Washington sentinel. [volume] (City of Washington [D.C.]) 1853-1856, 1856-01-10

mendations heretofore made in regard 10 this
branch of The service. II would certainly contri-
butte largely TO its efficiency if some plan could be
adopted for introducing hereafter officers who
have experienced some Of the advantages OF
military education either at West Point or An
napolis.
The addition TO the number Of national vessels
suggests the necessity OF somewhat increasing
the marines; and their usefulness in checking
INSTRUMENTATION and preserving discipline unques-
tionaby gives great force TO the opinion OF the
commandment, that the guard on each seagoiDg
vessel should be enlarged The estimates for
this corps are large, because OF the absolute
necessity for erecting barracks for its decent and
comfortable accommodation at the several sta
tons.
The Emperor of France having awarded gold
medal 10 both Surgeon Thomas Williamson and
Passed Assistant Surgeon James +. Harrison, OF
the United States navy, for their professional SER
Vices 10 the officers and men of the French
steamer of war "Chimere," at Norfolk, during the
summer OF 1854 the governments OF Prussia and
Holland having similarly complimentcd Lieut..
Maury for his contributions 10 science and navl-
CATION, recommend the necessary Legislation TO
enable those officers 10 accept of the prohered
testimonials.
During the past season, the public works at the
| navy-yard al Portsmouth, Virginia, were much
retarded by the awful visitation of the pestilence
which has clothed two cities in the habilimenis
OF mourning. Commodore McKecver and the
officers, Marines and many Of the civilians at the
yard, and the naval medical officers at the hospi
tai, remained with niexible irmncss at their post
during the raging of the irghiful maady, discharg
ing their duty 10 their country and administering
| relief TO the afflicted. The unmurmuring fidelity
OF the marines stationed at the yard, whose ranks
were sadly thnned by the destroyer, is entitled
10 special notice, and has for them the CRATE
full admiration and sympathy of all who can appre.
/ cate the value of discipline among soldiers.
or the whole quantity Of hemp purchased dur
ing the past year for the navy, three-ten,hs have
| been American. The prospect of furnishing the
navy altogether with American hemp is very
encouraging, and also that the Russian and
Manila hemps will be superseded by the products
| OF this country The hemp agent at Louisville,
| Kentucky, under date of November 90, 1885,
writes that he has fair prospect of good supply
for this The terms of the reception of the
American article made favorable pos
| slble, and the price paid is that which the best
| Russian commands
The estimates for the support of the navy and ma
| rine corps for the year ending June Both, 1857,
| and for all objects coming under the control of
this Department, are in the aggregate being
| very nearly three millions less than the aggre-
! gate estimate for the present
hscal year,. ...............$ l3, 524, sos 81
| From which deduct special objects
| including transportion ofthe mail
in steamships. ............... 4,53o,974 O6
| Leaves for the support Of the navy
| and marine corps. S,S93,531 81
The estimate for the present fiscal year for the
support OF the navy and marine
corps Observation-Disclosures. s,9l7,297 81
| The total amount drawn from the treasury during
| the fiscal year ending June Both, 1855, as ex-
hibited by the statement of appropriations for
| the naval service, prepared by the Second
Comptroller of the Treasury,
......................... $14 ,51s,s33 l6
| From which deduct repayments
| and sums carried TO the surplus
fund. ....................... 1907 O6 As
Gives, as the total expenditure for
all objects under the control of
| the Navy Department. ....... 1891 ,526 II
| But Of this amount there was ex-
| pended for special objects under
the control of the Navy Depart
ment Observation-Disclosures. 5,295, 537 CT
| Leaving as the legitimate expend
| lures for The support Of the navy
/ and marine corps for the fiscal
| year ending June 30ih. lS45.... S,0l5, $50 o.
| should do injustice 10 my own feelings were
TO permit this occasion TO pass without bearing
testimony TO the fidelity, diligence, and business
habits Of the clerks attached TO the Navy Depart
/ ment.
have the honor 10 be- very respectfully, your
ohedient servant,
| ]. c. DOBBIN
To the PRESIDENT of the United States.