The Evansville daily journal. [volume] (Evansville, Ia. [i.e. Ind.]) 1848-1862, 1854-12-13
synopsis Of the Report Of the Secretary

- W..
The actual strength Of the Army is only
en- thousand seven hundred and fortv-fve.
The whole authorized strength is fourteen
thousand two hundr ed and sixteen. The de-
iciency is fast decreasing by more rapid en-.
istments. A statement of the changes made
in the distribution Of the army during last
year is maze.
The removal from Florida Of the remnant
OF the Seminoles, has received the attention
of the Department, but its effects have not
been very successful. Better fortune is ex-
pected next year, through the instrumental
~ Of the new plan of operations. The In
dian difficulties elsewhere are alluded to. The
massacre of Lieut.. Grafton and men by the
Sioux is narrated, and the fact stated, that
the army force is quite inadequate TO the pro-
lection Of our frontier and to punish Indian
aggressions. Our entire loss in Indian ac-
tions during the year is four officers and six
ty-three men killed, and four officers and
iOrty.two men wounded. The occurrences
on the frontier furnish deplorable proofs of
the insufficicncy of our military force, and
Of the absolute necessity for its increase,
which was urged by the Secretary last year.
Our effective force does not exceed eleven
thousand men, which. is entirely inadequate
for the purposes for which we maintain a
standing army. Its immediate increase is
urged at a cost sufficient to give some degree
of security to the Indian frontiers, for which
purpose the regular forces is the most effci-
ent. cheap, proper, and constitutional
means.
Commodore Perry is highly complimented
for his success in Japan.
On the increase OF the Navy the Secretary
says he sis lar from the opinion that the en-.
fragment of our Navy should stop with the
action of last Congress, The protection Of
our commerce; the guarding our extended
coast; the preservation of our rank as a ma
ton, demand that we should rot be entirely
stationary, and with inactive Indifference be.
hold the progress Of other powers in naval
strength. Even with the additional inf nish.
ed steam frigates our naval forces will not
exceed 6fty vessels in condition for service.
Weakness invites aggression, and never in
spires respect. while acknowledged strength
and visible preparations, command considera-
ton and are the true safeguards Of peace.
The necessity and propritty fan augmented
Navy is eloquently argued al considerable
length, and the objections thereto answer.
ed.
The Secretary does not propose 10 in
crease the number of officers nor materially
enlarge the squadrons, and thereby largely
increase the current expenses, nor have a
navy OF the immense size and extent of some
of the natives of European powers, but to in
crease the material OF our navy so as al least
to approximate to q state Of readiness for
emergencies, which wise statesmen strive to
avoid, but wiser statemen prepare to meet
II will be the Secretary's pleasure to coop
crate with the legislative department of the
Government in practically corrying out hese
views.
The Secretary renews his recommends.
tons of last year for the reorganization Of
Navy; the creation Of retired lst for infrm
officers; the discharge OF the inefficient, ard
to have promotions regulated by capacity
and merit in some degree. instead Of by Sc
nIority Of commission and pay, to some ex-
tent controlled by sea service.
So far as he has authority, these views
will guide his action even without legislation
He says: IL cannot recommend for promo
ton. to higher rank and pay officers who dc
rot merit it, from incapacity, either moral or
physical. do not appreciate the Justice or
policy Of promoting TO a higher grade an Of.
ficer who cannot perform its duties, unless
in rare exceptional cases, as complimentary
reward for services rendered. 1t is neither
more nor less than eievating the incompe.
tent and then ordering the uaPromoted com
, petent to do their work.
The objections against the proposed re
form are ably considered. He says much is
still to be done to give proper shape, order
vigor, character, and success to a system o.
discipline in naval service. He is far from
, recommending the resolution Of logging
The experience of the Navy justifes its alb
rogation. There is, however, urgent neces
, sity for some substitute, accompanied with
plan Of reward as we'll as punishment,
substitute which would be prompt md sure
in order to restrain the offender and deie
.. the inconsiderate; to reward, equally sure
the generous; to encourage fidelity and pro
0 mote responsibility. II is not the severity
but the certainty and promptness of punish
ment. which promote discipline. He recon-
mends that the commander of any vessel b,
authorized by law to order summary Cour
Martial for the trial OF petty officers an,
those below them; that they have power t.
. punish BY dishonorable discharge in any por
or by confinement on reduced rations, ant
without pay, with extra labor, and a dena
OF shore privileges.
He renews his recommendations Of las
year Of the plan to iRduce seamep 20 become
permanently attached to the Navy, by grant
ing conditional leave Of absence ut the enc
Of a cruise and increased pay on re-enlist
! ment. 1t is The Secretary's purpose to i'm
! mediately adopt in modified form the ap
] prentic system, and encourage the enlist
3 ment of American boys from fourteen unit
twenty lone years of age; to train them frs
on receiving ship. then on cruizers, in prac
: tical seamenship.-Heis clearly Of the opin
, ion, also, that the number Of men in the ser
. vice should be increased at least twenty FIVE
: hundred. The numbe Of the marine corps i.
: deemed entirely too small, and an nde6niieIy