The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1855-10-10
THE NAVY REFORM.

II be expected that the rigid and faithful
ton Of tie navyreorm act passed by the last Congress-
would produce considerable feeling of dissatisfaction
We doubted however that il would be temporary
aud limited in its duration and extent The following just
sensible remarks Of the New Orleans Bulletin OPP
position Journal win furnish good indication to the
final judgment OF the country on the subject:
Tnn NAyy.Tho navy has been the pride and boast Of
every American. 1t humbled the pride and arrogance of
Great Britain in the Of 1872 and has most effect
uay rendered the Wanting motto, Britannia rules the
waves empty and uumeanng bragg Our little navy in
its earliest infancy, when contendng with the most
renced Of highlands heroes the pupils of Jarvis OF Parker
and Of Nelson and with anything approxmang to equal
force maintained the honor and glory OF flag have
always looked the navy the protection the safeguard
the defence Of American honor and interest.
But the navy like every other institutions and particular
" in these piping times OF peace have in many patcu
lars encountered the demon ang and decayng effects which
result from defective system of government, which
sense, reason, and justice condemn and which has
nothing sanction it but the equieoca authority of time
and precedent.
Routine has in degree done for our navy what it has
efctuaIy and radically done for the British service
The system OF promotion by seniority instead Of for merit
has been the Of debang if not the nlariei at least
the spirit and prestg OF the service Its utility its efficacy
its honor and its glory have become impaired and dimmcd
and solely because the rules the service have required that
the command OF national ships should be given to
who have ouved their usefulness and their reputation, and
who claim legal right position which nothing but age
and age, too, unproitably employed, can justify
Of the commendabe legislation by the last
Congress the Law passed purge the navy Of large
number of drones, VINO not only receiving without
giving consideration but Who obstuctng the pro-
gre and in the younger vigorous and more deserv
ing officers We all appreciate the Importance and value OF
the uavyhe absolute necessity Of preserving and fostering
it and all proud Of the very many nt,gent, active
and deserving officers who shed uste and honor upon it, To
maintain the exalted character which navy has acquired,
encourage spirit which heretofore has pervaed
animated hold ou 10 the Young and talent
ed officer the hope of preermep and promotion to high
and digned Under the old regime this could
be expected he way elevated rank coggcd and oh
sruced and the officer however competen whatever might
be his deeds gaanry and noble bearing could not look
for except in the regular progress Of seniority
the passage Of the retired b' which makes liberal pro-
the old aud dsanltd officer properly dposes Of the
unworthy and the hopes OF the ambitions young Oil
depths of despair by holding out 10 him the
suranoe Of progotion and distinction.
AS far judge, the law wisely and judicousy
framed and the federal authorities particularly to be-
commended for the extreme caution, ard prudence
with which the delicate aud responsible duty has been per-
formed M Dpbbn, the Secretary Of tho Navy is particu
lary entitled to the highest credit for the manner Ia which
he has carried out caused be carried out saacto
ry the provisions Of the law The dropped officers very
naturally dissatisfied and they aad their personal friends
win make strong appeals to the sympathes OF the public
the seeming severity OF their but have doubt
eyeu-handed justice been meed them. number
OF them, to knowledge have been useless drones for
years. receiving liberal pay without rendering any service
We the hat the pquston made by the
board conducted fairly and equitaby and should
the necessity exist for making the proceedings public it viii
be found that their decisions have been based upon good and
sufficient cause.