The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1870-11-22
DEPARTMENT REPORTS.
The Navy The Treasury-Ths Commissioner Of
Customs.

Customs.
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The Report Of the Secretary of tho Navy.
Washington Nov 2o correspondence of the Boston
AdvertIser.l
The Secretary OF the Navy is hard at work on his
report, which he expects to have ready in q few
days. So far as the general naval force is con-
cerned, 1t remains In much the same condition as
last year, being somewhas reduced II anything, in
accordance with the desires OF Congress Particu-
lar attention will be called the inadequacy Of the
naval force at the European and Asiatic
stations. In view OF European complications
and the hostile attitude OF China and ia
pan 1t will be shown that this country is
scantlly represented, and its commercial interests
weakly protected by force OF seventeen vessels,
carrying but las guns. On the 14o 900 miles OF navi
gable waters over which American commerce
courses, there are stationed but hrty-seven vessels
OF war all told, mounting only $50 guns and having
o tonnage of only ,O00 Cruising on the same seas
and with duties not more various, England has l91
SHIPS having tonnage OF $4,000. The position OF
America on the seas 1t VIII be shown, Is inferior to
some defect In efficiency as well as IN numbers OF
the naval force Will be urged. The dlsad-
vantages Of relying wholly on steamers for
during the present year than ever before. Most
steamers carry csaI but fer ten days use and the
larger portion OF their time Is consumed In seeking
supplies. The uselessness OF the monitor fleet, ex-
cent for purposes OF home and harb0r defence, will
u,
upon when brought in contact with the enormous
ironclads OF European Powers The report will
recommend the immediate building OF a number OF
iron vessesof-war, which viii be aDle to represent
properly eur government abroad and to protect Its
interests when called upon. This point will be
strongly urged IN view OF the present attitude OF
European affairs and the possible benefit to the
American carrying trade liable ARISE thereirom.
The report will show that in the present condition OF
the navy. what commerce we have is hardly pro.
tected while In eastern waters The American nag
mas no respect save through diplomatic interle-
lib III n
us as are CHINA and Japan, can have no idea OF the
power OF this nation save through It's vessels OF war;
The argument OF force Is The only one they can or
Will understand. The same true to great extent
In Europe. People there have no visible manlfesta-
ton OF the power OF the United States. What this
government accOmp.ishes there is manly through
naval influences. In the event OF war, or sudden
would be useiessIy sacrificed or obliged
TO nnd safety In neutral ports. The general dis
give the carrying trade Of the world 70 American
vessels. Commerce should be given the protection
which Its Importance demands. The country may
raise an army by proclamation In Few weeks, put
ltrequlres years to build ships for an efficient navy
such one as the wants OF this country already
and prospectively require. With regard to the
waters Of this Continent, the report VIII show That
In this efficiency or the navy government has an Inn
portant connection. This government cannot exert
It's proper influence in countries and islands that
surround us without being in better condition on
the seas. Spain is much hetter prepared IN these
respects than the United States, We are In no con-
dtion TO enforce policy or treaty with any outlying
but means OF transportation would not be forthcom
ing The Secretary Will again urge that the lmita-
Withdrawn and that at least H. 600 be established as
! the number. This Will have tho effect to increase
the number OF ships In commission IN order to afford
| them employment. Also that lines OF Ocean-gotng
steamers be established. carrying our own nag, winch
| could always be available to the government in
time OF need The report Will also discuss that pOr-
ton OF the international laws which concerns these
waters which are peculiarly American, and in which
the great bulk OF American commerce Is transacted.
Thus the rule that obtains In Europe, in the Irish
sea ana such local waters, gives the complete 1urts-
league restricton Of Jurisdiction applies strictly to
| the Gulf OF Mexico, whose commerce is almost
| wholly American, much to the inconvenience OF
shippers; and not only tha but all OF the immense
y0l1me or commerce which nows from the Atlantic
| States TO the CUT of Mexico is obliged 10 pass
| through waters over which Spain has jurisdiction.
| Tho Report Of the Register Of the Treasury.
| Mr.. John Allison, Register OF the Treasury, sub
United his report to the Secretary on Saturday He
opens with an account OF the organization OF the
office, and says
subject OF regret the uncertain by which
prve the OF the services OF the mos. ecient
pursuits which promise certain employment These
defects 10 be nheren, cvil service
gress nil devise more perfect system.
! In the course OF the year 3S4 caveats have been
| filed against bonds lost or stolen The Register
thinks the present checks Of prepared paper. testing
| and ruling blank spaces for the names OF payees,
| a0OT0 an cUectuai safeguard against lTauUS IrOUl
alteration. The bonds registered during the year
were 1929 059, 100 being excess over last year OF
$109 $40. The direct issue was 5,404200. Reg
tstered exchanged for coupons, $97934 459--an ex-
cess over last year OF s20,55l,750 There are now
fifteen distinct classes OF issues and $1,000 holders
OF registered bonds. The present condition Of our
1862. Upon the general subject the Register says
chief o, the decsdence o. American shipping
ia the superscdure OF sailing steam and the subs
tu.n Of iron for wood While have nsxhaastble sup
plies Of coal and on aud facilities for building
\
with the great works in England and Scotland The
r gs;e &c TO o M
period all attempts at iron shpbuding In this country
most Formidable rival IN Europe Il to Se hoped that sSci
win be adopted as SHAH tend to place at least
| American tag.
! Tic Report Of the Secretary Of the Treasury
1t is believed at the Treasury Department that the
Secretary will recommend important changes in the
law regarding the transportation OF merchandise Ii
bond to the West. The present regulations are 81
stringent that carriers do not show much readiness
| 10 comply with them. 1t Is also well understood
that the Secretary VIII devote considerable space IL
| mis- report to an argument In support cf the meas
| ures proposed In the Presidents special message
last July. for admitting foreign built vessels TO Anne
| rican registration, the European situation doe
| not improve.
The Report Of tho Commissioner of Gust 0ms
Mr.. Nathan Sergeant, Commissioner Of Customs
has furnished his report. Owing to the division o
the bureau his duties this year have been almost en-
tlrely connected with the accounts. The cost of col
lecting the customs has increased Slightly. Their
NAV be very small deficiency In the appropriation
though the probabilities are no more viii be MAD,
necessary. The frauds upon the customs. thougl
not noticed In the report, are, according TO the Com
missioner, no greater than last year. lie thinks I'M
cost OF collecting the customs might easily be re
duced from ten 70 twelve per cens