The Daily state journal. [volume] (Alexandria, Va.) 1868-1874, 1873-12-01
and monitors is already on the sea and
concentrating at the station nearest the

and monitors is already on the sea and
concentrating at the station nearest the
scene OF our possible difficulties.
Our whole available iron clad fleet and
every wooden war vessel that will float. is In
acuve preparation at the various naval sta
tlons,and Will be ready for sea as soon as pro-
percreWs can be provided for them. Inade-
quate as TINS force may be deemed 10 the
responsibilities and pretentions of a poyern
ment like ours, and greatly at disadvantage
as we certainly will be in respect to the
number and character of vessels in con-
TEST with the fleets of any respectable
navai power. | believe that the
activity, skill, science and experience of
| our navy VIII be found equal to any diff
| cuity Whlch courage dares to meet, or ener-
gy VIII avail to conquer. They are tho
roughly lmbued with the spirit, educated in
the details and experienced in the warlke
duties OF their profession; skilled in the
use OF the terrible weapons which science
mas PROVIDED for modern warfare, and of a
mood TO meet any crisis without shrinking
from Danger. Thus prepared and in this
spirit, they are ready to meet any
Oh their country's adversaries with
The means with which their conn.
try provides them. In taking the ac.
ton above referred to, the navy depart.
ment has already incurred considerable
expense and has been forced to assume
some responsibilities unusual in time of
peace, but convinced of the wisdom of
prompt and decided action, have not
shrunk from these Responsibilities. nor
hesltated. with the approval of the Presi-
dent, to make warlike preparations in the
interests OF peace and of humanity.
confidently rely for support in this attitude
upon the patriotism and good sense Of the
American people and their representa-
Inc department has had no necessity
to oyerstep its appropriations, even if It
were lawful to do so; but the pressing
demands of the present will consume now
what was provided for the service of the
y, year IN several of the working bureaus.
Ihese must be promptly relieved if their
work is to 60 on. The occasion has
clearly shown, think, that our navy. as
1t now exists, should at least be put in
conaitlon Tor active service, and in any
event moderate appropriation for this
purpose ought at once to be made.
!, Inc report states that there are now in
the navy l65 vessels, carrying. exclusive
OF howitzers, 1863 guns, reduction of 13
vessels since the last annual report. The
vessels are divided into 68 steamers other
than lron-clads and tugs, 20 sailing vessels,
Is iron-clads and 25 tugs. There are at pres
ant in commission for sea service "A vessels.
carrying. 407 guns. The eight sloops of
var authorized by the last Congress are
building. -
Cabinet Meefing-Organizatf OF
Congress-NO Presidents Message 10.
day.
WASHINGTON, December There
vas a cabinet meeting at half.past eleven
'1ciock this morning, when the President
cad his message.
The message will make about 1880
words. The organization Of the House
md thesusual formalities have DELAYED its
presentation to Congress to-day.
Kussel Sage succeeds Captain Bradley MS
PRESIDENT Of the Pacific mail company.
Cuban Matters
WASHINGTON, November 30.-The
MY concern manifested about Cuban
fairs here is that Spain may not be able
o enforce its orders in Cuba.