The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1856-05-02
THE DAILY DISPATCH.


THE DAILY DISPATCH.
~.--~~4s~,~@>>~~s---~-s->
Friday sIsrsi.s, May 2, IsSs: ~
Ceumasder salter.-The Navy bssl..
Oar readers have no dcubt psrussd' vim
national pride, the disniHed and sp'f"s n..,n
az Commander Salter COMMANDING :,
souadron, In regard TO the threa.eDes ..s,, =,
~. ,,.h, A. ...rch bv . British AdmHAl UPON "a
A...s... -, IN the harbor OF MO Janero-
ms....a..-,, -.collect that Information nao oeen
.s !. an. aamirals commanding the British
..,.drous on that station, that the
~ Liner America, which had arrived In
.~s.- h,d been lifted out for . Russian pr.
sA.s :. "a had arms and ammunition concealed
". so.ra Of her for that purpose. The story was
.-s~,,,,.d by . discharged mate Of the America tn
-.rsnve for his dismisaal The British Admiral,
Johusou, communicated his suspicious TO Comman-
der sslter, who was then In command Of the 81
vannah, the onlx American vessel OF war IN the
harbor Commander Salter visited and examiner
the suspected vessel - did also the Brazilian Gus
tom house officer, both Of whom were ssfsned
that the charges against the ship were entireiy
without foundation and the latter gave her clear
snce The captain of the vessel, however, while
perfectly willing that she should be searched by
the American Commander and the Brazilian an
shorities, very properly refused to submit to the
right of search which was demanded by the British
Admiral In this position the Captain of the Anne
rica was sustained by Capt Salter but the British
Admiral Notwithstanding the thorough examina
ton by the American Commander and the Bra
silian authorities, insisted that he would himsef
search the vessel and upon being informed by
Capt Salter that this would not be permitted, de-
clared his determination to follow the America
when she should leave port and search her at sea.
The resolution of the gallant Commander Salter
was at once taken It was true that Admiral
johnson had . whole squadron at his command
and Saltsr but solitary frigate yet the honor Of
the American flag and grand American princi
pie were in his keeping and nobly did he discharge
his trust. The frigate was at once put in fighting
condition, and the threatened vessel the America,
which was q steamer was lashed to her side. and
thus the two proceeded to sea. The frigate was
all ready, with guns sho,ted men at quarters, and
all hands ready to sink or swim in resistance to the
right of search claimed by the Englishman. All
Rio expected fight, and there was great ex'
element, but the fight didn't come off the
British Admiral INDUCED . sober second thought,
and permitted the American vessel, and the rough
peace.
Now will It be believed that this Commander Sal
ter Is one Of The officers retired By the late Nary
Boards They retired him, but the Secretary OF
the Navy couldn't do without him, and So though
his name is en- the retired list he is STILL fortunate
ly for the honor of the country, in active com
nand of the Brazil squadron. The Board declar.
ed Commodore Salter incapable of discharging the
duties of his post Wonder what the British AID
miral thinks of that question! Here ia another
illustration of the superhuman sagacity and jus
ice Of this Board. The few naval officers who
have had an opportunity Of late years of vindica
ting the honor OF the American Gag, they have
sent to Coventry, with the single exception Of
Capt Ingraham, whose overshadowing popularity
they did not dare to encounter. But Ingraham'a
6rst lieutenant and executive officer the gallant
Gibson on whom all the arrangements for fighting
the ship devolved, and whose conduct ELECTED q
voluntary letter Of approval from Capt. Ingraham;
Rolando, who, at the very moment the Board were
blackbaring him, was pouring storm of iron
balls among the enemies of the flag, and, finally,
Salter, who. with q single American frigate, de
lied whole British squadron have all fallen I'M
der the ban of this Navy Board, as incompetent,
inefficient, unfit to have command of gov
erpment vessel Is it not time that Congress
should interpose and undo the miserable work OF
Board which, in condemning such officers, has
demonstrated its incapability, ineficiency and
after unftness for the purposes Of its organization
We may here remark that In these and other ar
ticles upon the Navy Board, we are actuated by
no personal feelings or considerations. The only
near friends we have in the Navy, in whose ad
vancement we feel natural interest, will be pro-
Ar - hf n,xkx
want to see sdy friend of ours, or any one whom
we respect, profting by the triumph of wrong
and injustice.