The National tribune., 1898-03-24

upon the power of the King by sea, and
! the bearing that power would have on the
impending struggle for independence. This
discourse profoundly impressed Col. Wash
lngton, Mr.. Jefferson and others to whose
notice it came. 1t was seen by all that
Mr.. Jones was not only master mariner
in the sense OF simple navigation, but also
that he had deep and profound sense OF
the political and military weight OF COM
mand OF the sea-
Events multiplied fast in those times.
From words soon came blows. On Sept Ia
1875, he wrote to Mr.. Hewes, then mem
Der OF the Continental Congress at Phila
delphia:
You will understand of course, my dear
friend, that in times like these ! cannot
brook the tranquil ease of the broad acres
around me and the still waters in front OF
my porch. You need not be told that I
yearn to serve the cause OF human rights;
nor Go you need information that the place
where | can serve it best is on the sea.
Il learn that Marine Committee is to
be formed, to consider and recommend
action for the founding of a naval force.
In such a movement you will, ! know, see
to it that am not left out or ignored.
"As this is to be the foundation OF Il new
navy, which all patriots must trust shall
become among the foremost in the world,
it should be well begun in the selection OF
officers. You will pardon me, | know, ii
say that have enjoyed much opportunity
during my sea life to observe the duties
and responsibilities that are put upon
naval officers.
ut is not enough that a naval officer
should be a capable mariner. He must be
that of course, but great deal more. He
should be as well u gentleman OF educa-
ton, refined manners and punctilious
courtesy.
He should not only be able to express
himself clearly and with force i'll his own
1, 1, and htJt
should also be versed in French and
Spanish-for an American officer particu-
larry the fOrmer-becauSe our relations
with france must necessarily become ex
ccedingly close in view OF our mutual
hostility to Great Britain.
HE should also be familiar with the
principles of international law and the
usaees Of diplomacy, because it often hap
pens that emergencies in foreign ports
make him a diplomatic as well as military
representative OF his country, and III SUCH
emergencies he may have to act without
opportunity of consulting his civil SUPERB
Ors at home, and such action may easily
involve the mOmentous issue OF peace or
war
HE should also be q man OF affable
temper and a master OF civllueS. lie
should know how TO maintain cordial in
terchange of civilities with suboTdinates OF
all grades, and at the same time preserve
the attitude OF command.
1T may not be always possible to realize
these ideas to the full, but they should
form the standard, and selections ought to
be made with view to their closest ap-
proximation.'
In n letter TO Robert Morris, dated few
days later, he went over substantially the
same ground.
The Marine Committee completed its re-
port on preliminary organization Dec. II,
1875, and on the 22d of the same month
pH which E1SSpG
unanimously appointing five Captains and
Is LieutenantS, Paul Jones being at the
head OF the Lieutenants' list.
His views as to the material OF the new
navy were quite as clear as on the sub
ject of personnel. Early in the session