Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1873-12-05

now intrusted NAV be relieved from
the embarrassments OF situation
where just determination IL 'ght be
disregarded, because theught to
be powerlcss, or decent consideration
he mistaken for fear. Ii is neither nee
essay nor proper that [ should enter
here into the details Of or prepare
tons; suffice it to say that II res: ectsl
bic force of war vessels and monitors
is already on the sea and concentrating
at tie station nearest the scene OF sHr
possible difficulties; that oar
whole available irOE-cla,l feet is
Oh hand, and every wooden w;,r
vessel that will float in action
in preparation at the yar!ous i;avn!
stations. These Viii be ready for sen
and fully fitted as fast til. prop
screws can be provided for them. aud
if the necessity fer action s;hnDid come
before the time for it arrives, AL there
is of the American navy wtuch can
be put afioa; Oh the atlantic ocean,
will be in condition and position tn
take its proper part. Inadequate AS
this force may be deemed to the re-
sponsibil!ties and pretentions Of
Government like ours, and greatly at
q disadvantage as we certainly will
be, in respect to the number and char
acter of the vessels III contest with
the fleet OF any respectable naval
power, I believe that the activity,
skill, service and experience Of our
navy will be found equal to and diff
Guilty which courage dares to meet, or
energy will avail to conquer. They
are thoroughly imbued with the spirit,
educated il the details, and expert
IL, l. ~,
profession, skilled in the use of all
the terrible weapons which science has
provided for modern warfare, and ..of
shrinking from danger. Thus pre-
pared, and i'll this spirit they are
ready to meet any of their corntry's
adversaries, and with the means with
which their county provides them. In
taking the action above referred to,
the Navy Department has already
incurred considerable expense, and
has been forced to assume some re-
sponsibiities unusual in time of peace,
but convinced of the wisdom of prompt
and decided action, [ have not shrl1nk
from these responsibilities nor hest
tated, with the approval Of the Presi-
dent, to make war-like 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
representatives, who cannot fail 10 re-
member that our naval condition is
the result Of causes which have been
constantly pressed ,ipon their consid-
Grafton, bat which have failed to re-
ceive their full attention, doubtless on
account Of more pressing present re-
/ quirements and obligations, and who
will clearly realize that duties con
/ stantly postponed are certain to be
more difficult and much more expeE-
! siye when performed in haste under
: the pressure of necessity. The De
partnlent has had no necessity to over
step its appropriations, even if it were
lawful to DO So, but the pressing de-
n.ands OF the present will consume
! now what was provilos! for the service
! OF the wear in several OF the working
! bureaus. These must be promptly re-
lereu Il their work is to go oD. The
occasion has clearly shown, | thing,
that Our navE rs it exists shou'l at
: least he pat ia = condition f II active
service, and III any event ii moderate
. appropriation for this purpose oHgli:
1t once to be made. and il war shoniI
. by any possibility come, We must be
hhsrally provided to utiIi;a the means
4 We have and 20 provide others to meet
the emergency.