Lewisburg chronicle. [volume] (Lewisburg, Pa.) 1850-1859, 1858-08-20

Steam gun boats 1875
Steam vessels Of all classes 275
Total steam 460
Sailing vessels of all classes 275
Vessels engaged in "Harbor service" l07
3S2
Total steam vessels 46O
Total effective force Of British Navy s42
Leaving out the vessels engaged in
Harbor service, We fnd the British Navy
to consist of 735 vessels of all classes,
while the U. S. Navy consists of 80 iu
commission, and probably so effective ves-
sells of all clases, although the commercial
marine tonnage Of the United States e1-
ceeds that Of Great Britain.
Now l have submitted the comparison,
look at it ! think upon it l.! We will ever
admit "a Ia American" that We are not
afraid tpo to one. That is all very we'll,
but have We even Que to two? No. 1t
stands about one to nine. But We have
our privateers, you say. Privateers in
1858, would fare very differently from
privateers in 1918. Why? The answer
is-Steam Steam has revolutionised
the whole system Of naval warfare. We
must have an efficient steam navy. Can
we compete with England in this particu-
lar? Read what the London Times says,
speaking Of the ships in the Telegraph
squadron ave could not furnish from
our whole force it vessel for the duty,
while the U. s. sends from her so vessels
a ship 20O0 tons larger than ours and in
every way adapted for the work" We
can compete with any country in steam
machinery, and our ships are superior.
Heretofore We have suffered from the in.
diligence given to patentees, but examine
the advertisements Of the present Engi-
nier in Chief for steam machinery be is a
great friend to inventors, and examines
with great patience all plans presented, yet
advises separate trial before endapgering
the success of steam vessel. This is as
it should be, and With such thorough
practical man at the head Of the Steam
Navy, assisted BY such men as Martin,
Wood, Hunt, Williamson, and the rest of
the talented Chief Ergiueers Of the Navy,
success is almost certain.
From Steam and our Steam Navy we
naturally turn to those who have the
charge Of our steam machinery-the En-.
giDeer OUTps. nave rA.euucu ...s p.p..
beyond what intended and can not at
present describe the nature Of the great
responsibility resting on the Engineers.
Suffice it to say, Is far as naval engineers
are concerned, they are obliged to pass
four seaching examinations before they
can be promoted to chief engineership,
and before they can enter the Navy they
must have served an apprenticeship at the
machine business for two years at least.
Now you will observe that is asking
almost too much. How shall We better
it? BY establishing "school for Naval
Engineering" similar to that for Mid
shipmen at Annapolis. That is what We
want, and in order to meet the e1igencies
that an increase of our Steam Navy will
create, we must have it. Let school be
at one of the Navy yards; let
Cadets be appointed from the States iu
the same manner that Midshipmen are,
and in few years the most beneficial re-
suits may be anticipated. The Engineers
now in the Navy have been educated at
the expense of their parents, and BY their
own individual exertion. We seldom hear
Of an Engineer being appointed from the
interior, and why is this? Because they
have not the facilities for fitting themselves
for it. Now l have entered the wedge for
the young engineer, and entend to keep
away until | see this Naval
Academy established. Therefore, the OBJ
ject being good ono, I depend upon my
native State to put the ball in motion.
The cost for an academy would be but
little. Buildings, shops, professors are at
hand, and the work done BY the Cadets
would in part pay for thier tuition.
SHIELD, u. S. N.