Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1862-06-23
tQotttster Dailg spy
The Construction of Arr, or ed Ships
Secretary Welles' Letter to Congress.

Olle secIetaIy Vi tne navy 10 the naval commit
tee of both houses:
NAVY DEPARTMENT, June 8, 1862
SIR: had the honor to address the naval
committee under date of the 25th of March
last on the Subject of armored ships, and the
necessity of preliminary measures in the fu-
ture construction of vessels for the naval SER
vice. The fact that radical change has COM
menced in the construction and armament of
shlps-which change, in effect, dispenses with
the nayies that have hitherto existed-is obvi-
Gus; and it is question for congress to de-
eide whether the government will promptly
take the initiatory steps to place our country
in the front rank Of maritime powers.
1t is unnecessary that l should recapitulate
the suggestions contained in my letter of the
25th of March; but l would again call your
attention to them, and state my earnest desire
that congress should take action, before its
adjournment, on the subject, not only sup
plying itself with the armature and heavy or
dnance for ships, but the substitution by the
government of iron for wood in whole or in
part, in the construction of naval vessels. 1t
has hitherto been supposed to be the true in
terest the government to build its own ships
OF war, and to manufacture the arms, and
most of the articles which are requisite for the
naval service.
This necessity has arisen chiefly from the
fact that naval vessels and naval purposes and
objects are in many respects so essentially
different from those Of the mercantile marine
as to place them out of the usual line of pri-
vate enterprise. The government, has, con-
sequently, to pay an extra cost for extra and
better work. In naval and military matters,
it is indispensable thatvessels, guns, machine
ry, and everything pertaining to them, should
be Of the best quality-trustwort hy, and al
ways ready at any moment to meet the public
necessities.
The government has several large navy
yards for building ships; and the introduction
OF steam, which is necessary for and made
applicable to all naval vessels now construct
ed, has compelled it to erect extensive shops
for making steam machinery. But these
shops are inadequate to the wants of the navy
and for some years it will be necessary, under
any circumstance, to contract for much the
larger portion Of the work that will be requir-
ed.
1t is now generally conceded that vessels
for lighting purposes must be heavily plated
with iron if they are not built entirely of that
material In this, as in most costly fabrics,
economy is reached through durability
Iron ship building is new in this country,
but few persons are engaged in it, and it is a
novelty in our navy yards. Heavy iron beams,
shafting, and thick iron plates can be purchas-
ed from only two or three parties, and then in
limited supplies, and subject to great delay
individuals have little use for iron of such
magnitude as the navy must have, and there
must unavoidably be great outlay to prepare
for the execution of such work With only
the navy for purchaser, there can be no
competition, and the government will be COM
PEELED, under such circumstances, to pay al
most aOU Dripa the mills ond for0aS NOV, do
mand.
No inconsiderable portions of an iron ship
can be made and produced at the ordinary
mills, and, so far as it can be DONE it may be
the best policy to be so supplied; but the
heavy and expensive portions cannot be so
procured and, unless the government is pre-
pared to execute the work it will be subject
to imposition and its vessels to marked interi-
Ority.
Other nations whose wooden ships-of- war
far exceed our own in number, cannot afford
to lay them aside, but are compelled to plate
them with iron at very great cost They
are not unaware Of the disadvantage Of this
proceeding, but it is a present necessity.
1t must be borne in mind, however, that
those governments which are striving for ma
val supremacy, are sparing no expense to
strengthen themselves by building iron YES
going the necessary preparation for this
change in naval architecture, Notwithstanding
those governments have at their command
the greatest experience, and the most extern
sive and complete iron and machine factories
that private enterprise can produce.
The facts are suggestive to our govern
ment and L desire to call your attention to
the necessity of making the necessary provis-
ion for ourselves, by providing the means and
conveniencies for building and repairing a
navy such as the strength and character OF
our government and country may require, in
order to maintain its true position among
maritime powers.
We have been engaged for years, and have
spent millions in our navy yards and in our
steam machine shops, for ship building pur-
poses, and yet have not been able to keep up
with the wants of the navy and the exigencies
of the service
1t is not the part of wisdom to close our
eyes to the progress Of events, nor to evade
the responsibilities that properly belong to US
The creation of a new and different navy, such
as the development of science and art already
demonstrate as a necessity, calls for vigorous
measures, and prompt energetic action. The
government should not, in justice to itself, bC
dependent on private establishments for it,
most important and expensive works, bu
should rely upon itself. Great works, how.
ever, require time in their preparation, anC
lavish expenditures cannot hasten them. Con
gress has been liberal in its appropriations fol
building vessels, but these appropriations car
not be made available in obtaining the prone
locations, and mills, FORCES, furnaces, an,
shops, all of which are requisite, and which
to be secured properly, need time and careful
consideration.
If the money for these purposes be nov
appropriated, we shall commence under a
favorable circumstances as any nation, TIN
construction of a navy adapted to the wants o
our country and the times.
No nation can have an advantage over us
we avail ourselves of our means and opportu
mites and it is no longer doubtful that on
future safety and welfare are dependent Oh
our naval strength and efficiency. 1t is
duty, as well as a necessity, that we max
these United States great naval power. w
owe it to ourselves to commence at once thi
work, and the present congress shonld, in m.
opinion, take the preliminary steps at tn
present session for laying the foundation 70
the construction of navy commensurate wit
the wants and magnitude Of the country. Tn
Mace or places, the shops and tools, and othe
appurtenances for this great work, must b
provided in season.
The experience we have had admonishe
us not to permit a war to come upon us un
prepared; yet such an event may be pending
and the responsibility and calamities tina
would follow neglect should be warning TO
us to be prepared No amount OF none
would repair the wrong that might be iniiicte
from present neglect. A million or two G