The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1854-12-08

OF eAtayagance leaving embarras in It's trail 40
O propose 10 neredse ue number Of officers nor materially
to enlarge the suadrons and thereby increase largely nr
current expenses nor TO have navy Of the immense size
ana expense OF some of the powers of Europe But do
proPose 30 10 Increase the maerel Of navy as al least
/" rPfc]ad 10 state Of ysadness for e,aergaes which
wise statesmen strive TO avoid but wiser statesmen prepare
70 NEST u "ii be my pleasure to cooperate with the le
gsiauve deparm of in practically carry
ing out these views.
For detailed statement the actual condition Of oir
naval force beg TO refer you the full report of the
ehiea OF the bureau OF Construction Equipment Re
pair.
In the of the discretion imposed upon me by the
act OF Congress directing the of six
frlgates decided after mature and inquiry
10 nave them built in the navyyards under the
mediate supervision of the department The government
Aa 'ar supply OF material particularly of live oak well
seasoned had erected shp-house in which the vessels
while being built could be protected from exposure and
'he mechanics employed could be sheltered comfortably
ana able to prosecute the work in the most ncement
weather.
On examination discovered that there was neither ma
teral buidingslp shiphouse Pensacola and that
the Franklin being rebuilt and the Santee altered
completed Mt kittery therefore ordered that immediate
preparation be made for constructing the frga,es
the navy-yards in Boston, Brooklyn Philadelphia Wash
ington and Norfolk There is difficulty in securing the
services OF many skf mechanics and aborers as are
desired M The public officers at the several yards have
all manifested deep interest in despatchng the work
with success Much progress has been made and have
no doubt Six hrscass steamers equal the expectation of
the country, will be completed speedily men and
means can accomplish the work Not having facilities for
manufacturing the steam machinery necessary except at
the washington navy-yard had alternative but to
make contracts with private establishments for five OF the
frgates These contracts have been made with builders OF
established reputation and the contractors are busy
gaged IN fulfilling them The plan adopted was to invite
anu before adopting them submit them for my guidance
to board OF engineers Bonds with approved sureties
have been taken tor the faithful execution Of the work and
twohs Of the contract price is to be retained until the
machinery has worked successfully and satisfactorily
sea for six months Before adopting any of the plans pro-
posed thought proper in consideration Of the greater
perience Of England and France in the application Of
steam machinery to men-owar to order the Engneerin
chief Martin to visit Europe with view to avaling him
self of any improvements which may have been made.
The observations made during his visit and the interest
ing reports Of Lieutenant Walker who had been similarly
engaged, will prove useful to the service The Santee and
Sabine tgates will be completed and ready for being
launched in few weeks. The Franklin is progressing
rapidly and it is confidently expected that the six steam
frgaes will be launched certainly by the ensuing fall If
not earlier
REORGANIZATION or THE NAVY.
In last annual report ventured express the opn
ION that the present organization of the navy not only
essentially defective and unwse but in ts practical o
cheney and character Of that branch of the public service
and shat retired list reduced pay for The ta seho
claim the bounty Of their government for serriees
ed promotion regulated by capacity nsera, and not BY
mere seniority Of commission and pay 10 some extent con
o,ed by scd-s~pice reforms not only demanded by
the condition of the service by considerations of justice
but absolutely necessary to the preservation of efficiency
and usefulness Efforts were made during the last se
sion accomplish many of the desired reforms No final
action taken. Subsequent reflection and experience
of nearly two years connexon with the navy an extended
acquaintance with the officers and attentive observa
ton of the practical working of the present SYSTEM have
only confirmed in the correctness of those views
but constran at the hazard Of the charge of pcrtnac
ty to most earnestly previous recommendations
and to urge their consideration and adoption with deep
socude So far have the authority at present these
views shall guide my action Icannot recommend for pro-
motion to higher rank and larger pay officers who do not
merit it from ncapacity either moral physical do not
appreciate the justice or policy Of promoting to higher
grade officer who cannot perform its duties unless in
exceptional cases. complimentary reward for
vices rendered Is neither less than eevatng
the incompetent and then ordering the unpromoted
petent to do their work. Is there alarm of fastening
upon the government odious pension system? None
cherish greater repugnance TO that than myself; but
none can be fully convinced that it be well
surrounded with safeguards restrictions and limitations
| as to retain its virtues and reject its faults
Is the particular plan of having the aid of board of
officers in ascertaning the incompetent and unworthy OBJ
jeced to am not welded to that any other scheme
provided the main object be attained. should be
content to have the Secretary from time to time officially
report TO the President such he wishes should be
retired or dropped that the President should transmit if
he thinks proper their to the Senate with recon-
mendaton suited to each the President and the
Senate the appointing power will be the removing power
and the apprehension OF Star Chamber persecution and
being victmized by secret nquisiton, felt by
worthy officers would be gueted But forbear to fatigue
with details The magic touch Of reform is needed and If
skilfuy applied will impart to the now dropping body of
our navy robust health and new life believe that
sound policy stern justice demand it that true economy is
not opposed to it. shall be happy to cooperate with Con-
gress in effecting it.
have hesitation in saying that there many Off
in the navy whose do not adorn the regis
ter There those incapable of performing duty from
age affection There also many good officers resign
ing from time to tme because the path of promotion is
blocked by the incompetent and the future seems TO
them unpromising. But il is my pleasure well as
duty to say that the corps is still full Of chiyalrous
and gallant officers who not only ready for the post Of
danger but would sustain the proud reputation of our
navy which has many laures for country, and
by its brilliant victories cheered the heart Of many des
| popding patriot.
will not however enlarge this report by repeating the
views reciing the various amendments and modhca-
but content myself with renewing the accommodation.
| DISCIPLINE sEAMEN ENLISTMENT as
| APPRENTICES.
While the just and liberal action OF Congress during the
last session. authorizing increase of pay Of
responding to the compensation in the merchant service
has done much to encourage epsments and was received
with grateful JOY by many veteran tar much remains yet
10 be accomplished to give proper shape vgo character
and the of discipline in this important
indeed vitspar Of the public service Language cannot
describe the mind scarcely how much of happiness
and wrechedness hang around the fidelity the discipline
the neglected sailor Property life victory defeat national
honor and renown have much TO do with the character
and cheerful obedience and home-love of seanlen.
far from recommending the restoration of pun
ishnept by oggng In my opinion the experience Of the
navy, at least justi6es its abrogaon The soop-owai
Saratoga Commander Walker constituted q part of the
squadron TO Japan left the United States in September
1850 and returned in the month of the present
after cruising for four years beneath tropical and
amid uDcongenis people thousands OF miles from home
The term of the enlistment expired while they
far in the east They informed while abroad that
punishment by hogging abolished allude to this
case especially, think the test a Yet
on their arrival at Boston, the most haering reports reacl
l.-. H.. Il