The New York herald., 1877-01-16
A STEP IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION.

To THE EpIroR THE HEpALD:-
The bill reported by tho Chairman OF the House
Naval Committee. authorizing the appointment OF q
mixed commission ITO inquire and report upon the
naval policy OF the United satcs promises TO lead to
the solution OF a dnicul problem. This de-
vice. The renaissance Of tie French navy due 10
tho intelligent of .ch board and the English
have on several occasions submitted important naval
interests to the consideration OF commission SINH
larly organized We have not and never have had
naval policy. Our navy, created 10 meet pressing
emergency, strengthened and increased from time to
time occasion required played an important role in
early history, and soon gave the young Republic
Been Au una..a'nsoIs % wsnou. this powerful arm arm
riod the navy OF the United States compared
favorably with the best in mdteiei, personnel and
ganization; but slnce steam propulsion became
prime necessity ana more notably the general
adoption of armored ships aud rams and Of the i'm
proved ordnance OF the present day. II has unqueston.
circumstances and tho requirements Of the times too
much has been lett to individual caprice and to con-
fcting ideas and interests Very large amounts have
been expended with adequate result Want Of sys-
TEN, OF homogeneity apparent In every detail We
much-to be wiling risk the destruction OF this i'm
portant by rash and inconsderate legislation by
conoundng the good with tho bad n vain attempts at
The proposed commission will enter upon wide
field OF inquiry-so general ana comprehensive
statesmanship, political economy and diplomacy,
as well as science and practical experience
must be called upon TO ard tho laborious
investi igation and calm deberation by which alone
useful results can be reached What are the necessi
tics which demand the employment Of n naval force
IN war? What are It's uses and what disposition
should be made OF II In peaceY What aior
to pay Tor the maintenance OF an armament afoat?
How can the amount be expended most advantage
ously? WHAT number OF vessels do We rcqureY
What classes and descriptions Will be best adapted to
our wantsy What system OF increase should be
adopted TO maintain the efficiency OF the force and
adapt to growing necessities These In general
and In brie are questions will demand tho attention
OF the proposed commission, including tho subjects
OF armoring and of armaments OF construction and
equipment, OF improved ordnance OF the various
novel devices for aggression ana defence, that
may be found to be useful auxiarics
to the naval arm. The general organization of the
navy, the organization Of fleets and ships, naval edu
cation, recruiting, the apprentice system, rank and
grades OF the personnel are matters that VIII demand
patient Investigation and careful action. commits
constituted as proposed, empowered TO avail itself
OF the highest knowl dge the best science the most
valuable experience the country affords, may mark an
in our naval history and prove OF inestimable
value In maintaining the character OF branch OF the
service which has fallen somewhat into disreputc
The bi or one having the same ends IN view, viii
have the support and the cordial cooperation Its
provisions OF the best talent the IL Is TO be
hoped that the mixed com bission Will be appointed,
that deliberations Will result in thorough but ut
tho time conservative reform, and that we shall
not DO long without naval policy and tho ability TO
make IL effective,