The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1856-01-16

BROADSlDE FROM OLD lROSSIDES.-We
publish to day an eloquent, stirring and con-
vincing appeal to Congress from the Father Of
the American Navy against the unjust action
OF the Naval Board, not only on his own behalf
but on that OF others affected by its decisions.
We have also in type report OF the debate 10
the Senate on the same subject, which press
Of matter compels us to hold over; but in the
meanwhile we recommend Commodore Stew
arts exposition OF his grievances to the careful
attention Of our readers. If anything were
wanting to convince the world of the reckless
ness, impolicy and ingratitude of the decision
arrived at in this gallant veterans case, it
would be supplied by this document. The
clearness and force of its arguments and the
brilliancy Of its language show that if years
have impaired somewhat the physical activity
Of the writer, his mind retains all that intellec-
tual vigor which constitutes the most essen
tial quality for high command. It's style is the
more to be admired from the fact that while it
is employed in the ungratetul task Of enume-
rating the services which he has rendered to the
country, it cannot be accused Of the least ten
dency to unnecessary egotism, and that while
it urges in strong terms the injustice which has
been done to him, it never violates for mo-
ment the respect due to the delegated authori-
ty Of the nation, mistaken though it has been
in the exercise Of it's powers.
The arguments used by Commodore Stewart
are substantially the same as those which have
been SO frequently put forth by this journal.
He demonstrates the unconstitutional and
arbitrary character OF the tribunal Great
ed by the act of Congress, and shows
that, full as were its powers, it over
stepped them to a degree never contem-
plated by the trainers of the bill. The Board
was expressly eDjoined by its instructions
to make careful examination into the
efficiency of the officers, and the Commodore
very justly contends that no inquiry could be
thus characterized which did not involve no
tice to the parties inculpated, and an opportu-
nifty Of rebutting the charges made against
them. He denies altogether the salutary
effects Of commissions Of this kind on the or
ganization of the navy. Even where board
Of officers had been convened to aid with their
practical knowledge in forming series of in
have been found productive of no advantage.
How, then, could anything but mischief be
expected from board invested with such
large discretionary power over the regulations
fortunes and happiness Of the entire profess
sion, ana which had Sc many temptations to act
with Partially?
Thus the campaign is fairly opened in Con-
gress against the Council of Fifteen" by
this broadside from the old Commodore, fol
lowed up by rafting discharges of sidearms
from other quarters, in the shape Of strong
memorials to the national representation, and
indignant new spaper protests from every part
of the Union. If, after the exposure of so
many cases of erievous Injustice and OPP
preston, constituting in themselves whole
sale violation of the individual rights guaran-
teed by the constitution, Congress should re-
fuse 10 listen to the just demands for redress
made to it, then we shall be disposed to con-
clude with Commodore Stewart that it be
comes q reproach, instead of an honor, to hold
the naval commission of this country.