Cooper's Clarksburg register. [volume] (Clarksburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1851-1861, 1854-12-27
Synopsis of the Annual Reports.o of the
Secretaries.
N A V Y

n ANY.
The animal report Of Hon. James G..
Dobbin, Secretary Of the Navy, will be
read with interest by the friends of the
navy. 1t abounds with interesting facts
and important suggestions, and displays a
commendablc zeal and energy on thepart
of it's author.
The report recommends an additional
but gradual increase Of tho navy its re-
organization and the enactment Of new re-
galations for the discipline and improve
nent Of the scamen.
The movements of the various squad
rons are reported in detail. The slOop of
war Albany was last heard fIom at AS
Pinwall on the 28th Sept, when she left
for New York. Painful anxiety is felt
touching her fate.
The bombardment Of Greytown, by the
sloop Of War Cyane is narrated, and the
Secretary remarks that" he could not re.
prove Commander Holins for his conduct.
Humanity often lends her sympathy TO
the sufferer, however just the punishment,
but patriotism rarely condemns the brave
officer who administers that punishment.
from a sense Of justice 10 his count: ylnrn,
whose property has been destroyed, and
whose national flag has been insulted."
Commodore Perry is highly compli-
Mented for his success in Japan.
On the increase of the Navy the Sec
rotary says he lis far from the opinion
that the enlargement of our Navy should
sop with the action Of last Congress.
Even with the additional unfinished
steam frignles our naval force will not tx
coed fifty vessels in condition for ser,
vice.
The necessity and propriety Of an aug.
men'ed Navy is eloquently argued at con-
siderable length, and the objections there
10 answered.
The Secretary renews his recommen-
datiOns Of last year for the reorganization
OF the Navy the creation Of II retired list
for inirm officers; the discharge of the
inefficient, and to have promotions regu.
lated by capacity and merit in some de-
gree, instead of by seniority of commits
sion and pay. to soma extent controlled
by sea service.
He is far from recommending the re-
storation Of fogging. The experience OF
the navy justiies its abrosaLion. There
is. however, urgent necessity for some
substitute, accompanied with plan of re.
ward as well as punishment.
1t is the Secretary's purpose to imme-
diately adoptin modified form the appren-
tice system, and encourage the enlistment
of American boys from fourteen unit:
twenty-one years Of age to train them
first on receiving ship. then on cruisers,
in practical seamenship. The number OF
the marine corps is deemed entirely. =
small, and an indefinitely stalefAbrs,'"s'' toe
is earnestly recommends copi~u increase
Prof. Maury's ael.tweuu.
ping his ths sta6~c1 9'"9 9fievements in deSeIo
his .PTtie<s tIVry Of winds and currents ant
en- tin HbNParation of charts are Loticed mos
flatteringly. 1t is estimated that the sa
wing to our commerce by the use of hi'
charts would amount to several million:
per annum.
Robert L. Stevens iron war steamer
shot and shell proof. for harbour defence
is rapidly progressing. The boilers vii
be ready to put on board in about thre'
weeks.
The legitimate expenditures for the sup
port of the navy and marine corps ier tn
fiscal year. ending June 81, 1854.
amounted 10 Sc. 1871 .632. with some out
standing claims to be paid. The amour
required for the same purpose, for the e
cal year, ending June 80, 1856, is So,
9l7,297.