Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1872-11-27
FROM WASHINGTON.

Washington, &C. The report Of the chief
Of engineers of the army says that the trials
with torpedoes at Willetts Point have proved
a marked success, and Investigations have
gone SO far as to enable the department to
pronounce upon the special system on which
it will arrange the details of the parts, as well
as the methods of handling and operating the
torpedoes. The total cost of the application
Of this powerful auxiliary to the defence of
our coast will be about So 900, 900. An esti-
mate is submitted of $500, 900 for the torpedo
defeuce of some of the most important ports.
The report also sets forth in detail the pro-
gress made and anticipated upon the several
works along the coast. Great attention is al
so given to the improvements on the river
and harbor Notifications ard inland defences,
etc.
Lieut.. Commander A. G. Caldwell is or
dered as executive officer of the Canadai-
qua at Key West. Lieut.. Commander Z. C..
Merriman is detailed from the Canadaigua
,, and ordered to the command of the store ship
Pawnee at Pensacola.
\ rough draft Of the Presidents annual
message, though not quite finished, was read
to the cabinet to-day, all the members being
present 1t will be somewhat perhaps one
fifth, longer than last years message. In ad-
dition to two copies to be sent to congress,
five will be made in manifold for the use of
the city press and for telegraphing. In re-
SPONGE to the questions asked by the writer
OF this dispatch, the President remarked that
he had no objection to saying that the mes
sage would not1sho change of policy on
his part, as his endeavor was now, as it had
been in the past, to perform his entire duty to
| the extent of his ability, aud in such man
| ner as would best serve the interests of the
| country He was mot certain he would rpc
| ommend to congress an extension of amnesty
| to the two or three hundred persons excluded
| by recent legislation, but if he should it would
| be with proposed condition that the benef-
| Charles merely take an oath to support the
constitution Of the United States. Congress-
however, had ample authority in the premises
and could act with regard to the matter with
out a repetition of his views on the
subject contained in his former annual
message. He saw no more necessity,
as had been asserted, for making a declara-
ton of a merely friendly policy towards the
South, than for such declartion towards the
North. As he sought as President, under the
obligations of his oath, to execute the duties
of his position without favor or partially in
| accordance with the law, he would in his
| message endorse such recommendations Of
legislation as may be presented by the heads
OF the several departments, and which eXpe-
rience had shown to be necessary. He would
recommend to congress that action would be
| taken with regard to the award made by the
| arbitrator. The money will be paid by Great
Britain to the department of state, and be
deposited in the treasury. Of course, it can
| not be drawn therefrom except in accordance
Of the law for the purpose specified. In the
course of conversation on the subject OF civil
service reform. The President said that while
competitive examinations were desirable, he
did nct think it right that office should be
| given to enemies of the administration, to the
exclusion of friends. He was now eXamin-
| ing applications for pardon, taking up the
cases singly with view to conclusions upon
| them. He intended to pardon Col. Bower
man, who about IS moths ago was convicted
of enlightenment while he was an officers in
| the Baltimore custom house. He added that in
addition to other reasons, Col. Bowerman was
brave and faithful officer during the late
| war.