The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1869-12-06

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Robeson's report to the President Of the condi-
ton Of our navy will contain several note
worthy and important recommendations. The
Secretary thinks that our naval force in
foreign waters Is wholly inadequate to the
demands Of American commerce. In March
last but forty-three vessels were in active
service in the various parts of the world, OF
which not more than eighteen were In good
condition. Since then some fourteen have been
added and all the squadrons made, to great
extent, efficient. Even this addition is not
sufficiently great, and we agree with the Secre-
tary in his recommendation to further increase
the number. In the same waters that our squad
rons cruise Great Britain and France main
tain large naval forces, in every respect capa-
BILE of protecting their citizens and commerce
and Of defending their national flags. We have
repeatedly urged the necessity of having large
and efficient squadrons at the various naval
stations. But for our paucity in numbers and
strength the Spanish authorities in Cuba
would not have dared to murder American
citizens at Santiago de Cuba with the cold
blooded impunity that they displayed. In this
connection we are glad to learn that Secretary
Robson reports having ordered Admiral Poor,
who succeeded Admiral Hoff, to prevent inter-
ference with our commerce and to repel and
punish any disrespect to or violation of our
flag while preserving a strict neutrality
towards the Spaniards and Cubans.
In reference to the general condition Of the
L. 1, oho oto
as being at low ebb. 1t is urged that great
disadvantages attend the possession of 30
many vessels dependent solely upon steam for
motive power, which makes them liable to be
easily disabled by reason Of their complicated
machinery. Steamers, the Secretary, we
understand, thinks very poor schools Of sea-
manship for officers and men. This is very
true in a measure, but not wholly so. 1t is,
nevertheless, q necessity that all our war YES
sells shall be 30 constructed that they can use
either sails or steam, as necessity demands.
The good results arising from the alliance of
the two motive powers are seen in the vessels
recently repaired by the department and put
into commission. For example, the Severn,
Swatara, Juniata and Lancaster have, since
they were repaired, attained a high rate Of
speed under sail. The cost Of repairing these
vessels and of placing the navy on more
efficient footing has, we learn, been large, but
by rigid economy the expense has been kept
below the sum expended by the department
during the same period last year.
With regard to our iron-clads, Secretary
~:
for other than home service. His recon-
mendation that the government construct ten
sea-going ron-clads on the same principle that
France and England have will be generally
approved We need such vessels in our navy
for foreign service. Our monitors, while
admirably adapted to home defence, cannot be
depended upon for long cruises. They require
too many conveys, and If their machinery
becomes disarranged they are rendered per-
fectly helpless. The Secretary refers in
eulogistio manner to the torpedoes, and urges
attention to this branch Of naval warfare. He
also thinks that the construction of swift and
strong ocean steamers by American ship
builders should be encouraged by the govern
ment, they being in time of war powerful
auxiliaries to the regular navy.
Additional navy yards the Secretary thinks
desirable; those we have require repairs and
enlargement. Our timber lands demand better
protection than they have received for some
years past The Naval Academy is spoken well
of. Referring to the personnel Of the navy,
Secretary Robson thinks that the character and
training Of petty officers and seamen should
receive closer attention. We trust, though, that
our information ia incorrect as to his remarks
regarding the cosmopolitan character of the
sailors. However preferable it might be to
have as many native born Americans in our
navy as possible, the fact Of o large number
of seamen being foreigners should not initiate
against discipline, good morale and efficiency
to the slightest extent. Still, the recommends
ton is q good one for the education of class
Of warrant and petty officers, a. is also that in
favor of increased pay, system Of furloughs,
pensions, honors and, at times, bounties.
These last are not only incentives to greater
efficiency, but they also attract . desirable
class of seamen TO the navy.
We learn with pleasure that the Secretary
urges the prompt action Of the government in
the matter of constructing Q canal across the
Isthmus Of Darien. Explorations and surveys
should be commenced at once, a. it would be
most Notifying for the United States to be
| anticipated In the work. The important ques-
ton Of the relative ranks Of naval officers the
Secretary declines to give an opinion about at
present, preferring to wait until the board Of
officers having it under confederation shall
make report. He, however, thinks the ques-
ton should be regulated by law.
Such, in brief, are the salient points in the
report, as our information from Washington