The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1854-12-13

officers, might be somewhat extended with
benefit to the public service, Observance
Of the rule of seniority sometimes leads,
especially in time OF peace, TO the promo
ton OF officers who, after meritorious and
even distinguished service, may have been
rendered by age or infrmity incapable OF
performing active duty, and whose ad-
vancement. therefore, would tend to i'm
pair the efficiency OF the Army. Suitable
provision for this class Of officers, by the
creation OF retired list, would remedy
the evil, without wounding the just pride
Of men who, by past services, have estab
lished claim TO high consideration. In
again commenting this measure TO the
favorable consideration of Congress, |
would suggest that the power of placing
officers on the retired lis, be limited 10 one
year. The practical operation of the
measure would this be tested, and il, after
the lapse OF years, there should be occa-
sion to renew the provision, it can be re-
produced with any improvements which
experience may indicate: The present
organization of the artillery into regiments
is liable to obvious objections. The ser.
vice of artillery is that of batteries, and
an organization OF batteries into a corps
of artillery would be more consistent with
the nature of their duties. A large part
of the troops now called artillery are, and
have been, on duty as infantry; the dis.
iinction between The two arms being mere
ly nominal. This nominal artillery in
our service is i;sproportionate TO the whole
force. and greater than the wants ofthe
country demand. therefore commend
the disconiinuance of disiin ction, which
has no foundation in either the arms used
or the character of the service expected 10
be performed.
In connection with the proposition for
the increase OF the Army, have present
ed these suggestions with regard 10 cer
tain measures of reform, as the compile
nlent of system, which would produce
the happiest results from given expen-
diture, and which | hope may attract the
early stteniion. and be deemed worthy Of
the approval Of Congress.
The recommendeto of the Secretary
Of the Navy, having reference to more
ample provisions for the discipline and
general Improvement in the character OF
seamen, and for the reorganization and
gradual increase Of the Navy, deem emf
nently worthy of your favorable consid-
eretion. The principles. which have con-
trol!ed our policy in relation 10 the per-
manent military force, by sea and land,
are sound. consistent. with the theory OF
our system; and should by no means be
disregarded. But. limiting the force TO
the objects particularly set forth in the
preceding part Of this message, we should
not overlook the present magnitude and
prospective extension of our commercial
marine, nor fail to give due weight to the
fact that. besides the two thousand miles
of Atlantic seaboard. we have now Pa
cifio coast, stretching from Mexico to the
British possessions in the north, teeming
with wealth end enterprise, and demand.
ing the constant presence Of ships OF war.
The augmentation of the Navy has not
kept pace with the duties properly and
profitably assigned to il in time of peace
and it is inadequate for the large field oil
its operations, not merely in the presen,
but still more in the progressively increas-
ing exigencies OF the commerce oil the
United States. cordially approve OF the
proposed apprentice system tor our ma
,ional vessels. recommended by the Sec
retary of the Navy.
The occurrence, during the last few
months, OF marine disasters of the mos
tragic nature, involving great loss OF hu
man life, has produced intense emotions
Of sympathy and sorrow throughout the
country. 1t may well be doubted whether
all these calamitous events are wholly
attributable to the necessary and ineyta.
bic dangers Of the sea. The merchants
mariners, and ship builders Of tho United
States, are. il is true. unsurpassed in isr-
reaching enterprise, skill, intelligence, and
courage, by any others i'll the world. But
with the increasing amount Of our com,
mercial tonnage in the aggregate, and the
larger size and improved equipment OF the
ships now constructed. deficiency in the
supply of reliable seamen begins TO be
very seriously felt. The inconvenience
may. perhaps. be met, in part, by due reg
I ulaion for the introduction. into our mer.
chant ships, of indented apprentices
which, while it would afford useful snd
eligible occupation TO numerous young
men, would have tendency to raise the
character of seamen as class. And i
is deserving OF serious reflection, whether
it may not be desirable to revise the7ex
isling laws for the maintenance of discip
line at sea. upon which the security OF lift
and property on the ocean must to Sc
great an extent depend. Although mucl
attention has already been given by Con
gross to the proper construction and ar.
rangement of steam-vessels and all pas
senger ships. still il is believed that ,l,e
resources of science and mechanical skill
in this direction have not been exhausted
No good reason exists for the m arked dis
tinciion. which appears upon our statutes
| between the laws for protecting life ant
property ct sea and those Tor protecting
them On land. In most Of the States Sc
we're penalties are provided to punish con
duc,ors of trains, engineers, and other.
employed in the transportation o! person:
by railway, or by steamboats, on rivers
Why should not the same principle be ap
applied 10 acts Of insubordination COW
ardice, or other misconduct on the part o
masters and mariners, producing injury
or death to passengers on this high seas
beyond tho jurisdiction. OF any Of ihs