New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1874-01-08

n q. portion which /, estimated for the general main
enaoce OF the Navy closely calculated TO meet It's alb
soute necessities III time Of peace and these
reduced by anything which has occurred since
the estimates made There has been some accn-
mutation of available supplies during the last two
months and where this has the case, there have
indicated corresponding reductions; but 1t must
not be assumed that all or even Fargo part
OF recent Accommodations viii DO avail
able for ordinary purposes. Very few OF the
ships fitted out to meot the emergency just passed will
be useful for ordinary purposes. The monitors are
in sense seagong cruisers, and the sze OF the large
wooden ships prevents their economical use In times OF
peace. Thus neither OF these classes, though Of i'm
value in time of war, available for the peace
purposes OF our cruising navy while their equipment
armament and ammunition adapted to their special
use unsued for vessels OF different size and char
acter.
Our cruising force in commission is not large Indeed
our squadrons are exceedingly small for the Immense
area which they distributed and the variety
aud extent OF works which is required OF them. Within
the last weeks necessary in order to concen
trate respectable Key West to abandon every
other station the Atlantic Ocean, and to call home
every available ship with the single exception OF one
on the South Atlantic Station. Yet, to maintain the
squadrons in efficiency supplying the places OF Old
and expensive ships with aud useful ones,
win require the full amount estimated for the various
working bureaus aud If these materially cut down
the squadrons themselves must be reduced.
All the foregoing considerations apply to condition
Of profound and lasting peace but cannot expect
this always TO endure, and when does come II Will
from the ocean, sca'"-e 90. commerce, In
Testing immense coast line on both and
threatening great seaports where Ia concentrated
much OF the business and the property OF the people
lesson day in truth is that navy should
be increased not diminished. Recent events have de-
monstrated to all that tho great immediate military
necessity OF this nation seaworthy vessels. ade
quae TO contend with those OF other nations, and well
armed and completely equipped for cruising lighting
In my Judgment. the expenditures to meet this
necessity cannot be wisely. perhaps not safely,
postponed and while have, in accordance with the
resolution of the House Of Representatives Indicated
the reductions referred to- which may be made possibly
without serious injury to the service, constrained
to the duty dsagreeabe 1t is OF declaring frankly
my opinion only that reductions should be made
at this time III the appropriations which are especially
intended 10 put the cruising vessels OF the Navy in con-
dton active and immediate service, but that, the
contrary 1T will be craftsmanship and real economy
increase the appropriations TO sum sufficient at least
make efficient all the remainder OF our ron-cad FORCE
and also place the dock AZ the Pensacola Navy
in "a condition for use; and this work should be CON-
menced possible, even to the postponement
II necessary, OF other public work
It is hardly necessary to add that while entertain
these views and feel bound TO express them when called
upon shall, Of course be ready to accommodate the
action OF the Department to the wishes OF Congress on
this subject and to do the best 1 with the means
which they see fit supply theirs Is the power, and
with them will rest the responsibility. Very respect
fully, your obedient servant.
GEO NJ. robson, Secretary Of the Navy.
To the President.