Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1861-08-31

The Secretary OF the Navy.
A good deal has been said of late touching
the secretary of the navy. Men and papers
have been clamorous for his removal from the
cabinet. Many have asked it'because he was
of the amount of labor performed by him,
while others have Joined in the cry because
somebody else did. Knowing, as we did,
something Of the man, and of the eXtraordina
ry amount of work performed by the secretary
since last March, we have had no fears but
that the public would yetacknowledge that they
were mistaken and would insist that Mr. Welles,
instead OF being asked to resign, should be
requested not to do so. Every day satisfies us
that the public are about to entertain the right
view on the subject. The Washington CORES.
pondent Of the Philadelphia Press is man
whose opinions cannot be bought, who writes
tearlessly and independently. We therefore
quote the following from him with pleasure =
q n report, by no means popular, has obtain
ed some currency, that change in the navy
department is necessary, and that secretary
WelleS, will be requested to retire. AT GaIs
critical period in our public affairs, great capa-
city is imperative in all our cabinet. But the
best informed friends of the Union here ques
ton the propriety OF a change and would in
volve the removal of the present secretary of
the navy. 1t is possible THAI Mr.. Welles may
have erred in some points, but It is remark
able that those who complain have made no
specific charge. lie has committed no rash
act he has done nothing for which the coun.
try has had cause to regret. Those who know
him best rely with confidence upon his decs-
ions The officers Of the navy, so far as l
have been able to learn-and L have given
this point special attention-have all strong
words of praise in his favor. They know
best how much he had to do in bringing up
dilapidated navy and they, though inpatient
to see our blockade thorough and complete,
know that 1000 miles Of sOuth-rn coast (in-
Guiding the inlets) cannot be blockaded in a
day, with-as was the fact when the blockade
was decided upon-only fifty vessels to do it
with, and large portion OF those not available
for that purpose.
Secretary Welles is man of few words,
of excellent Judgment, correct decision, and
great firmness. The rejection OF the Wander.
blt steamers is a saving to the country of mil
lions of dollars. They were too weak to re.
ceive guns they were too large for blockad.
ing where vessels of ten TO fifteen, not twenty
to twenty two, feet draught are required they
were not needed for transports; and, more
over, they were not offered at the governments
own price, as is generally supposed, but with
such conditions as to make it certain that the
owners were secure in the certainty Of good
round sum for them, and altogether more than
they could possibly be woI tn to the navy In
these remarks am not the mouth piece Of the
secretary of the navy, neither am giving my
own individual opinion My conclusions are
gathered from intelligent and experienced off.
GERS of the navy, who, if they discovered in
efficiency in the chief officer nf tho 1npart.
ment, would permit no fear or favor from that
source to prevent blunt, outspoken express
sion of sentiment.
Equally qualified is Captain Fox, the as.
sisant secretary, man of large experience,
quick perception, correct decision, and prompt
action who with the secretary, and that clear.
headed, methodcaI business man, Mr.. Faxon,
the chief clerk, possess peculiar qualifications
for the special and vastly important duties Of
the department whose interests they have I'M
der their charge"