855, 1854-12-07

embarrassment which our planting interest will
experience in war? But the great cost is often
suggested. That should always be vigilantIy
watched by the prudent statesman who should,
however, remember that every dollar is expended
among our own people in the purchase OF male
rial and payment Of laborers; and that il brings
into exercise the mechanical skill Of our country,
promotes, and thereby perpetuates, class 10 our
midst essential 10 our national Independence. He
who visits our navy yards, and fingers moment
in beholding the giant frames Of the noble ships
now being constructed by the genius, the labor,
and with the material of our own country, will
find that the money expended not merely results
in presenting floating batteryto project our
property and our flag, but gladdens the hearts OF
hundreds of cheerful artisans, who pay Il back
into the treasury with fourfold interest II is not
wasted capital il is not like the millions annually
sent abroad to foreign capitalists 10 pay the debts
contracted for schemes of extravagance leaving
embarrassment in its trail. 1 do nor propose to
increase the nngsbeS of officers naterialyt
large the squadrons, and thereby increase largely
our current expenses, nor TO have navy of the
immense size and expense of some Of the powers
OF Europe But do propose so TO increase the
materiel OF our navy as az least TO approximate to
state of readiness for emergencies which wise
statesmen strive to avoid, but wiser statesmen
prepare TO meet. II will be my pleasure TO co.
operate with the Legislative department of govern
ment in practically carrying out these views,
ofour naval force, beg TO refer you TO the full re-
port of the Chief Of the Bureau of Construction,
Equipment, and Repair.
In the exercise ofthe discretion imposed upon
me by the act Of Congress directing the construc-
ton Of six steam-frigates, decided after mature
consideration and inquiry, 10 have them built in
the navy yards, under the more immediate super
vision of the Department. The government had
fair supply Of material, particularly Of live oak,
well seasoned had erected ship-houses, in which
the vessels while being built could be projected
from exposure, and the mechanics employed could
be sheltered comfortably, and able TO prosecute
the work in the most inclement weather
On examination discovered that there was
neither MATERIAL building-slip, nor ship-house at
Pensacola, and that the Franklin was being re-
built, and the Santee altered and completed, at
Kittery. therefore ordered that immediate pre-
paration be made for constructing the new frgates
at the Navy Yards in Boston, BROOKLYN, Philadel-
phia, Washington, and Norfolk. There is no diff
Guilty in securing the services of many skilfnl
mechanics and laborers as are desired. The pub
officers at the several yards have all manifested
deep interestn despatching the work with success.
Much progress has been made, and have no doubt
six rst-cass steamers, equal TO the expectation of
the country, will be completed as speedily as men
and means can accomplish the work Not having
facilities for manufacturing the steam machinery
necessary, except at the Washington Navy Yard,
| had no alternative but TO make contracts with
| private establishments for five of the frigates.
These contracts have been made with builders OF
established reputation, and the contractors are
busily engaged in fulfilling them The plan adopt
ed was 10 invite proposals, so as to call forth the
best skill of the country, and, before adopting
| them, submit them for my guidance 10 board OF
engineers Bonds with approved sureties have
been taken for the faithful execution of the work.
| and two-6fhs Of The contract price is 10 be re-
| tanned until the machinery has worked success
fully and satisfactorily at sea for six months. Be-
fore adopting any ofthe plans proposed / thought
proper in consideration Of the greater e. perence
Of England and France in the application of steam
machinery to men-0f-war, 70 order the Engineer
ln-Chief, Martin, 10 visit Europe with view 10
availing himself Of any improvements which may
| have been made. The observations made during
his visit, and the interesting reports of Lieutenant
Walker, who had been similarly engaged, will
prove useful 10 the service. The Santee and Sa-
bine frigaies will be completed and ready for be-
ing launched in few weeks The Franklin is
progressing rapidly, and il is confidently expected
that the six steam-frgates will be launched
| certainly by the ensuing fall, If not earlier.
REORGANIZATION OF THE NAVY
In my last annual report ! injured 10 express
the opinion SHAT the present organization OF the
Navy is not only essentially defective and unwise
but is in its practical operation, working palpable
and serious mischief to the efficiency and charac-
| ter OF that branch Of the public service and
"thata retired last reduced pay for the Jaifhfisi
scho havs become i1frm fhs discharge Of fhs iReE
govonaaenf for services rendered; promotion yegu.
iafed by capacity 1serit, and NOT By senioritv
Of conmfssfo'i and payto some ezfeat controlled bv
sea-serrioe, are reforms not only demanded by the
condition OF the service, by considerations Of ius
tice, but absolutely necessary 10 the preservation
of efficiency and usefuness' Efforts were made
during the last session, 10 accomplish many OF the
desired reforms. No final action was taken Sinh.
sequent reflection, and experience Of nearly two
years connection with the Navy, an extended
acquaintance with the officers, and en- attentive
Observation Of the practical king off present
system, have not only conftmed me in the cor
RICHNESS Of those views, but oonstpain me- at the
hazard Of the charge of pertinacity, 10 renew
most earnestly my previous recommendations
and 10 urge their consideration and adoption with
deep soliciiude. So far as have the authority al
present. these views, shall guide my action.
| cannot recommend for promotion 10 higher rank
and larger pay, officers who do not merit H. from
incapacity, either moral or physical do NOT ap-
preciate the justice or policy of promoting 10
higher grade an officer who cannot perform its
duties, unless in rare exceptional cases, as com.
plimentary reward for services rendered. IA Is
neither more nor less than elevating the incompe-
tent, and Then ordering the unpromoted competent
10 do Ulsr work. Ii there an alarm Of fastening
upon the government an odious pension sysiem?
None can cherish greater repugnance 10 thai
than myself; but none can be more fully.conyinced
that il cen be so well surrounded with safeguards
restrictions and hmiiaiions, TO retain is virtues
and reject its faults.
Ia the particular plan OF having the aid OF
board Of officers in ascertaining the incompetent
and unworthy objected TO am not welded 10
that or any other scheme, provided the main OBJ
ject can be attained. should be content 10 have
the Secretary from time TO time officially report 10
he President such names ms he wishes should be
retired or dropped; that the President should
transmit, Il be thinks proper, their names 10 the
Senate, Yiih q recompehdaiion suited TO each
case. Thus the President pnd the Senate, the an.
pointing power, will be the removing power. and
the apprehension OF Star Chamber persecution
and being vctimized by secret inqusiton, now
felt by some worthy officers, would be quieted--
But forbesr TO fatigue with details The magic
touch OF reform IL needed, and IL skilfnly applied
will impart 10 the now dropping body OF our NAVY
robust health and new life believe thai
sound ppllcy, aerp iusllce, d74ana Il that true
economy snot %Yo'eS 10 ~ I shall be happy to
cooperate with Congress in effectine H.
have no hesitstion IN saying that there are
many officers now in the Navy whose names do
not adorn the Register. There are those incapa.
bic Of performing dpty from age or affection
There are also many good oticefs rtsighine nom
time 70 time, because the path OF promotion a
blocked up" BY the incompetent, and the future
seems TO them 90 unpromsing. But Il Is nv plea-
sure, az well az my dutv 10 say thar The Germ. Il