Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1880-12-03
WASHINGTON.
n,por, of the Secretary Of the Navy

WAsHINGToN, December 2. The annual
report of the Secretary of the Navy shows the
net expenditures for the fiscal year were
81, l4l ,6S2. % less than the amount applica-
Bile therefor. He recommends that the Sec
rotary of the Navy be authorized by law to
draw upon the common fund for extraordi-
nary expenses, for loss or waste, and loss in
excess of allowance to each ship, rs estab-
lished by law. He calls attention to the i'm
portance of securing unanmity by inter
national arrangement between the United
States and other governments, relative
to rules for navigation of the sea,
and urges the importance of definite
action on the part of Congress. without
further delay, and says the amended regula-
lions for this purpose by the British govern
ment and adopted in all maritime nations eX
cept the United States, should be made
statutory by act of Congress. The secretary
endorses the views of the commandment of the
marine corps upon the necessity for addition
al officers and mensand recommends that the
force of prvates be increased to 1000 and
that fifteen additional second leutenants be
appointed to restore the corps of lieutenants
to proper strength. The condition of the
marine corps and naval academy is pro-
nounced satisfactory and formation of dis
tnct class of cadets in naval constructors
and restoration to the President of authority
to appoint cadet midshipmen at large. is rec
commended. The apprentice or training sys-
TEN is considered successful. Regarding
Central and South American trade, the sec
retarv SAYS he has caused steps to be taken
| for establishment cf coaling station upon
each side of the isthmus. one at Ohirique
| lagoon on the Caribbean sea and the other at
| Gotfto on the Pacific. points eminently suit
| able both as regards naval uses ami COM
merce in that region. A coaling station has
also been established at Pago bay, Samoan
| islands. and one is being arranged for at
Punta Arenas, Costa Rica. The secretary
! aludes to the trip of the TicOnderoga, under
! Commodore Shufeldt.
The voyage consumed about two years, and
results are not only eminently satisfactory to
the department but reflect very highest credit
| upon all officers and crew. Although
| Shufeldt did not succeed u opening ports of
Corea to commercial intercourse with the
United States he is believed to have laid the
| foundation for future success. The secretary
considers that the Pacific ocean opens to our
| future commerce its broadcast and most profit
able field. Upon the Atlantic it encounters
such formidable rivalry that it can only be
overcome, if at all by most persistent and
vigorous measures of protection on the part
of the government. Oar present advantages
| on the paClhc are such That II VIII De our
own fault if benefits now promised to our
commerce are lost.
Secretary Thompson gives all the informa-
ton that government has OF steamer
Jeannette's trip to the Arctic, and expresses
the belief that she has reached Wrangel
Island. The secretary concludes his report
with remarks upon the relation of the navy
TO commerce, and saws it is undoubtedly true
that whether our navy be regarded as pro-
tector of our commerce or as an essential
means of defence, the number of vessels
should DE increased: and it is equally true
that good policy requires the National gov
eminent to employ all its legitimate powers
to increase the strength of our mercantile
marine. So long as merchant vessels bull
under English protection and patronage ar,
allowed to draw annually from our wealth
500. 600. 900 as compensation for freightin:
our commerce, just SO long will our inferiorit,
exiSt. Whenever our own commerce shall
he carried on in vessels owned and built b,
our own people. capable of being turned int
ships of war when necessary, then we shal
reach point of equality with her and b
prepared when necessity shall arise to ties
with her the question of superiority upon tn
sea. The time for active and energetl
measures has now arrived and every fuiur
wear of neglect will add to our inferiority.