Weekly national intelligencer., 1854-12-09

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Of live oak well seasoned had erected shphouses in
which the vessels while being built could be protected
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 neither
material buildng-slip shiphouse at Pensacola and
that the Franklin being rebuilt and the Santee al
tered and completed at Kittery | therefore ordered
that immediate preparation be made for constructing the
gates at the navy yards in Boston, Brooklyn Phila-
dolphin, Washington, and Norfolk. There is difficulty
in securing the services of many skul mechanics and
aborers desired The public officers at the seve-
raj yards have all manifested deep interest in dispatch
ing the work with success. Much progress has been
made and have doubt six rst-cas steamers equal
to the expectation Of the country, win be completed
speedily as men and means can accomplish the work.
Not having facilities for manufacturing the steam ma
chnery necessary except at the Washington navy yard
had alternative but to make contracts with private
establishments for five of the fgates These contracts
have been made with builders of established reputation
and the contractors busy engaged in fulfilling them
The plan adopted invite proposals SO as to call
forth the best skill Of the country and before adopting
them, submit them for my guidance board of eng-
Bonds with approved sureties have been taken
for the faithful execution OF the work. and wofths of
the contract price is to be retained until the machinery
has worked successfully and satisfactorily at sea for six
months Before adopting any of the plans proposed I
thought proper in consideration of the greater expe
rence of England and France in the application of steam
machinery to men-ofwar, to order Engineer Chief
Martin to visit Europe with view ayaiing himself Of
any improvements which may have been made The OBJ
servaons made during his visit and the interesting re-
ports of Lieut. Walker who had been similarly engaged
will prove useful to the service The Santee and Sabine
gates will be completed and ready for being launched
in few weeks The Franklin is progressing RAPIDLY
and 1t is confidently expected that the six frgates
will be aunshed certainly by the ensuing fail, if not
earlier.
REORGANIZATION OF THE NAVY.
In my last annual report ventured to express the
opinion that the present organization of the navy is
not only essentially defective and unwse but is in its
practical operation working palpabe and serious mis-
chief to the efficiency and character Of that branch Of the
public SERVICE and that retired list on reduced pay for
the faithful acho hare become rn the diseharge,of The
snecent Who hare no claim on the bounty of Mer Gooe-
services rendered; promotion regulated By capacity
aers ana not oy mere seniority of commission and pay TO
some extent controlled By seruce reforms not only
demanded by the condition of the service by consdera
ons OF nstce but absolutely necessary the
ton Of etciency and usefulness Efforts were made -
ring the last session to accomplish many Of the desired re-
FORMS no taken Subsequent reflection and
experience of nearly years with the navy
an extended acquaintance with the officers and atten
tive observation of the pracal working of the present
system had not only confirmed in the correctness of
those views but constrn me- the hazard of the charge
OF pertnacy to renew most earnestly my previous re-
commendatons and urge their consideration and adop-
on with deep solicude. So far have the authority
at present. these views shall guide my action cannot
recommend for promotion higher rank and larger pay
ohcers who do not merit it from ncapacty either moral
physical do not appreciate the Justice or pocy Of
promoting higher grade an officer who cannot perform
81. :.
It's duties, unless in exceptional cases, as comp
menary reward for services rendered It's neither more
nor less than eleyang the incompetent. and then order
ing the unpromoed competent to do their work Is there
an alarm Of fastening upon the Government an odious
pension system None chersh greater repuguance
to that than myself but chn be more fully CON
vnced that can be well surrounded with safeguards
restflctions, ana limitations retain its virtues and
reject its faults
Is the particular plan of having the aid of board of
ohcers IN ascertaining the incompetent and unworthy
| fnY JJ.ylA A.
scheme provided the main object can be attained
should be content to have Secretary from time to time
officially report to the President such names he wishes
should be retired or dropped that the President should
transmit II he thinks proper their to the Senate
with recommendation suited to each case Thus the
President and the Senate, the appointing power will be
the removing power and the apprehension of Star Cham
Der persecution and being vicmized by secret inqus-
tlon, now felt by worthy officers would be quieed
But forbear to fatigue with details The magic touch
of reform Is needed and if skfully applied will mpart
to the now dropping body of our navy robust health and
new life. believe that sound policy stern justice de-
mand it, that true economy is opposed to it. shall
be happy to cooperate with Congress in eecting it.
have no hesitation in saying that there many Off
GERS now in the navy whose do not aorn the Re-
gster There those incapable of performing duty
from age or action. There also many good officers
resgning from time to time because the path Of promo
ton IS blocked up by the incompetent and the future
seems to them so unpromisng But it is my pleasure
well my duty to say that the corps is still full Of chiv
arous and gallant officers who not only ready for the
post of danger but would sustain the proud reputation
of our navy which has many laurels for
try and by its brilliant victories cheered the heart of
many q despondng patriot.
will not, however, enlarge this report by repeating
the views or recng the various amendments and modf
cations OF existing laws suggested in my last annual
port but content myself with renewing the
dation.
DISCIPLINE OF sEAMEN AND THE ENLISTMENT OF
BOYS AS APPRENTICES.
While the just and liberal action Of Congress during the
last session, authorizing increase of pay Of
corresponding to the compensation in the merchant
vice, has done much to encourage enlistmeats and
received with grateful joy by many veteran tar much
remains yet to be accomplished to give proper shape,
vgor character and to the system of discipline
in this important indeed vital part of the public service
Language cannot describe the mind can scarcely
how much of happiness and wretchedness hang around
the fidelity, the discipline of the neglected sailor Pro-
perty, life victory, defeat national honor and renown
have much to do with the character and cheerful obe
dience and hcme-love of seamen.
am very far from recommending the restoration of
punishment by fogging In my opinion the experience
of the navy at least uses its abrogation The sloop
ofwar Saratoga Commander Walker constituting part
Of the squadron Japan left the United States in Sep
tember 1850, and returned in the month Of the
present year. after cruising for four years beneath o
pical and amid uncongenia people, thousands Of
miles from home. The term Of the crews enlistment
expired while they far in the east They in
formed while abroad that punishment by hoggipg was
abolished allude to this especially think the
test severe Yet, their arrival at Boston,
the most faterng reports reach Of the good conduct
and discipline of the deemed it proper also
address inquiry the subject to Commander Walker
He responds thus: In regard to the first question,
whether it is desirable to restore corporal punishment
reply that, from experience well conviction, do