Washington sentinel. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1853-1855, 1854-01-17
THE REORGANIZATION OF THE
-,Wsr NAVY .t

On more than one occasion we have invited
the public attention to the pressing necessity
of reforming and recognizing the naval SER
vice. We have also commended the able re-
port of Mr.. Secretary Dobbin, which was laid
before Congress at the beginning of the present
session. This morning we transfer to our
columns the following well timed and sensible
article, which we find in recent number of
the Boston Post:
1.-THE press, with great unanimity, have pro-
nounced the report of Mr.. Dobbin one of the
best which has emanated from the Navy De-
partment. 1t gives gratifying evidence that
the Secretary has laboriously worked out the
difficult questions at issue, and offered sound
convictions and sentiments of his own, and not
the pale reflex of other lights near the de-
partment. His plans may be confidently en-.
tered upon with the assurance of brilliant re-
form of the navy, like that mastery reorgani-
cation which Mr.. Calhoun gave to the army
Not the least commendabe feature of the re.
port is its spirit of comprehensive justice to all
grades and conditions, and its thorough insight
into the animating elements Of vigorous, eff.
Gent and cheerful service.
'The unequal toll of junior officers is illus
trated, increased pay to forward officers recon-
mended, the character Of the sailor appreciated,
and his elevation sought, and the civil grades
are recognised as worthy participants in the
pride Of rank and position which imparts
'buoyancy to the spirits of faithful, officers, and
makes them exquisitely sensitive to the slight
est neglect. Mr.. Dobbin appreciates that no
plan OF reorganization is feasible which is not
comprehensive and will thus avoid the narrow
policy which has embarrassed previous efforts,
and kindled fatal discords within the navy.
How can Congress wisely legislate, or gain any
Just insight into the requirements of the navy,
when there is no unity of purpose, no harmony
of action. but on the other hand, discordant
and hostile plans and sentiments among the
different grades of officers. Although Mr.
Dobbin has not elaborated his projet in his re
port, we still feel assured by its high and just
tone that he has taken important steps to
wards successful issue, and we signalize it as
the happy means of healing fatal discussions
and harmonizing all parties in generous and
united effort to improve and exalt the navy in
efficiency and popular esteem"
The Post is entirely right in its allusion to
the want of unity of purpose, and harmony Of
action amongst the different grades in the naval
service. That want Of unity and harmony GER
tainly exists; and every one at all acquainted
with naval affairs must know that it has caused
many embarrassments, and has raised many
obstacles to the destruction Of that efete system
which has partially paralized the navy and rem.
dered it comparatively worthless.
It seems to us that liberal sentiments among
naval officers themselves, would easily remove
the iealousies which now exist between the diff.
ferent grades, growing out of imperfect and un.
certain rules and regulations. But in all or
CARNATIONS in which different ranks and classes
are recognized, every privilege and appurte
nance Of rank and class are adhered to with grea
tenacity and doubtful or triling distinction
are insisted on with, perhaps, the most zeal ant
fervor. The discords among the differen
grades of naval officers have at length assumed
such an aspect that it is the duty Of Congress,
to interfere, and the evil by giving to every
officer of the navy, whether a civil or a sea
officer, a distinct, well defined position in &C
oordance with his duties and his responsibilities
But even if that was done, only one Of the
vast variety Of diseases which affiict our nava
system. would be cured. There must be 9
total, entire, and radical, reorganization in or
der to obtain efficiency. We are ready to sus
tain--and we believe that the whole country is
ready to sustain--any reasonable amount Of
appropriations for the increase Of our naval
force, If any assurance can be given that such
appropriations will be judiciously expended in
the construction Of serviceable vessels, which
will perform proper and sufficient service when