The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1879-11-28
THE NAVY.

ANNUAL REPORT OF SECRETARY THOMPSON
OUR FIGHTING FORCE ON THE ocEAN-AP-
PREPARATIONS AND ESTIMATES FOR THE
yEAR-THE NAVAL ACADEMY.
WASHINGTON, Nov. 81, 1879.
Secretary Thompson in his annual report of the
condition and operations of the Navy Department
for the fiscal year ending June 80. 1879 says:-
The condition Of the navy has greatly improved
during the last year. There are now in commits
sion thirtyhve vessels, consisting of cruisers mon
itors and torpedo boats. OF the different classes
few months and twenty could be made ready in
an emergency. With this done. the lighting
OF the short might time be raas
consist of eighty-one vessels of all
classes. And If to this number be added the four
mock aud eight powerful tugs, which eau be fitted
for either cruisers torpedo boats. our whole efec
tive fighting force would consist of ninety-three
vessels. The monitors could be completed with the
necessary appropriations without much delay. or
the vessels now used receiving ships
untitled for any other service. There twenty
seven vessels untitled for naval purposes of any
k,nd whatever. but which are q positive expense.
APPROPRIATIONS AND ESTIMATES.
Aftor giving the status of the various squadrons
and the engaged in special service, the Secre
tary continues:- G
The unexpended balance of appropriations which
stood to the credit OF the department. ut the close of
the last fiscal year 81 4lS245 81. which. added to
priations available tire fiscal year ending June
30. $780, of $14, 502. $50 ~.
The table of estimates submitted Of expenses for
the fiscal year ending June so. 1881. aggregates
$14 ,l47 80. showing an excess over the appro-
priations for tho previous year OF $SelsyI ~ This
for pay OF the navy reduced $106 725 in the
appropriations; that $780, 900 will be required by the
system Of training boys tor the navy and by other
expenses in the various bureaus which men,
toned in detail.
THE NAVAL ACADEMY.
The Naval Academy receives large share OF the
Secretarys attention. He pays high tribute to
the late Commodore FoxhaM A. Pnrker and the ad-
mirable manner in which he managed the institu-
tion and infers. from the favorable auspices under
which the present term is progressing. that the
academy will be equally prosperous under his sue
cessor. Rear Admiral George b Balch. Referring to
the department of the cadets ne ssys:--
Recognizing the fact that in such institution.
where the number Of cadets is SO large and their
Compartments and inclinations necessarily varied
and conflicting. seemingly harsh and severe rules
are required to preserve discipline. Nevertheless.
general thing the cadets observe the rules and
regulations the institution with the alacrity
and delight as they would have those to do after
life who may be placed under them in their respect
i've commands.
He also speaks in commendatory terms of the
Academic Board. and says their distinguished pro-
fessiona al and scientific attainments have enabled
them to make course of study ut the academy
thorough and complete 1t il at any like institu
ton in the world. The standard of pro-
fessionai education now reached by the young
officers Of the navy who graduate at this
institution will compare most favorably with that
recognized by any of the governments and assures
continued force Of efficiency in the management of
our ships both in peace and war. and of capacity
their part to deal properly with the difficult and
delicate questions which frequently arise out Of in
national relations and are often submitted to the
decision of naval officers.
The insufficient facilities afforded at present for
training in seamanship. navigation and gunnery
cause the Secretary to recommend that steam
TO- Otopa be dod font hafp
The cost of this method of practice would not be in
creased beyond the present expenditure, while 1t
would undoubtedly tend to produce improvement In
the practice OF firing. because 1t would require .
shifting instead of stationary target be followed
The seeretsry discusses ateoms length the subject
of providing proper course Of instruction at the
Naval Academy for such Of tho cadets may do
velop talent fitness for the profession of
naval constructor. and at its conclusion repeats
the recommendation heretofore made by him
that Congress authorize the admission of
sufficient number of cadet constructors
annually. 1t has already done of cadet engineers
30 that. after graduation. they may have entire
charge of that branch of the service. There is
much necessity for the one az the other.
The attention of Congress is called to the recon-
mendations in reference to the erection of new
buildings and other improvements at the Naval
Academy. which considered absolutely necessary.
TRAINING BOYS.
The importance OF the system which authorized
mated. Thus far 1t promises complete success, and
II persevered IN will undoubtedly supply the navy
safely ntpusted while at sea- and %pon whose cour
age and patriotism tho country may confidently rely
in time Of war.
SANITARY REGULATIONS
Under the head of sanitary regulations the secre-
tary recommends the adoption of tho suggestion of
be established our coast where infected
vessels may be sent and experiments made to
discover the best and surest methods Of
disinfection. and for this important work
he thinks 1.-THE medical officers Of the navy from
their trained experience and ability. the knowledge
acquired by them IN witnessing the effects produced
by climatic Influences and their familiarity with the
various conditions of the atmosphere in the several
parts Of the ship are peculiarly fitted"
VENTILATION.
During the past year new apparatus intro
duced Oh the Rich nd and pete ventilation was
obtained by it. 1t is believed she is the best
ventilated ship IN the world. The Secretary adds:-
Although It would seem that the value of such q
ventator could scarcely be estimated yet 1t is
sdered too costly to be introduced upon all our
ships undergoing repairs without increased APP
will be continued however. with the view
of ascertaining whether 1t cannot be moro
economically constructed. and it Is hoped
that among the great variety of plans some
suitable one may be found that 1t may be intro
duced into general use not alone In the navy, but
also among merchant vessels where ventilation In
much needed to prevent injury to their cargoes.
The Secretary renews his recommendation of last
year that Congress make sufficient appropriation for
the completion Of tho monitors now
in progress of construction. adding that they must
necessarily detcriorstc in value by delay. while. II
completed, they will be unsurpassed by any similar
vessels OF in tho world.
The remaining portions or Secretary thompson
report consist almost entirely of opitoines of the
statements and recommendations OF his chiefs OF
bureaus. In conclusion the Secretary says that the
work in each and every branch of the service has
been we'll and satisfactorily DONE tho interests of
Tho oovcrn,ncnt ouarfied and tho efficiency the