The Manitowoc tribune. [volume] (Manitowoc, Wis.) 1866-1878, 1873-12-04

| the officers and crew of the Polaris and OF the
scientific corps, except the three persons yet I'M
examined, has completely satisfied his associates
purely natural causes; that his medical treatment
was judiciously adapted TO his case, and that he
was tenderly nursed and cared for 10 the last.
The evidence has also made it manifest that
Captain Hall was always faithful to the trust
posed in him in assigning him to the command of
The expedition; that he kind, firm and humane
in the exercise of his authority; that he
est in his desire and in his attempts to reach a
Pole itself; and that his untimely death was an
IIrepara able loss to the e5gedition It is also ap;
10 The chief command on the death of Captain
Hall, proved himself to be a good seaman, and
that in all dangerous positions in which the Pol
skillful and judicous-the natural result of long
experience at sea and in command in Northern
latitudes.
The Secretary renews the recommendation that
the forces IN our navy yards be increased and de-
veloped SO that may be prepared for all emerg-
encies; that the old navy yard at Philadelphia be
abandoned, and new buildings erected at League
Island; that the New York ward be preserved in
ts present SITE and that the Pensacola yard be, in
a measure, rebuilt
The Secretary earnestly recommends that ample
provision be made for the support of the Ordnance
Bureau, in order that nothing may interfere with
the efforts to supply our ships with the most pow
erful guns.
The estimates for the next fiscal year are s19,-
2o2,3 and to this is added the sum of $50 $50 for
dental Expenses in tho navy Yards, oto Tiasa es
Inmates are less than those of last year by rather
traordinary expenditure for the permanent improve
meni OF the navy, nor amounts necessary for the
repairs of iron-clad fleet, for the continued
prosecution of some of the great works necessary
to proper condition of our naval establishment
In reference to tie Virginius matter, the Sec
retarY says that since the commencement of the
present month (November) evenis have taken
place which make 1t proper that the navy should
be put al once upon footing for active service.
A respectable force of war-vessels and monitors
is already on the sea and concentrating at the
stations nearest the scene of possible Difficult
| ties. Our whole available iron-clad fleet is on
hand, and every wooden war-vesse that will float
in active preparation at the various naval sta
tons These viii be ready for sea- fully fitted, as
| fast as proper crews can be provided for them,
and, if the necessity for action should come be-
fore the time for it arrives. all there is of the
American navy which can be put float on the At
lau tic ocean, will be in condition and position to
take its proper part.
'Inadequate.'' says the Secretary. las this force
may be deemed to the responsibilities and preten-
sions of a Government like ours. and greatly at a
disadvantage, certainly shall be in res pect to
the number and character of our vessels in con-
test with the fleets of any respectable naval power
believe that the activity, skill, science and ex-
perience Of our navy will be found equal to any
difficulty which courage dares to meet or energy
will avail to conquer"