The true Democrat., 1854-12-20

the presentexigency. If itwere necessary care fully to weigh the cost in case of such urgen- cy, It would be shown that the additional eX- pense would be comparatively light.
 With the increase of the numerical force Of the army should, think, be combined certain measures of reform in its organic arrangement and administration. The present organization is the result of partial Legislation, often directed to special objects and interests; and the laws regulating rank and command having been adopted many years ago from the British code, are not always applicable to our service. It IS not surprising, therefore, that the system should be deficient in the symmetry and sim plicitv essential to the harmonious working of its several parts, and require careful re- vision.
 The present organization, by maintaining large staff corps or departments, separates ma- nv officers from that close connection with troops and those active duties in the field, which are deemed requisite to qualify them or the vari- ed responsibilities of high command. Were the duties of the army staff mainly discharged by officers detached from their regiments it is be- heved that the special service would be equally well performed, and the discipline and instruc- tlon of the army be improved. While due re- gard to the security of the rights of officers, and to the nice sense of honor which should be cultivated among them would seem to exact compliance with the established rule of promo ton in ordinary cases, still it can hardly be doubted that the range of promotion by selec- ton, which IS now practically confined to the grade of general 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 ot officers who, after meritoriouS and even distinguished service, may have been rendered by age or intirmity incapable of performing ac- tive duty, and whose advancement, therefore would tend to impair the efficiency of the ar my.
 Suitable provision for this class of officers, by the creation of retired list would remedy the evi without wounding the just pride of men who, by past services, have established 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 list be limited to one year. The practical operation of the mea- sure would thus be tested and if, after the lapse ofone year there should be occasion to renew the provision 1t can be reproduced with any inn provements which experience may indicate- The present organization of the artillery into regiments is liable to obvious objections. The service of artillery is that of batteries. and an organization of batteries into corps of artille- " 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 distinction between the two arms being merely nominal. This nominal artillery Tn our service Is entirely ydisproportionate to the whole force, and greater than the wants of the country demand. 1 therefore commend the dlscontlnuance of distinction which has no foundation ln the arms used or the character of the service expected to be performed.
 In connection with the proposition for the in- crease ot the army have presented these sug- gestlons With regard to certain measures of re- form, as the completion of a system, which would insure the happlest results from given expedi. ture, and which Il hope may attract the early at tentlon, and be deemed worthy of the approval of Congress.
 The recommendation of the Secretary of the Navy, having reference to more ample provs- ions for the discipline and general improvement m the character of seamen, and for the re. or ganlzation and gradual increase of the navy. deem emnently worthy of your favorable con sideration. The principles, which have con- trolled our policy in relation to the permanent military force, by sea and land, are sound, con- sistent with the theory of our system, and should by no means be disregarded But. limiting the force to the objects particularly set forth ln the preceding part of this message. we should not overlook the present magnitude and prospective extension of our commercial marine. nor tall to give due weight to the fact that. be- sides the two thousand miles of Atlantic sea- board, we have now a Pacific coast, stretching from Mexico to the British possessions in the North, teeming with wealth and enterprise. and ! demanding the constant presence of ships-of- war. The augmentation of the Navy has not kept pace with the duties properly and profit ably assigned to 1t i'll time of peace and 1t is inadequate for the large field of its Operations, not merely m the present. but still more in the progressively increasing eXigencies of wealth and commerce of the United States. l cordially approve ot the proposed apprentice system for our national vessels, recommended by the Sec retary of the Navy
 The occurrence, during the last few months, ot marine disasters of the most tragic nature, involving great loss of human life, has produc- ed intense emotions of sympathy and sorrow throughout the country. It may well be doubted whether all these calamitous events are wholly attributable to the necessary and n- evitable dangers of the sea. The merchants i'iiiNi' ehiN' Ol tllc OlllCcu StatoS are, 1t IS true, unsurpassed in far-reaching en- terprlse, skill, intelligence and courage, by any 1 others in the world. But, with the increasing 1 amount of our commercial tonnage in the az. gregate, and the large size and improved equip ment Of the ships now constructed deficiency Tn the supply oireliable seamcn begins to be very seriously felt The inconvenience may. per haps, be met in part, by due regulation for the introduction into our merchant ships of indcnt- ed apprentices; which, while it would afford useful and eligible occupation to numerous young men, would have tendency to raise the character of seamen as class. And it is de- serving of serious reflection, whether it may not be desirable to revise the existing laws for the maintenance of discipline at sea, upon which the security of life and property on the ocean must to so great an extent depend. Although much attention has already been given by Con- gross to perfect the construction and arrange ment of steam vessels and all passenger ships. still 1t is believed that the achievements of science and mechanical skill in this direction have not been exhausted. No good reason exists for the marked distinction which appears unon our statutes between the laws for protectine life