Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1858-06-10
Increase OF the Navy--war Measures.

The Debate 10 the Senate, on Monday. was
interesting and important The subject was
the proposed increase of the navy, by build
ing ten new sloops-ol-war. The project was
reported by Mallory frCm the naval commit
tee. There vas a strong disposition on the
mart of some Senators to give the impression
that the proposition was connected with the
recent British aggressious, and that, there
fore, they gave it their support, but MIR. Nal
lUry put the matter on its true ground by the
distinct declaration that the Secretary OF ths
NAVY had recommended the measure before
Il British aggression was heard OF or had
been committed. The long felt necessity Of
ausmeutiDg the number of smaller war ves-
sells 10 our navy is the real merit Of the pro-
position, and we respectfully submit that
those Senators who mixed up the question Of
war with EOgland with the building Of ten
new steim-sloOps Of from eight TO twelve leet
draft, buncOmbsed at the expense OF com.
mon sense, wise stltcsmanship aud Senatorial
dignity. The whole ten sloops would add
but cue hundred guns to the navy, of com
paratiyely small caibre, and TO proclaim or
seem to understand that as this country'S
preparation for naval warfare, is TO expose
the republic to contempt
During the discussion upon the PROPOSE
ton, however, some things were said deserv-
ing OF passing notice. Mr.. Bell, of Tenues-
see, whose patriotism is only equalled By his
sound Judgment, threw out the valuable and
Just idea that the navy of the United States
ought to be gradually increased, without o.
tentation or parade, so that whenever az
emergency arose, the government might be
prepared to rebuke arrogance and resist
wrong. This undoubtedly is our true poll.
cy. However conscious We, as people, may
be Of our Inherent power u accomplish what
ever we resolve upon in defence of our honor
or interests, other nations will measure that
power by its outward and visible signs"
and with them the fact that we have a navy
equal to our necessities, will 90 much further
than any amount of protestation and threat
not backed up by navy commensurate
Herewith. Mr.. Douglas, therefore, took 40
entirely false position when he said that the
Senate must first decide what they were 20.
ing to d. with the British outrages before
they decided what 20 d. with the proposition
before them. The two things have nothing
to do with each other. The ten sloops were
not asked for in contempl ation Of a war
with EOgLand, but for use IN other ways; and
| Mr.. Douglas Is Il better statesman than real
/ ly to believe that ten SINAI! sioOps, yet to be
! built. would be the country's remedy for
! British aggressions.
Mr.. Seward made some temperate re-
marks on the subject and in favor Of the pro-
| position, at the close Of which an amendment
offered by Mr.. Hale, to reduce the number
| Ut new slOops to six, was lost by q majority
| Of nine Mr.. Wilson favored Mr.. Bells idea,
/ and was willing to vote for a small annual in
crease OF the navy, aud Mr.. Douglas again
made war speech which probably should
/ lie Interpreted in toe light Of the next Presi-
/ dantisl campaign. The most remarkable
/ proposal, under the circumstances, that prOba-
! hiy the Senate ever listened TO, was made
! by Mr.. Green, whose amendment was n Of to
declare war, or authorize the President to de-
clare war against Great Britain. but, without
waiting the replies to the Presidents de-
mands On Euglaud, to empower the Executive
to grant letters of marqre and reprisal, with
out limit TO private citizens, to remain in
! lCrCe until the next meeting Of Congress !!
This proposal was rejected by the significant
vote Of 10 nays TO ayes. The almost
unanimous rejection Of this proposition in
| the Senate il, il is TO be hoped, significant
OF the fate of one OF q similarly outre char
aeter, said to be introduced into the House
Committee On foreign affairs by Mr.. Sickles,
Of the delegation from this city. He pro-
poses not only that the President be author.
! ized to employ national vessels to seize the
| British cruisers but that our merchant yes-
sells be permitted to arm, either singly or in
conveys, and to make prizes of British vessels
on their own account. This would indeed be
new mode of warfare. If adopted, the
governments Of both countries might as welt
abiisate, and give up the high seas to indis.
criminate fighting.
Some sober thoughts were uttered by Mr..
| Hammond of South Carolina, aud ultimate
! ~ a bill was passed authorizing the construc.
lion OF five screw steam sloops-Olwar and
! one paddle wheel steamer, at cost Of ; 100
! O1O.-N. !. Com.