The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1867-12-04

rsgs for the msnipusi:oa q heavy ordnance the in
vention Of james b. Eads Of Missouri has bssu
tried during the past year with gratifying rssulis.
ara now bsing introduced into the ssrvics DID, IN.
ssrycsshle and surplus euns POWDER projectilss 6o
p 4 .sa
the Chief or the Bureau or Construction and Repair
reports during the last the work at the navy
The new work has been limited to the SLOW completion
or tho vesse5 for the machinery Of which con-
tracts we're made with private parties before tho close
OF the war Four have been launched during the year.
ana the construction OF four OF the smaller class has
been commenced. Additional buildings are needed at
constructors department The chief OF the bureau re-
commends that steps DO taken for the professional edu
The Chief OF the Bureau OF Steam Engineering reports
that new machinery has been during the
year. and that the work at the different yards has
been limited TO repairing aud fitting out and 70 tho
gradual combustion Of the machinery com
mencad before the termination Of the war.
The Franklin and Guerr ere are the Only
now vessels with recently constructed engines
that have made voyages and the reports OF the per-
Torrance OF their machinery arc most satisfactory. A
summary OF the trial OF competitive machinery erected
In other large vessels - given The machine shops at
tho different yards are Inadequate for the operations
which sudden demand for steamers would REQUIRE
the chief Of the bureau earnestly hopes that the
Inmates asked for opnt them in efficient condition may
receive the sv--tolo action OF Congress-
Tho ChieSof Buresu os Provisions and Clothing
ports that the large STOCK o. stores hand a. the close
tho las Deeu 10 standard eumCleuk oniy
TO meet the current vaot 4 the service: He recom-
mends that the custom ne English and Frcnch uayies
aud OF own army, garchasing the materials and
making up portion OF the clothing used, be gradually
introduced into SERVICE and part OF the sail
ors outfit be furnished him without charge.
The Chief OF the Bureau Of Medicine and Surgery pre-
only the usual report Of sickness and death In
the navy during the year. but gives in addition interest
engaged the blockade during the war; together with
the total OF each disease treated number OF deaths
the blockade during the rebeon proportion Of doaths
rnfc nf
deaths to number OF ships company. The summary
shows that from the commencement OF the rebellion to
ia oss cases. thai there 25s2 Deaths the proper
ton OF deaths TO the number Of treated being
me Sss o. inc sSs hsge
occurred "A $50 cases Of disease njsry, &c. making a
total Of 25 2o3 treated during the year. OF which
$40 died 1854 were returned to duty or discharged
the service leaving o39 cases under treatment at
the end Of the 1885, Tho proportion Of cases admit
about 4e or each person was on the sick LAO times
during the year. Tho proportion OF deaths to the whole
II .SUs s
less than two cent taking the average strength Of
the nsvy--oicers seamen marines. engineer service
and coast survey included-for the year 1885, 10 be
1913 The total number Of deaths from all causes
ported Navy Department from October 1885, to
the navy under treatment in the government asylum
Washington, during the year ending S0h Septem-
Necessity for ensrsnS the laboratory
continues TO press Itself upon the attention Of the
bureau and estimates for this purpose have again been
the commandant OF the marine corps reports that at
the annual inspection he found the troops thorough
state OF discipline and efficiency and the several bar
racks and quarters in a creditablc condition The men
kept in constant readiness for duty at or
Shore and at short notice could be concentrated in
presence Of troops might b. required. The
number OF onlccrs and men attached to vessels
In conms'n v now somewhat ,ss,o los, snau
Introduced INTO the army has been adopted, and u.
corps Is being instructed in conformity there with
Two officers and several men have died OF yellow foyer
Pensacola The commandant Of the corps tho
recommendation Of last year that new barracks be
erected at Washington, board composed OF ofncers
examination having reported that 10 not expedient to
attempts to repair the present structures.
In closing this report IL il gratifying to state that
while the reduction Of vessels IN commission has stead
lily progressed and while squadrons limited 10
the smallest number OF steamers compatible with the
requirements Of commerce. the protection Of coun
trymen, and the dignity and power Of the nation the
vigilance and activity OF our naval oflcors with their
small bat efficient commands havo been such to
cause our flag to be exhibited in almost every impor
port the globe; ana IL Is q satisfaction to
know that the demonstration OF naval force
to be respected and TO give security the persons aud
property OF American citizens. Our commerce, which
10 consequences Of the countenance and
extended to tho rebels oy foreign governments has not
AFFAIRS former vgor; but the navy has
guarding American interests aud aintaning American
rights performed Its duty fostered trade and with the
reestabshment OF tho Union, will contribute to restore
former commercial prosperity and II
ships and In service vastly inferior numbers
that for EMERGENCY in guarding the interests Of our
country men, in opening avenues To trade Ia
popg aud rendering safo the ocean highways raversed
by adventurous nsveators and for every useful pur.
pose they surpassed by those OF other nation
and that they continue to assert rights and maintain
American navy. GIDEON WELLES.
To the PRESIDENT.