The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1868-09-27
BROOkLYN NAVY YARD.

In times long gone by II was usual TO increase
largely the numerical strength of the working force
at the Brooklyn Navy Yard just before the elections
This custom il, however, now obsolete, and govern
ment patronage Is no longer extended for political
purposes in this once greatly coveted goal far
diereat state of affairs exist The economical policy
Of Congress in reducing TO an unprecedented extent
the naval appropriation bill has caused the largest
amount OF exercise on the part Of the pruning
knife" which has left no branch Of the service I'M
cared for but has been clipping away in every nook
and corner, until late splendid and efficient navy
IL reduced TO q peace basis-a footing commensurate
with that which IL held previous to the rebellion.
Az this station a numerous feet OF war vessels are
lying rottng In ordinary. The vessels recently
returned from duty in various squadrons are being
housed over. and this work affords employment for
the ship carpenters and joiner-. Tie engineers ana
machinlsls manage TO make a show { doing some
thing Tor their money In cleaning and repairing the
machinery. which latter duty h most essential. The
ringers and boat builders are not kept very busy but
manage to keep their respective departments going
aud In order, at comparatively slight expense To
the government. In the ordnance and equipment
bureaus there Is but little doing. The autumn leaves
falling from tile trees along the road leading nom
the main entrance TO the yard hestrew the
enormous piles OF shot and shell, which are
ranged IN tiers beneath. and create little disorder.
which is productive OF benefit in IL way, in giving
employment 10 some idle hands. The police OF the
yard-neat IN appearance ana last growing iOuuu
sloudered IN looking ont for some depression from
the rules Of the place or 10 correct some unconscious
trespdsser, who. ineanderng through curiosity may
happen IN the wrong quarter-are perhaps the most
constantly engaged men IN the yard. Certainly TIE
entire place, from end 70 the other presents an
air Of unwOntcd quietude which rorciDly contrasts
with by-gOne Years. when the cry raised BY the
publican party ia Brooklyn was zone more dash and
the Navy Yard h ours.n
The Huron, United states soop or war. which
rived OF the Battery on Friday night a. reported in
the HERALD, Will probably be put out Of commission
al this station.
The United states steamer Fortune. arting Master
North, arrived here from Washington Yesterday
with stores for the ordnance Department
The marine guard attached 10 the receiving snip
Vernon which lately numbered about one hundred,
has been reduced TO u scrgcant's guard, The re-
malndcr 81 TIE force beng transferred 60 TIE bar
racks preparatory To their discharge nom the ser
vice. Enlistment III TINS popular branch Uf IN" ger
vice has been suspended. and the marine guards ON
vessels serving on foreign stations have been re-
duce1 amt the men ordered home
-Four mates attached 10 the Vermont were honor
ably discharged from The navy on Wednesday last.
detachment Of guards has been sent 10 Tue lakes
for the United states steamer Michigan, Captain
Jewctt now In Lake Erie. They wal relieve the old
guard, whose term has expired
Commander b. ~ X. Benham, the competent and
gentlemanly officer or the yard II travelling Tor MS
health, which ~ much impaired. Ensign q. ".
Armstrong mas been acting in ms place during
HE absence.
The members Of Engine Company 40. 3, Of Phla-
delphia escorted by the members Of Engine Company
No. I, OF Brooklyn, under the guidance of Alderman
Clancy and MIR. A. WEIGH visted the Navy Yard ef-
terday and made hurried inspection Vi some OF Tie
leading objects 0f interest tbere.