Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1877-12-03

serves.
While our navy s not engaged in commerce it
Is important ard necessary 1t should be at all
times ready to furnish its protection in what.o-
ever sea II may be requhel. Al nations should
understsnd that We arc ready to afford, our com
merce this protection as we are to avenge an in
sult to our national flag.
Is our navy IN It's present condition sufficient TO
furnish the necessary amount of protection 10 our
commerce! II we are content TO leave IT TO be
transported abroad in foreign ships, and thus de-
pave TIE American producer of the profits of bis
labor, II mey be sufficient hut if we take the DO.
si+ion among commercial nations to which we are
justly entitled, If we are to secure to our own peo-
pie the -tt TO transport the products OF their in
dusty INTO whatsoever port of the world they
may be demanded, so that profits may be returned
10 Increase the aggregate Of our wealth, then in
my opinion it Is not IN such a condition.
there may be ships enough If they were all in
proper repair, 10 increase our sqHar rons III
Gent sl1e Tor tins purpose. To par 80 i,-
pair, however, would rCquire Ian, er eXlenditure
Ia. is practicable the pres, condition of the
treasury, aud probably larger than would be ius-
Unable at any time, until our own revenue from
customs shall be sufficiently Incie ascd. As we
may expect this from the gradual development of
comnctce, 50 As this occurs We may gradually
carry the navy up to the point of the necessary
Improvement, u point TO be decided by the exist
ing wants OF trade.
| Ii Is maniestly duty to keep the navy in such
a condition as to make II available in the future
Tor all purposes for which it may be designed.
| Further on the Sec'y says: The present condi-
! l0n of the navy, relative with other powers has
less aggressive iOl ce than at any time during the
past thiid OF Il century except during the war: or
! less power 10 ilhet H. jury upon Commerce vi an
enemy.
Tie Sec'y does nat favor the building of heavy,
srmor plated, gun bearing vessels. They are SUIT
ed TO lltlle IL IS than harbor defence, and may be
l. kened 10 movable Notifications. If ii shall re-
suit that the use of them be dispensed with to
make place for improved ships, rams aud tor pedo
vessels. the the navy become sufficiently eff
tcctlve. II IL supplied with fast sailing and fast
stesming vessels OF different classes bull as they
are now built elsewhere to serve 10 time of peace
as schools OF Instruction for our seamen, and ia
time OF war TO destroy the commerce Of al enemy.
Secret Service.
The commission to investigate the operations of
the secret service division, have concluded iuquir
les and will make their report mmediat w. Ihey
recommend no radical changes, and hardly any
cuItalmeLt oil It's powers and Importance. The
report comedies the value of the division both as
10 suppression and prevention of crime, and pay
high tribute to the improved morale of the secret
service under lis present management.
Indian Visitors.
A delegation OF Fox Indians in native costume
have arrived. Their visit is uneXp p, cited, as they
came without asking the consent OF their agent
hen first interview with the Secretary Of the
Interior. They asked questions with regard TO
the payment OF their board, when the Secretary
hi ormed them that as they left the reservation
without permission, notwithstanding there was
$4,000 to the crt dit OF the tribe, he could not or
deI their expenses paid by the tribe, aud they
would have 10 use their own means TO live on and
not use the department FUNDS
They replied to this that they had paid their
own travelling expenses and would also pay hotel
bills. The Secretary inquired their business at
W ashington but they declined TO state it, remark
lng that they wished TO the Cheat Father and
ana would make known their grievances TO him.
They then returned to the hotel, and notwth-
standing their cold reception at the Interior De-
partment, appeared quite cheerful.
lhese Indians separated from the Sacs about
fifteen years ago, when both tribes were located
Ia k4nsas. and after they lett Kansas the lands IN
that Stale owned by the two tribes were sold and
now they AJAX to be paid for their part.
The New York Appointments.
The Senate Committee on Commerce have re-
ported uniavoIabiy on the New York appoint
men,s. -Four republicans Conking, Nc Mi Ian,
Patterson and spencer voted against cor tirmIpg,
and one, burnside, in favor. line tour democrats
were absent.
Pen ions.
1t appears from the statement of the commits
.ioner OF pensions that the total number of claims
Tor pensions pending November LIST, WAS sc SIC.
Speculation in Regard 10 NOmin ations.
There is consideral speculation regarding the
| nominations now before the Senate in its commit
tees. The opinion Is expressed by very many that
should the Senate and House by concurrent res
oluton adjourn sine die before noon tomorrow,
the nominations Will fail, but should the special
session run into the regular session, they will
stand before the Senate in their present shape.
! he subject is before the attorney general, but
his o, Union has not trauspred. precedent is
mentioned III the 18Th Congress called in extra
session IN September 10 which instance there was
No SINE die adjournment, and business was con-
tluutd III the regular manner.
The Reports.
The several department reports printed and
nearly all have been sent to public officials III DIFF
erent cities tOr delivery to representatives of the
press and Others to whom addressed. The treas
Try report will be given out at noon tomorrow by
the assistant ueasulers, and by the collectors OF
customs IN ctie where there is 10 sub-treasury
and by postmasler- at points where there are no
prominent treasury officers.
The attorney general will report to Congress in
a day OF two.
The Presidents Message.
The President message W Ill he teleg raphed to-
morrow soon after the meeting of Congress.
WEST VIRGINIA..