The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1859-09-24


The Army of the United States numbers
enough for all the purposes for which the
United States is likely to require an army. 1t
i. usefully employed in garrisoning the differ
ent forts, and subjugating the refractory In
dams upon the frontiers. For purposes of de-
fence against an European Power, regular
army ten times as large would not be suffi-
cient Rut orr militia numbers two million
seven hundred and sixty-six thousand seven
hundred men. of which about two million
seven hundred thousand are infantry, twenty
thousand cavalry, twelve thousand arui-
lerv and twenty -four thousand rihemen-
Of these we could rely, in a defensive war,
unon at least a million and half OF able
bodied men. who, according to the demonstra-
tion of the Mexican war, could be made effec-
rive soldiers in short time. Our present reg
Mar army would act AS 4 nucleus Tor TINS vast
force. and the graduates at West Point and OF
our various Military Institutes, would render
valuable aid in drilling and leading the vol
unteers.
The Navy, which ought to be our chief rei-
apce comprises only about seVenty-four YES
sells, OF which very small proportion Is
propelled by steam, that powerful agent which
is now generally relied on in the navies of
Europe. II is perhaps not 10 be regretted that
the United States have made no greater pro-
gress in naval defense; for we are IN situa-
ton to avail ourselves of all the improve
ments which experiment may prove 10 be OF
real value in the nayies of other nations, and
il remains vet to be seen how the changes
which have been introduced in ships of-war
will operate in actual combat. Since the ap-
plieation of steam'to naval vessels, there has
been no war between great naval powers, and
consequently, no opportunity to test the ques-
ton ia a great and protracted struggle upon
the ocean In the mean time, it is gratifying
10 observe some evidences of enterprise and
activity in that branch of our service. In
April last the Secretary of the Navy issued
orders detailing several vessels for squadron
duty and, although there was no preference
of time in thirteen weeks, a naval force of
seven steamers and seven sailing vessels carry
ing two hundred and sixty EIGHT guns, and
Differed and manned by three thousand six
hundred men, has been fitted out at the few
navy-yards in the United States. To accom-
plish this result, no bounty was given no ex-
traordinary indueement held OUT and even
the recruiting rendezvous was only opened
part of tke time.
Most of these vessels will compare fayora-
bly, in efficiency and engines of destructive
pess with any in the world, whilst the officers
have no superiors anywhere in professional
qualifications and accomplishments This is
a mere specimen of what the United States
can do with limited means, and under no
pressing emergency. 1fany of the great pow
ers Of Europe should provoke this country
10 develop her vast naval resources and
capacity in actual war, Americans will have
no reason to be ashamed of their country
or afraid of their enemies. We have the most
illimtable supply Of materials for ship build
ing and of naval stores, and seamen enough in
our merchant marine to man thousands Of
khips-of-war. tits knowledge of what Anne
RIGA do if put upon her mettle, that en-
sures her security from the old world.