Washington sentinel., 1855-02-14
HOUSE of Renresentatiyes..


This being the day set apart by resolution
heretofore adopted, for the consideration Of busi
ness appertaining TO the navy,
Mr. BOCOCK, from the Committee on Naval
discipline for the navy.
The bill having been read first and second
time,
Mr.. BOCOCK said there were three bills on
which he should like TO get the action of the
House, in some form or other. The one Just
read another recently sent from the Senate,
which passed that body unanimously, TO promote,
the efficiency of the navy; and the third, TO au
thorize the construction OF seven soops OF war.
Unless the House should cconomize their time
and devote themselves strictly to the business be-
fore them, it would be perfectly impossible TO ac-
on all those measures 10 day. Might he not ap-
peal to gentlemen 10 unite in devoting the day, in
good faith, TO the discussion Of those proposi-
lions.
He had not heard from any part Of the House
the slightest objection TO the bill pending. Its
passage was desirable from the fact that there
had been.no legislation on the subject OF disci
pIine since lS00 with the exception OF the action
Of 1850, when the punishment of the lash was
abolished, but nothing provided in lieu OF ii.
Amendments were suggested by Messrs. MILL
SON and HAVEN, which were agreed TO; and the
bill was passed.
Mr.. BOCOCK, from the Committee on Naval
Affairs, reported back with amendments, the
Senate bill TO promote the efficiency of the Navy
years past an opinion has been entertained that
great thorough, and searching reform is neces-
sary in the personnel of the Navy. great
many men are now on the Navy register OF the
country, drawing their pay as naval officers, and
rendering no service. The question has hereto
fore been-how shall we get rid Of them? If
you say those men are incompetent for duty, and
discharge them without compensation, it would
be hardship for they have, by long attachment
TO the Navy, acquired habits which totally UNIT
them for the ordinary pursuits of life. Will you
turn them out to grass! There Is something re-
voting in the idea.
On the other hand, there are men in the Navy
who ought never 10 have been there. They were
unfit al first, and have since done nothing 10 rem
der them competent. BY negligence, idleness, or
selves unfit for the Navy, but unfit for the CON-
panionship of gentlemen. He trusted, however,
the number was not large.
To remedy these evils the present bill has been
matured. After explaining It's provisions, and the
several amendments reported from the COMMITTEES
Mr. SHELTON remarked that there are abuses
in the Navy, no one denies. This measure was
Of too much importance TO be passed by in silence,
and therefore he wished 10 be heard on the sub
Ject.
: The Government has no right to employ per-
sons when there is no business 10 give them; /;
persons who draw money from the pockets OF the
people for doing nothing. The Navy is over
burthened with officers
Notwithstanding what was said by the chair
man of the Committee on Naval Affairs, the bill
now under consideration proposed a retired list,
and to give the retired officers pay for doing
nothing Would they do the same for the sailor
No; he would be discharged, and turned awayto
seek his living as best he might. Was this JUS
tice and republicanism, and was this principle
which the American Congress was willing 10
adopt? What should be done with the officers! !!
He would answer, every man who has been out
Of service one year should be discharged from
service. There would be no injustice in this
This policy Of making life officers was copied
from the English but we have strong reasons
for not adopting H. She has an aristocracy, and
we are a republic Ii is incompatible with the
genius of our institutions
He objected to class legislation--to making life
officers. II was unjust 10 the men and TO the
country. In this connection he spoke OF the Army
as well as the Navy.
Mr. WALBRIDGE asked whether there was
one instance on record to show that officer, in
either branch OF the service, had ever failed 10
vindicate the countrys dag.
Mr.. SHELTON referred the gentleman TO
Coopers Naval History, TO show that in the war
of 1912 a battle was lost in Consequence OF the
drunkenness OF the commander.
Mr. WALBRIDGE, in reply TO this, alluded 10
the long line and brilliant array Of victories The
name OF the commander TO whom the gentleman
alluded should be brought FORTH that all others not
| obnoxious TO the charge may be vindicated
Mr.. WALSH asked whether the commanders
| were entitled TO all the credit |!
Mr.. WALBRIDGE said he did not desire 10 ap
\ propriate all the honor for the officers. The eth
cheney fthe Army and the Navy did belong more
| 10 the officers than 10 the men. A stranger sitting
here and listening TO the remarks Of the gentle
1 man might be led TO the irresistible belief thai
| both officers and men were derelict in duty.
Mr.. SHELTON said he had made no sucf
charge.
/ MT. WALSH remarked that the exploits OF the
| Army and the Navy show their efficiency IN de
| fauce Of the officers.
Mr.. SHELTON resumed and concluded hi.
remarks, saying he wanted an efficient Navy.
i Mr. CHANDLER rose merely 10 refeR TO
single amendment proposed by The Committee OF
Naval Affairs. namely, that board shall be II
| session with power TO recommend 10 the Secre
tary Of the Navy the dismissal of officers OF III,
| Navy. and on such recommendation the Secretar,
shall dismiss them. He was opposed 10 this sum
mary mode. II was an inquisitorial power 10 dis
| miss man without formal charges. There lie
the evil. He was in favor of board 10 examine
the qualifications Of officers, but was opposed 4
that part of the amendment which calls for ex
| treme action.
| Mr.. STANTON, Of Tennessee, said he shoul'
vote for this bill, because he believed y was
i step Of advancement in the right direction, an'
not because he belived this bill was such as ough
10 be adopted, under the circumstances IN whic
our Navy was now placed.
| Mr.. ASHE, as this was the only day set apar
for he consideration Of bills relating TO the Navy
and as there were other important bills 10 be con
sidered, moved the previous question, which wa
seconded.
Mr.. BOCOCK briefly replied to the objection
urged by Mr.. CHANDLER, 10 the amendment re
ferred TO in the last named genteman's remarks.
| All the amendments the Committee on Nava
Affairs was adopted, and the bill was passed
yeas 1lG, nays 46.
On motion Of Mr.. BOCOCK, the House resolve
itself into the Committee Of the Whole on th
state OF the Union, (Mr. HAMILTON in the chair
and proceeded 10 the consideration Of the bill I
authorize the construction of seven steam sloop,
of.war, aud spproprating $l,000,0o0 for this put
Messrs. BOCoCK and STANTON OF Tennessee
advocated the passage Of the bill, and Messrs SOI
, LERS and SEWARD opposed il.
4 In n ri he eu