Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1862-09-05

lea in congress assembled, that the active list
of line officers of the United States navy shall
be divided into nine grades, taking rank ac-
cording to the date of their commissions in
each grade, as follows, viz:
First. Rear admirals,
Second. CommodOres.
Third Captains.
Fourth. Commanders.
Fifth. Lieutenant commanders.
Sixth. Lieutenants.
Seventh. Masters.
Eighth. Ensigns
Ninth Midshipmen.
Sect 2. And be it further enacted, that the
number of officers allowed to each grade shall
not exceed nine rear admirals, eighteen com
modores, thirty-six captains, seventy-two
commanders, one hundred and forty -four lieu
tenant commanders, one hundred and forty
four lieutenants, one hundred and forty four
masters, and one hundred and forty four en-
signs
Sect 8, And be it further enacted, that the
vessels of the United States navy shall be di-
vided into four classes, to be commanded, as
near as may be, as follows:
First rates, by commodores
Second rates, by captains.
Third rates, by commanders.
Fourth rates, by lieutenant commanders.
Lieutenant commanders may be assigned
as first lieutenants Of naval stations and of
vessels not commanded by lieutenant COM
manders.
Sect. 4. And be it further enacted, that the
secretary of the navy shall appoint advise
ry board of not less than three officers, senior
to those to be reported upon, who shall care
fully scrutinize the active list of line officers
above and including the grade of masters in
the line of promotion, and report to him in
1uritinU tbOSp who in tho OniniOO M tho hoard
are worthy of further promotion, in the follow
ing words We hereby certify that--
has the moral, mental, physical, and profess
sional qualifications to perform efficiently all
his duties, both at sea and on shore, of the
grade to which he is to be promoted and re-
commend him for promotion.
Sect. 5. And be it further enacted, that the
officers recommended shall be Immediately
commissioned, according to their present SEN
iority, in the following grades and numbers,
viz eighteen commodores, thirty-siX captains,
seventy commanders, one hundred and
forty-four lieutenant commanders, one hun
dred and forty-tour heutenants, one hundred
and forty-four masters, and one hundred and
forty-four ensigns Provided, that this num-
Der of officers remain upon the active list af-
ter the action of the board, otherwise so soon
as the graduates from the naval academy are
available for promotion.
Sect g. And be it further enacted, that a
similar advisory board shall be appointed at
least once in every four years; Provided that
the same officers shall not be eligible for two
successive terms.
Sect. 7. And be it further enacted, that nine
rear admirals may be appointed by the presi-
dent, by and with the advice and consent Of
the senate, who shall be selected, during war,
from those officers upon the active list now
hole +ho 40 Df r. 1trln hnt,
distinguished themselves, or shall hearatter
most eminently distinguish Themselves, by
courage, skill, genius, in their profession:
Provided, that no officer shall be promoted to
this grade unless, upon recommendation of
the president by name, he has received the
thanks of congress for distinguished service.
During times of peace vacancies in this grade
shall be filled by regular promotion from the
list of commodores, subject to examination as
aforesaid.
Sect. 8. And be it further enacted, that
whenever, upon the recommendation OF the
president OF the United States, any ofhcer OF
the navy now upon the active list, not below
the grade of commander, has received, or
shall receive, by name, during the present
war, vote of thanks OF congress for distin-
guished service, such officer shall not be re-
tired except for cause until he has been fifty
five years in the naval service of the United
States.
Sect. 8. And be it further enacted, that any
line officer of the navy or marine corps may
be advanced one grade, if, upon recommend
alton of the president, by name, he receives
the thanks of congress for highly distinguish
ed conduct in conflict with the enemy or for
extraordinary heroism in the line of his pro-
fession.
Sect 10. And be it further enacted, that
any person who shall lave received or shall
hereafter receive a temporary appointment as
acting volunteer lieutenant, or acting master
in the navy from civil life, authorized by the
act of congress of July twenty -four, eighteen
hundred and sixty-one. may be confirmed in
said appointment in the navy, and placed in
the line of promotion from the date of said
confirmation, if upon the recommendation of
the president he receives the thanks of con-
gress for highly mertorious conduct in con-
fict with the enemy: Provided, the number
of officers allowed in each grade bv this act
shall not be increased thereby, Seamen dis
tinguishing themselves in battle. or nv extra
ordinary heroism in the line of their profes
sion. NAV be promoted to forward warrant Of
fcers. or acting masters mates as tbev NAV
be best qualified, upon the recommendation
of their commanding officer, approved nv th o
flag officer and the department Upon su eb
promotion they shall receive gratui-~ of one
hundred dollars and a medal of honor to he
prepared by the navy department
Sect. IL. And be it further enacted, that the
students at the naval academy shall be STYLED
midshipmen and until their final graduating
examination, when, if successful, they shall