The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1865-12-08

bombardment OF Fort Fisher appended, and will DO
found highly Interesting
The Chief OF tho Bureau OF Navigation submits the
usual reports OF the Naval Observatory, Nautical Al
manac, and the general administration or mis- depart
ment Mosi Of tho nautical instruments, and many
other articles OF navies supplies, turned IN from
vessels put out OF commission since the close OF tne
war; appear 10 De available for reissue with some repairs
and adaptations Allusion IL made 70 the prospect,
apparently improved, Of yet being able TO dis
pense with foreign bunting for American fags. The
preparation or danger chartn Of the Pacific Ocean, TO
facilitate navigation Is in progress; and increased atten-
ton is recommended to the collection of photographic
data IN that important quarter towards the construction
OF new charts and correcting old ones And the I'M
portance OF photographic once in this connection,
means now wanting OF authori,aveiy promulgating dis
coveries &C. in any way affecting the interests OF nasi
CATION.
The Chief Of the Bureau Of Provisions and Clothing
details the taken upon the close Of the rebel
non Tor promptly reducing the expenses OF his depart
en by disseminating the purchase OF supplies and the
closing OF the depos different sections Of the country
The system adopted by the Department supplying tho
various blockadng squadrons during the with fresh
provisions gave great satisfaction officers and men,
and added largely 10 the sanitary condition of the fleets
TO meet the demands Of foreign service store vessels
which preferred TO storehouses Shore have been
sent to the various headquarters Of the squadonA An
increase in the corps Of regular paymastors urgently
recommended and additional accommodations for sup
plies In connection with, or near 70, naval stations are
needed.
The Chief of the Bureau Of Medicine and Surgery pre-
sents the usual tables showing TIE sanitary condition OF
the navy. The number Of persons under treatment
during the year ending 3lst last 5b OF
whom 1913 died. and GIL the sick list at the
close OF the year The total number Of deaths from
tober l. 1854 70 September 80 1896 100, being
percentage OF about COZ to the whole number Of persons
In service The per ccntage OF deaths 70 the whole num-
Der Of cases treated is 0s, or less than pee cent
During the progress OF the persons were killed
1883 wounded and 178 reported missing, making the
total number OF casualties in the naval service
$3.50. But seventy-one persons have avaied them
selves of the provision Of the act Of Congress providing
artificial limbs The increased cost OF living renders the
monthly tax Of twenty upon the salaries Of officers
and men inadequate 10 the support OF naval hospitals,
and unless como other devised appropria
ton by Congress will bs required TO meet the necessary
expenses A new laboratory building, at q cost OF
SIC, 900, Is recommended.
The Colonel Commandant Of the Marine corps reports
the order and discipline of the corps alike credtable
to officers and During the year the strength Of tho
considerable extent employed in guard duty on Shore
the creator part Of the have during the year. been
actively engaged in the operations Of the several squad
rons bearing their part in the naval operations Of the
war.
CONCLUSION
In former reports rendering an account OF the adj
minstrson Of this department since entered upon Its
duties, II has given me pleasure to make kdown my
with me in the conduct Of it's business. Continued ex
perence has decpened my OF grateful obligations
for their ability faithfuiness and industry under cir
sponsible but embarrassing, and / gladly avail
myself OF this opportunity to again express
ance In our aruous ana vastly extended naval orrani
zaon and action during the past four evcntful years
and especially IN the new forms OF power which modern
inventions have produced, and the scenes Of effort
which this unparalleled war has called forth, In which
they have been severely tried and 40 trumphantly
illustrated extraordinary opportunity has opened and
unexamped necessity has existed for adminstra.
ton OF the Navy Department at once Judcous and ell
cent
not claim and cannot hope, TO have always avoided mis-
takos; but do sincerely trust that the brilliant and glo
rious naval record which shines along tho line Of
momentous events during the whole OF this period may
no accepted proof shat the Department has been faith
fully devoted to Its duties and that through s counses
and care the force OF our navy has in tho selection OF
officers WELD and work it, been generally and TO very
fortunate extent condod 10 the best and ntes hands In
the conduct naval operations putthe right
In the right place has been the constant effort OF the
Department. and tho recent history Of the navy bears
Witness think that the effort has not boon unsuccess
full Ruthless II Is my pleasing duty to add that the
number Of highly merorious officers, eminent in all tho
requirements and plshments Of their profession
which navy list presents has not unfrequently
barrassed the Department in lis dcult task Of selection
As peace lie being restored among the country now
puts OF the formidable naval armor which IL had
sumed to vndicaie upon mighty scale that supremacy
OF the national law which " the very life OF Union.
In tho details Of the policy aud the measures by which
our naval power Is now brought down TO the dimcn-
sons and distributed to the important operations OF
peace establishment tho country will with relief and
gratitude largo and signal reduction OF national ex
pcndituro need hardly say that this great object is
kept constantly and carefully in view by this Depart
ment
dictate OF wise policy Yet trio wisdom directs that
this policy Of rerenchmen In tho naval branch of the
public service must not be carried TOO far is still
wise--thc wsest-economy to chershAhe navy 70 hus.
band its resources to invite supplies OF youthful
courage and skill to ITS SERVICE to DO amply supplied
with all necdfu facilities and preparations for efficiency,
and thus hold within prompt and easy reach its vast
and sautary power for the national defence and self
vindication.
Lot the government still extend IN judicicds and mo-
dorntc this fostering TO Its navy and when
the crisis shall arrive that national rights or
interests impered may be assured that the navy
win again vindcate the claim which has already
s.gnaiy established to the admiration and gratitude Of
the country. GIDEON WELlES,
Tho PREHDKEn Secretary OF the Navy.