The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1854-03-31

BE enacted BY ix AID Of ReYsssiapss Of
hs Und States of iosaa IN Congress asseolsd, That
70 cause 10 be constructed for the United States navy
early day as practicable. consistently with due regard
be provided with scfewpropeless, and properly armed
and equipped Tor service said vessels and machinery 10
the Secretary the Navy may think advisable for The
public interest
Mr. DAVIS. OF Rhode Island. moved 10 amend this
section BY making Il provide that three OF the steam
fgaies be constructed by contract and that each vessel
and steam engine be given 10 separate contractors
lie conended his would be lar more economical than
the usual course OF constructing the vessels the navy
yards, He was glad to hear the gentleman from Mis-
snun Mr.. BENTON oppose this bill He was opposed
TO conquest and commended that the increase OF the com
mefcal marine was OF itself guarantee OF lis safety
When they saw how cautious England and France
before they struck blow at Russia, where they had
comparatively but a small amount Of commercial inter
ests al stake. il was not al all likely that those nations
would attack this country. For England TO strike al
America in the present condition OF their mutual CON-
merce would be like striking blow at her own heart
Ii they for increasing the navy he believed il
TO pounce upon some weak power, and 10 extend our
area Of eITory and perhaps not for the best Of purposes
built by contract he conlended did dishonor to the
try and jeoparded the lives OF our seamen,
The amendment was rejected
Mr. PHILIPS moved 10 amend the section by adding
after the word frgates" and two sloops- f-war"
Mr.. BOCOCK opposed the amendment He was de-
srous of running risk the Anal passage of the
bill by adding to the number of vessels for the
lion OF which it provided.
Mr. LYON moved to amend the amendment by striking
out "two' and inserting six" He was surprised al
the expressions which bad fallen from the lips OF the gen.
tlenan from Virginia, Mr. BococK,l who appeared to be
giving up TO policy what he believed TO be the interests
OF the country. Expedency belonged TO the time when
The people blamed Noah for constructing large an ark
They afterwards found il the only place of safety.
and The deuge swallowed them up Laughter. There
deuge of revolutions; there was scarcely q
spot the map that could be pointed at as free from
war and strife. Even in North America--in this very
Congress-hey heard Nebraska" beloved forth as if
Beiloud herself had come 10 declare upon US.
lLaughter.] We must therefore, be prepared as well
as other nations He commended the squadroHs had been
Of use IN foreign ports in protecting the missionaries
Sinope and Constannople. and at Smyrna, also Why
The President himself had stolen the sunshine from South
CaEolina's son 10 gid his annual message daughter
and cheers
Mr.. CHANDLER approved of the spirit OF the amend
nent, but from what had fallen from the chairman OF the
Committee on Naval Affairs, Mr. BocoCK, he should be
compelled TO vote against it
Mr. STANTON. Of Kentucky. moved TO amend the
amendment by adding proviso that two Of the vessels
be constructed on the Mississippi.
The amendments were rejected and after remarks from
Messis. FULLER and GROW. relative to providing eff
Gent men tor the navy and the necessity OF guarding
against frauds such had been perpetIaed in con,
nexion with the steamers, other amendments
were rejected, and the committee rose
The House adjourned at haf-past o'clock.