Washington sentinel., 1854-05-25
SENATOR MALLORY,s REPORT ON
NAVAL AFFAIRS.

We have read, with much pleasure, the very
interesting report of Mr.. Mallory, chairman Of
the Senate Committee on Naval Affairs, which
together with the bill accompanying it, has
already been mentioned in our Congressional
reports. As Commentary striking practi-
cal commentary-on some of the defects of the
service, and as an evidence of the absolute ne
cessity for reform, we take from Senator NAL
lory's report a few extracts speaking of, the
blind regard for seniority in the navy.
"Apart from all other considerations, the pre-
sent system tends 10 check the ardor and 10
deaden the ambition Of the whole corps, by sus-
tanning and perpetuating injustice. A seamans
ability TO play seaman's part depends much, very
much, upon his sea service; and had we a naval
contest tomorrow, the common, sense of the
country would not tolerate the appointment ofany
man to active service who was not familiar and
thoroughly familiar, with the handling Of ships
and fleets under all circumstances. Yet we find
from the returns before that out Of sixty-eight
captains fory-two are waiting orders on shore, at
salary Of $4,000 pei. annum. lsix Of whom were
severally last at sea in 1916, '2s 3l 81, 80, and
39.) making an aggregate of S105,000.
.Of ninety eight commanders, (seven of whom
were last respectfully at sea in 1885, 90, 80, '33,
81, &c. and '3S) there waiting orders fortytwo,
at $l,S00 per annum-an aggregate Of $4,000.
:" VI three nunOTeu ana tWenty-SlX
there waiting orders ffiy-nine, at 81, 200 max
ing an aggregate of $70,S00.
"Of one hundred and ninety eight passed mid
shpmen, there are but eight waiting orders at
$600-S4, 500.
"And that while there are seven captains and
commanders who have been each forty-one years
in the navy, and who are now receiving respec-
lively SO 500 and 500 and yet have seen less than
ten years sea service there are forty-hree passed
midshpmen who have oUer ten years sea
service, and who are receiving but 500 per an
mum.
"A glance at our naval captains will illustrate
what the history of all naval service proves.
Paul Jones captured the Serapis in one Of the
most desperate and memorable combats on re-
cord, at thirty-two years of age. Hull conquered
the Guerrero at thirty-eight. Decatur burnt the
Philadelphia at twenty-seven. Perry conquered
on Lake Erie at twenty eight, and McDonough
on Lake Camplan at thirty-one. Stewart captured
the Cyane and Levant at thirty-nine, and Balm
bridge the Java at thrty-one. The youngest VIC
tor was twenty-seven, and the Oldest but thirty
nine and thirtythree was their avarage age-less
than that of many of our passed midshpmen.
IA lust distinction should be made between the
gallant old seaman, whose soul is still in his pro-
fession and whose heart beats but for his country,
but who is disqualified by long, faithful, and hon.
orable service or disease acquired in the active
discharge of his duty--and the man who has uni
fotmly and'ingeniousy contrved TO evade his sea
duties and devolved them upon others--who has
succeeded by political influence, or other resorts
10 which his noble profession should be stranger
lin passing the best Of his days upon shore--ths