The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1870-11-25
DEPARTMENTS REPORTS,
The Report of the secretary of the Nav


The Secretary of the Navy is hard at work on his
report, which he expects to have ready in few
IL remains in much the same condition last year,
being somewhat reduced, if anything, in accordance
with the desires of Congress. Particular attention
will be called to the nadequacy of the naval force at
the European and Asatic stations In view OF Euro
pean complications and the hostile attitude of China
and Japan, it will be shown that this country IS
scantily represented, and its commercial interests
weakly protected by force of seventeen vessels
carrying but 145 guns On the 10000 miles Of nav
gable waters over which American commerce
courses there are stationed but thrLyseven vessels
OF war all told, mounting only 800 guns and having
tonnage OF only 10000. Cruising on the same seas
and with duties not more various, England has 19l
ships, having tonnage Of $500. The position of
America on the seas 1t will be showD Is inferior to
even third and fourth class European powers. The
same defect in efficiency as well as in numbers of
the naval force will be urged. The dsad-
vantages of relying wholly on steamers for
during the present year than ever before Most
steamers carry coal but for ten days use, and the
larger portion Of their time is consumed n see king
supplies. The useessness Of the monitor fleet, eX-
Cept for purposes OF home and harbor defense, will
be shown, as also how little they could be relied
upon when brought in contact wi h the enormous
iron-clads OF European powers. The report will
recommend the Immediate building of number of
iron vessels owar which will be able to represent
properly our Government abroad aud to protect its
interests when called upon. This point will be
of European AFFAIRS and the possible benefit to the
American carrying trade liable to arise therefrom.
The report will show that, iR the present condition
OF the navy, what commerce we have is hardly pro-
tected while in Eastern waters the American dag
euce. Seni-baTbarous na,iOns, situated far from
us as are China and JAPAN can have no idea OF the
power OF this nation save through IFS vessels OF war;
The argument of force is the only one they can or
will understand. The same is true to great eX-
tent in Europe. People there have no visible mani
festation OF the power OF the United States. What
this Government accompshes there Is mainly
through naval influences. In the event OF war; or a
sudden emergency calling for prompt action, our
ships would be uselessly sacrificed, or obliged to
find safety in neutral ports. The general disturbed
condition OF Europe should to a great extent give
world American
sells. Commerce shOEld be given the protection
which its Importance demands. The country NAV
raise an army by proclamation IN a few weeks, but
requires years TO build ships for an efficient navy,
such one as the wants OF this country already
and prOspectivelV require. With regard TO the
waters OF this continent, the report will show that
in this efficiency OF the navy government has an i'm
its proper influence in countries and islands that
surround us without being in a better condition on
the seas Spain Is much better prepared in these
respects than the United States. We In no con-
dton TO enforce policy or treaty with any outlying
island. Not that troops enough could not ne raised
but means OF transportation would not be fortheom-
ing. The Secretary Will again urge that the limta
withdrawn and that at least 900 be established as
the number. This will have the effect 10 increase
the number OF ships In commission in order to afford
them employment Also that lines OF ocean-goiBg
steamers be established, carrying our own flag which
could always be available TO the Government in
time OF need The report Will also discuss that por
ton OF the international laws which those
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 and such local waters gives the complete juriS-
dictOn thereof TO one government. But the marine
league restriction OF jurisdiction applies strictly to
the Gulf Of Mexico, whose commerce Is almost
wholly American, much TO the inconvenience OF
shippers and not only that, but all OF the immense
volume OF commerce which flows from the Atlantic
States to the Gulf Of Mexico is obliged TO pass
through waters over which Spain has jurisdiction.
! The Report of the Register of the Treasury.
Mr.. John Allison, Register OF the Treasury, aub-
mitted his report to the Secretary on Saturday. He
opens with an account OF the orgnization Of the
| ONCE, and says:-
ut subject of regret that the uncertain tenure by
which suboIdnates hold their positions in this OH ce
the Governments of the services of the
most efficient clerks, who often induced TO ACCEPT
positions pursuits which promise certain
employment These defects to be inherent in
system civil service here ofore practsed but
indulge the hope that Congress will devise perfect
| system"
In the course OF the year 3s4 caveats have been
| filed against bonds lost stolen. The Register
thinks the present checks OF prepared paper testing
| and ruling blank spaces for the names OF payers
| afford an efectual safeguard against frauds from
alteration. The bonds registered during the yeal
were s229 Oo9 1870, being excess over last year o.
Sl09, $40. The direct issue was s., ,404, 200
Registered exchanged for coupons s97, 9a4, ,459-aI
1 now fifteen distinct classes OF Issues and 80 00t
holders OF registered bonds. The present condition
OF our merchant marine is much the same as i
reached in 1862 Upon the general subject the Re
gister says:-
"The chief cause of the deeadence of American ship
ping is the snpersedure of sailing by steam
the substitution Of iron for wood While have inex
ites for building iron ships have single establish