The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1854-03-18
From the Philadelphia Argus.
Increase OF the Navy.
its flag.

The reply Of the Secretary of The NAVY to Mr.. Walk
ers resolution asking whether the steamships employed
IN me ocean mail service are OF proper construction 10 be
converted into vesselso The event of their nae
Tor that purpose being required, should stimulate The
House TO immediate action the Senate bill for the
construction OF six frlgates, which is upon the
Speakers table The reply of Mr. Dobbin establishes
the tact that however well constructed these ocean mail
steamers may be Tor that particular service, they TO-
y unht Tor war purposes, save as transports for troops
or 10 act as pvateefs and thus annoy the enemys com
merce For all other in the service they are en-
these vessels must end all hopes OF converting them into
auxiliary AIDS TO the navy and therefore the argument
used by the opponents OF The increase of the navyha
IN OF need could be srenct by the ocean
mail seameIs-mus lose it's force and be abandoned M
matter what necessity may arise for augmentation of
our naval orce no assistance be had from the seam
SHIPS now employed IN transporting the mails-at least
that will avail against the well bull, and eoupped
vessels OF other nations England increasing her navv
with the most powerful vessels, both 10 size and appoint
menls Whie Inc French marine is likewise being aug
mented by large increase OF steamers and The.
line All these are built upon The most modem and an.
proved plans; and ocean mail steamers conH
be adapted 10 war uses, they would be mere playthnss
when ptied against such vessels now constitute The
marine OF England and France
We sincerely trust the information comm unicated by
Secretary Dobbn will nfuse new life and Wig or into Con-
gIess upon the increase OF the navy The facts pre-
senled 10 The Senate were OF such conclusive character
as TO induce that body 10 pass the bill for building ak
steam frgaes without debate and without Dissenting
voice All saw the necessity for the contemplated in
crease and their Judgments told them that was the
meDt II the facts produced such marked result in the
Senate why should they be overlooked disreg arded in
the House: The necessity for the contemplated increase
Will no. be questioned. The constantly recurring diff
cues with The Spanish officials al Havana should ad
monsn the representatives OF the people that rupture
WIN Span is an occurrence not out of the range OF
possibility The affair OF The Black Warrior seems likely
TO be patched up Tor the present. but for season.
as the history OF the past will show The cold booded
buictery OF Cnttenden and his brave companions is
sill ranking in the bosom of the American PEG.
pie, while the authorities Havana are prone 10 tres
pass on the rights and property OF our citizens on all
occasions.
But further from home the wants OF our commerce de-
nand an immediate and effective increase of the navy
10 The event OF war between the European powers
what will be The condition of mercantile marine in
the Mediterranean and Baltic which will be infested
win the corsars and who will respect no flag
and attack be vessels OF all nations which hold out
ducements for pundera With our present dilapidated
viii be LEFT entirely at the mercy Of the outlaws OF other
nations. We have not enough vessels TO make evena
decent snow OF support 10 our commerce. Scattered
over so wide an expanse OF ocean they
rly be- the protection will be mockery rather than
reality. Whilst II may induce our bold adventurous
merchants TO venture their vessels il afford them
defence when the hour OF danger and need arrives.
These are facts well known 10 every member of Con-
gress, and. supported they by the positive assertion
from the ocean mail seamers-should induce early action
upon the Senate bill TO the navy by the addition
OF six steam lrgates There is excuse on the ground
oil means. The treasury is full TO oveihowing and all
that is needed Tor the bill be passed. and the work
Will be commenced al once. The matter OF para
mount importance 10 the country AT the present css
and we ask for immediate action