Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1870-12-05

MAGAZINE AT NORFOLK
Inc unsafe condition of the magazine at Nor
FOLK, virginia, requires that a sufficient appro-
priation be made for the purchase of a new site
In safer position, and for the erection OF the
necessary buildings. A smelling furnace has
peen erected, and Is in full oper alton within 30
feet of the present site of the magazine build-
ings, some of which are of wood, and the town
walls. 'A0''
INTER- pHPor.
Inc subject OF inter depot, for the s.or age
OF inter az some inland point near railroad or
canai communication with the seacoast, also
presses Tor action. This is believed to be very
important, and 1t is hoped that Congress will
see the propriety OF acting in the matter.
ORDNANCE.
In ordnance there is no reason to believe we
are Yet behind other nations. but large sums are
now being expended by them in experiments
with cannon and guns OF all calibers; and as the
inventive genius of our country is much engaged
IN the Improvement OF arms, and new sugges-
tons, some OF much apparent merit, are con-
stantly offered. IL is hoped that a suitable sum
may be allowed for testing them, particularly
a. most of the inventors are without the means
for doing this themselves.
IRON SHIP BUILDING.
Among the many enterprises on foot for re-
storing eur commerce and ahordiDg greater ia
cilities TO the navy in time of war, which ask
for governmental assistance, those which pre-
sent themselves most favorably to the depart
for iron ships, and docks Of large capacity SUN ci-
ent tor the building of the largest class of steam
ers for mercantile and war purposes, and Offer
to the government preference for their work in
time of peace. and absolute control in time of
war. We have not at this time the requisite
docks, tools and machinery for the construction
of these great iron vessels, and the establish
ment and control Of such works as these would
OF course be OF great advantage to the govern
ment.
THE NAVAL ACADEMY
at Annapolis continues to be a subject of gre at
interest and satisfaction to all who are Inter
ested in the service. The mental and physical
development produced under the system there
pursued is OF great value, and its benefits are
felt in every department of the service. The
Board of Visitors, have made recommendations
in which the Department cOncurs, in regard to
the increase of age at the time OF admission; the
purchase of strip of land lying cont suous to
the Academy, and between two portions of the
Government property, and the establishment Of
swimming school. 1t should not be forgotten
by those interested in this institution that il is
intended a. n school OF discipline for an exact
and difficult service, well as OF mental instruc-
ton and Improvement. In this view, the en-
iOrcement of regulations, which to the unin-
formed may seem strict becomes necessary to
maintain the standard of the school, and ac-
cOmplish the ends for which il was established.
The DEATH OF ADMIRAL FARRAGUr.
Secretary Robson pays a feeling tribute to
the IN mory of the great naval hero, Admiral
David q. Farragut, who was alike distinguished
for his service to his country, for his moral
character. Since his death the very distin-
guished officer who had occupied the position of
Vice Admiral has succeeded to his place as
central and Rear Admiral Rowan, who has
received the thanks of Congress for gallant
services to the country, has been appointed Vice
Admiral
THE LOSS OF THE ONEIDA
In reciting the particulars of the loss of the
Oneida, the Secretary says he has no reason to
change his belief that the disaster was caused
by the recklessness and bad navigation of the
onmends that the Department be authorize
to take such means as may be available to OBJ
tain redress from her owners for our pecunisry
loss. The lives of those who persisted cannot
be restored, nor their loss repaid to their fami-
lies or their country.
NAVAL PENSION FUND.
The pension roll OIL the LIST OF November,
$50, was as follows:
Ices yalids, annually receiving Sl23 Oh so
1,ti. widows and children, annually
receiving ......."........... 266,o92 90
900 persons. receiving a total Of -. 3ss .OiG 80
ENPENsKs AND ESTIMATES.
The Wtole actual expenditure Of the depart-
ment and the service, chargeable to the navy
appropriations since the date OF the last report
S1s.gsj. lG51I.
The actual expenditure Of the year ending
December |, 1s69, was S2o, c5I ,2S5. This sho as
a decrease In the expenditure Of the last wear
from that OF the previous year OF a, 1895, ll9&9.
The appropriations for the current fiscal wear
ending on the 5Dth day Of June next amount in
the aggregate to SO, .Hi ,63T.E.
The expenditure since the commencement of
the fiscal year il within that proportion of the
appropriations applicable to the five months
WHICH have passed. and shows a de crease dur.
ing that period, OF - iSS $500 from the eypendi-
ture OF the corresponding hive months OF the
last year.
Tive estimates tor the general expenses of the
service for the fiscal wear ending June 80 ls.2
amount to So 6stS 81 - and to these is added
the sum OF S9jj,lCO "a necessary for permanent
improvements at the several navy yards aud
stations. These estimates are made closely
however. for the mere maintenance of the navy
a. II now Is. and they include but little in the
way of permanent improvement. This seems
TO be the policy indicated by the recent legisla-
tCl CT the subject, and though the Secretary is
OF opinion that il is neither the wisest nor the
most economical policy, yet IL is the plain duty
OF the department to accommodate the service,
as far As may be, TO the views of the representa-
tiyes OF the PEOPLE.
The Secretary renewS his recommendations
o. last year for the improvement OF the Navy,
and says, in this connection, that neither ships,
dock-yards, nor ordnance can be legisla ted into
existence At the moment when needed, but are
the products OF long continued industry and
skill. In concluding his report, Secretary Robe
son expresses renewed obligations to the chiefs
and otiicers ofthe several Bureaus fortheir skill
and attention. and to the accomplished chief
clerk OF the Department, who has discharged
mis- onerous duties with great industry and
ability