The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1858-02-01

IMPORTANT NAVAL COMMISSION TO VISIT THE
UNITED STATEs-AN AMERICAN SHIP OF WAR
FOR THE TURKISH NAvS.-In another column
we publish letter from our correspondent
at COnstantinople, by which It will be seen
that the Sultan of Turkey hue appointed
commission Of distinguished persons "a
visit this country for the purpose of super
intending the construction of large tbreA-
decker ship-ofwsr for the Ottoman government.
This commission consists of no less important
personages than Rear Admiral Mohammed
Pacha, who commanded the Turkish navy at
Sebastopol; Hussain Bey, the aid of His Highness
Mebemet Ali Pacha, and Capudan Pacha the
Minister of Marine. The new vessel is destined
for the flag ship of the Ottoman navy, and 1t IL
TO be honored with the name of his Imperial Me-
jesty, the Sultan. These illustrious dignitaries
were to leave Constantinople on the 18th of De-
cember for Marseilles and London, whence they
were to start via Liverpool, for the United
States
1t appears that this design has been some
time in contemplation, and that correspond
ence has been going on between the Minister
ofMarine and the Consul General for Turkey in
New York on the subject.
The reputation Of the United States as a great
sbipbuilding country is growing apace in the
Old World Governments there have be-
gan to realize our facilities for that
business-the excellence of our workman
ship, the skill of our mechanics, the beauty Of
our models, and the fine qualities of our timber.
Some eighteen years ago splendid steam
frigate-the Kamschatka-was constructed in
this city for the Russian navy, and was sub
sequently used as yacht by the late EN-
peror Nicholas. During the Crimean war
Mr.. Webb built the splendid steamer
America, now at Hong Kong; and he
has now on the stocks still larger
three-decker screw steamship for the Russian
service. Not long since noble steam Yacht
the VoyageW de La Mer-was ordered to he
built in Boston for the Sultan and she is now
completed and announced to sail for Egypt.
But besides vessels of this magnitude we have
built some smaller craft for the Russian navy,
on the Amoor river among them two splendid
models-tbe Lena and the Amoor-which we
now remember. In Boston, recently, another
war steamer, Of large dimensions Maui
joor-has been built, at the order of the Russian
government; while Austria has had for some
time in contemplation project Of constructing
a number of steamers for the Danube, in
American ship yards
All these facts show, in connection with the
present enterprise Of the Ottoman government,
the high position which American skill and
labor in this art have already assumed in
Europe. If our shipbuildcrs will only take
care to maintain their reputation by turning
out nothing but the best workmanship this
country will become the most important in the
world in this branch of manufacture.
For many years our shipbuilders have
exercised an influence in Europe. Some five
and twenty years ago the celebrated American
builder, Henry Eckford, went to Turkey. and
pfysssa XIII soansssnfinople After him
the succeeding superintendent was another
American, named Rhodes.
Another opportunity will now be presented
to our shipbuilders to show what they can do
with the new flag ship of the Turkish navy.
We hope whoever may be the favored one will
turn out ship-of-war which may prove the
envy Of all the maritime nations of the earth.
Meantime, We may be looking out for the
arrival Of the illustrious Pachas