THE DAILY EVENING TELEGRAPH PHILADELPHIA, MONDAY, DECEMBER 5, 187b.
0
TIIJU ARMY
JESellrimi'H Report.
Our Contracted War Department
Present Status of the Army "
Its Operations During
the Tast Year.
Win :! irtmknt, Not. 80, is:fl. Mr. Presi
dent: In order that the expenditures of the War
Department for military purposes for Hie fiscal year
ending June fto, 1870, may be clearlr understood,
and the extent of the demands made on the de
partment mar le realized, a atatcment of the mili
tary forre of the nation la necessary in the com
mencement of thia report. The latest returni sub
mitted In tho report of the Oeneral of the Army
show tho regular army to be composed of S4M
officers and :;4,S70 enlisted men. 81, US of whom
compose the ten regiments of cavalry, the Ave regi
ments of artillery, and the twonty-titre regiments of
Infantry, the remaining 8002 being engineer troops,
recmiting detachments, and others not enumerated
among troops of the lino. These men are stationed
in forty-two States and Territories, at 803 organized
military posts.
H The establlsnment of new posts as settlements ad
vanca Is constantly rendered necessary, and t he ex
pense of providing temporary shelter in Inclement
regions of the country la unavoidably great.
KXPKKHI9.
There was appropriated for tho military servlca
for the fiscal ear ending Jnne 80, ls70, $31,631. sr. I ;
and for the same purpose for the year ending June
ao, 18TI, g:o,V!4'.,14Sitl. The dctlcleucy will be $1,G5S,
fmn; total, ;,ao'2,348-9T, a reduction below the ex-
rcnditnres for the years 1S09-70 of 4,638,w3-li ;
1, 400.0(H) of the deficiency above Indicated la occa
sioned by the fact that In the estimate made by this
debt for the year ending June 8, 1ST1, no amounts
were tnclnded for certain purposes because of
balances of old appropriation, believed to be appli
cable to the payment of expenses for the enrrent
vear, which balances were rendered unavailable by
the act of July 12, 170.
The total estimate of military appropriations for
the year ending June 80, 1872, is 29,H83,9i'8 a re
duction below the expenditures of the previous year
f $3.518,3t0 97, and below the last appropriation of
ISfjts,lMJ D7. Of this estimate for tho next fiscal year
the sum of 11,062,115 is alao necessitated by the pro
hibition of the use of unexpended balances of former
years. These figures, therefore, present clearly and
plainly the amounts demanded yr the proper tin Hil
da! administration of the department.
The estimates of heads of bureaus have
been carefully scrutinized, and notwithstanding
the prohibition of the use of unexpended
balances of former appropriations has deprived tho
department of any fund to be used, as in former
years, when in cases of emergency the amounts ap
propriated were iusulllclent for Its purposes, still
these estimates have been reduced, on close calcula
tion, to the lowest sum required by the wants of the
service, and a failure to appropriate tho amount
asked would result in great embarrassment to the
public Interests.
The estimates or the Chief Engineer for fortifica
tions, Improvement or rivers and harbors, public
buildings and grounds, aud vVashlngton Aqueduct,
are submitted separately as presented by that oitl
cer: f ortifications and other works or defense, f 3,fiM,20O
River and harbor improvements 8,842,450
Public buildings and grounds and Wash
ington Aqueduct : 1,103,439
Total 13 6!ti,i:
Or these amounts no provision has been made bv
me, but they are submitted for the consideration of
Congress and for such action as may bj deemed ad
visable. With an army scattered over ho large an
extent of country, stationed in localities remote
from a douse population, needing quarters whose
erection Is retarded by the want or those facilities
of rood in the more thickly settled portions of the
country, and actually demanding vtry heavy expen
ditures for transportation and the other incidents
of the service, it is difficult to rapidly enforce a re
duction.
Mnce the data of the last report it ha been my
endeavor to use every proper means to return from
the loose customs aud expenditures, which crept
into the servic during the emergencies or our late
war, to the more economical aud thrifty system or
former years.
RECRUITING.
Recruiting for every arm or the service ha? been
carried on throughout the year. Many or the rendez
vous were closed in February,lS70,owlug to the nearly
exhausted state or the recruiting fund. Congress,
however, naving maae a special appropriation or
iMi.uoo to defray the expenses until the end of the
11 seal year, recruiting was resumed under lnstruc-
mm, lunl ..n inrll Oft Tl (ha lot- if Till. 1 QT t
the army will be brought down to the legal standard
or 30,000 enlisted meu, the number prescribed by
the ac', or July 15, 1870, and la the meantime
recruiting will be continued only on a scale rendered
necessary iy casualties.
TDK OFFICBR9.
On July 1, 1409, the number or ofneers in service
was 2747, tuc reused by the appointment during the
year or six post chaplains and 63 graduates or West
Point, naaing in all 8910. The number or oitlcers
In service on November 16, 1870, was 2181, a reduc
tion or 3t. On November 80 the number or super.
Dumerary officers, or or those In excess or the sun-
lard prescribed by law, was 2U.
liv the act or July is. 1870. providing for the re
duction of the array, the extent of the retired list
was Increased. Authority was given to the- Presi-
dent to discharge at his discretion, with one year's
pay, officers who might apply therefor, and to trans
fer officers of the Hue to the list or supernumeraries.
The Secretary of War was directed to constitute a
board for examination of cases of officers reported
by department commanders as unfit for the proper
discharge ol their duties, and it was also enacted
that all supernumerary officers remaining after the
1st of January, wi. should io honorably mustered
out of the service with one year piy asd allow
ances.
Preparations for carrying out. the provisions of
that act axe being made as rapidly as possible. The
board referred to la now In session, having under
consideration the cases which have been reported
for it action ; and reports have been received from
the retiring boards organized under the ic. It will
be the endeavor or tho department to exercise dis
cretion and judgment In the recommendations it
may make a I" the discharge or supernumeraries
and b the exercise or due regard fur the military
record and personal fitness of th'we recommended
for traasfer and retention to avoid any injustice, and
ov a fair examination of each case to aid lu a Just
and luiDariial enforcement oi tne taw.
Aa many of the officers who will or necessity be
mustered out by operation oi law nave done tattnrui
service In the field, some or them in the war or the
Rebellion, aud some -In the war with Mexico, I sub
mit whether it would Dot be a wise as wed as gene.
rous act in Congress, ry legi.isuon early lu tne
comlxg session, to extend until July 1, 1871,
the time in which the President may
at his discretion discharge, wlta one yar's pay and
allowances, officers who may apply therefor, and
also to direct that vacancies occurring prior to that
date in the regiments of cavalry, artillery, and in
fantry, might be tilled by such supernumerary offi
cers, with due regard to rank aud tunes, those re
maining supernumerary after July 1,1871, to be mus
tered out a mi one year s pay.
J recommend the adoption of this course. It will
go far toward preventing the injustice which It is
ao difficult to avoid, ana win. to a great extern, an
Dense with the necessity for forcing from the ser-
vice, with seeming Ingratitude, many gallant men.
DEBTS OF KAILWAT COMFAMKd.
But Utile progress has been made by the railway
comrianle lu settling the debts contracted by them
at the close of the war by the eiirtnaaeof the mate
rial of the military railroads, "i he total aeot remain
ing due and unpaid on the 80th of June, 1810, was
t,S12,10 V7, principally owing from southwestern
companies: and their payments daring the year
amounted to the sum or tsi.-4. Bui owing to
the amount of interest the enure reduction was
cnlv IM.l'S-tt. Action by Congress In their relief
has been sought by some of tne roads, while suits
l ave in some cases been Instituted against those
defaulting.
TUB NATIONAL CIMETEBIEs.
The recor Is of the department show the hnrlal, In
the National and other cemeteries, oi bm,uoo per
sons. In addition to those buried In the seventy.
threa national cemeteries, there ara very many sol
Olera interred is private cemeteries near hospitals
In which they died. Measures are in rapid progrtsi
for carrying out the law which requires me ceme
t.ria tn be DroDerlv enclosed.
y i'nder the act of Congress close and useful Inspec
tion have been thoroughly mada by a field officer or
th arm-, and many timely suggestions as to
changea and improvement carried out. They are
being decorated, in aoooruance with a law of the
luHt countess, with trees aud shrubs, and iustead of
i.intr left unamended, are cared for with the con
aideiatlou which the memory of tho nauon's dead
demand.
INDIAN eUfPLIKS.
Daring ihe year 18C9-79, large quantities of sap.
plies were lurclAuedlo the ia-U. Department lor
lsmans on tne reservations on tit NiMoarf river
and In the Indian Territory. The expenses thereby
inenrred, amounting to tl,00,noo, are to be re
funded, ana bins therefor are being prepared for
presentation to tn Indian Department.
PATINa TH A KMT.
Paring the past year the army has been paid with
regularity and promptness. The present number of
paymasters is nrty-six. .Tne nnmocr aumoriaed by
the law of Julys, 1384, la sixty, but no vacancies
can banned.
A necessity for the employment or a number
seemingly out or proportion to the force to bo paid
la created by the existence of so many military
post, ana tne distribution or regiments over so
great an extent of country; while the redaction of
tee army aimimsnea tne numoer or men to be paid.
the number or stations continually Increases
and demands the constant aervlce or those fit
ror amy to keep op tne payments, and in
tnis connection it may t-e remarked that this distri
bution or posts over vtst breadths of country ao
counts tor that preponderance of the stair corps in
our army which is observed In comparison with the
armies of foreign powers. Under the act of July 15,
1870, the officers of the army are paid by salaries in
stead of by allowances of various kinds. The sys
tem has been In operation but a few months, but
that short experience shows the change to have
ueen a wise one.
The complications and calculations or the old sys
tem are avoided, and the payments rendered simple,
more prompt, and far more satisfactory. It is be
lieved that the monthly payment or troops. Instead
or six months as at present, will be beneficial, and
ir round practicable steps will be taken toaeoure
this end. Constructions upon the permanent de
fences during the past fiscal year have been restricted
to their repair and preservation
KKUINBBRINO DBPARTMRNT.
The Engineer Department has been actively en
gaged upon plans for the modification of the de
fenses to meet the requirements of the latest Im
provements In modern warfare.
Many of the plans for the defense of our most
important harbors have been approved by me, and
the estimates submitted by the Chief of Engineers
for carrying them out are presented for the conside
ration of Congress.
.Such appropriations as were made at tho lait ses
sion of Congress for tho partial execution of similar
plans tor the harbors of Portland, Boston, New
York, Philadelphia, and San Francisco are being
applied to these defenses. I'pjn the recommenda
tion or the Cliler or Engineers, three able and expe
rienced officers or engineers were sent .to Europe to
examine into tne manner ana extent or tne employ
ment or Iron in seacoast defenses. They have been
received with great courtesy by . all foreign
officers, and every fariiity has been afforded
them for making their examination, and
the surveys and recgnnolsnces required In con
nection with the permanent seacoast defenses for
other military purposes, and for the movement or
troops in the territory occupied or frequented by
Indian tribes, have received due attention. The
geological Rurvey on the cental route of
communication with the Pacific coast has
progressed in the most satisfactory manner,
and the publication of lta results will form a highly
valuable contribution to science, to the varied
wants of the Uovernment, and the people. These
surveys and reconnolssances are progrossiBg ac
tively in the field and office, and are essential to the
operations of the Uovernment. Provision should be
made ror them by annual appropriation.
ORDNANCE DBPARTMBNT.
In the Ordnance Department the estimates are Tar
In advance or any submitted since the close or t he
war, lor the reason that no appropriation for ord
nance or orunance stores was made or requested
for the present year. The unexpended balances
were placed beyond tho reach of the Ordnance
Bureau, and much embarrassment was caused in
procuring supplies for filling requisitions and in
tuklDg care or storts on hand.
At SpiiDgficld Armory a few thousand arms arc
being inauu.actured for competitive trlul in the
field, nudcr the recommendation of the chief or ord
nance in connection with the report of the board
lately convened at St. Louis.
THE ARSENALS.
1 here are many arsenals throughout the country
which, in my opinion, should be sold, and the pro
ceeds used, if necessitTy, ror the erection or the
principal arsenal for tne Atlantic coast. Not only
economy, bnt many interest connected with the
subject, make it advisable to dispose or those which
can now be spared with advantage, the proceeds to
be used as above indicated. Jtock island Arsenal,
Illinois, has been established as the principal arsenal
lor tne vaucy or tne Mississippi, a personal inspec
tion, minutely made, of the improvements at that
point in September last, gave me great satisfaction,
as they are or an extensive and substantial kind,
and such aa are demanded by the growing power of
tne country ana oi mo west.
An arsenHi or line cnaracter in tne rjaat could oe
erected from the proceeds of sales of useless
arsenals, without any appropriation of funds from
the public treasury. When the new form or breech
loading arm la decided upon and placed in the h inda
or tuc troops, men snouin oe canen in irom an tne
States nrnis f the old style which have heretofore
been issued, and a new issue made to them of tboae
of the improved pattern.
THB STORM RB POUTS.
The duties imposed upon the War Department by
tne enactment or congress pro vie lug ior tne on
eervaUon and report of storms by telegraph and
signal, have been discharged under the manage
ment of the chief signal officer.
A number or obst rvers carefully cnoaen nave been
enlisted, Instructed In their duties, examined aa to
their quanncauona. provided wicn instruments, ami
sent to the stations which have, on consultation
with the best authorities, been selected. Arrange
nieufs have been made with the Western Union, the
International, and the Northwestern Telegraph
companies for the transmission of reports, and an
organization or telegraph lines effected by which It
ia hoped unusual system ana rapidity win be at
tained.
The transmission or reports on this plan com
menced November 1, 1970, and the widest publicity
is given them through the presa by bulletins, aud
as time permits tho necessary arrangements will be
extended by maps ana otner metnous. nis worn
Is without precedent in this country, and it la ne
cessary that each step should be well studied and
dev sea beiore execution.
Assistance from scientific men and institutions
here and In Europe has been generously accorded,
and chambers of commerce, board or trade, and
commercial associations throughout the United
Slates have given encouraging co-operation. Mili
tary organization and control secure a promptness
and thoroughness In the execution or this work per
haps not otherwise attainable. It is asked that pro
per provision be maae ty congress ior a service in
volving such extended responsibilities.
The experience oi tne coming year win auoru
some practical testa or tne beneuta wnicn are ex'
nected to result from thla Important undertaking,
Its execution thus far has been very satisfactory,
and it is confidently believed that toe systematic
means adopted to carry out this wise legislation of
Coneress wiu result in neneuts to commerce wnicn
will amply justify an appropriation adequate to lta
accomplishment.
THE MILITARY COMMANDS.
Since mv last report no changes have been made
In commander of the military divisions, excepting
in than of the Pacific, caused by tne aeatn or Major-
General George H. Thomas, which occurred in my
last. In this decease the army hai sustained a
severe loss. He was a soldier of solid attainments,
of honorable actions, of few words, but or many
heroic deeds. Hi life is a part of the history of the
army. The Military Division or tne raoiuo is now
commanded by Major-ueuerai jonn m. eciioncia
THE WORK OF THE ARMT.
The cntraHons of the army durinsr the year have
been chiefly coaflned to the assistance of the civil
authorities in carrying ont tne laws, ana m me ap
nreeklon of Indian depredations. I wonld again
Hk consideration to t he mattor of incursions or
Indians from the south aide of the Rio Clrande,
which seems to constitute a systematic bust
nefs. only to be broken ur by co-opera
tln on the part of the Mexican authorities. Pur
ntt bv onr stona troooe at the border, while our citi
zens can nas into Mexico and witness the sale or
their animal recently stolen. A system of general
regulation for the administration of the affairs or
the army, aa prescribed by section 80 of the act or
July lb, 1670, Is being prepared, and will be presented
to CoDgress at lta coming session. It Is work which
requires such labor and studious care that it is hoped
it may be submitted In time for full consideration
by Congrebs.
TUB BrREAC8.
The different bureaus of the War Department,
now scattered in many localities in Washington a
distance from each other, should be concentrated tn
one building. At the last session or Congress mea
sures looking to thla end were presented
and dlscnased. but railed oi enaoiment.
lieenrda of Incalculable value to the Govern
uient. exDOsed to fire In building easily de
atrojed, are in constant danger, and cannot be
stowed away on account of tha necessity for their
dally use In the current business of the department.
The los of the records of any one of these bureaus
from this cause would be a great calamity, and their
preservation thua far may be conaiaerea proviaeu
tii. hi the distance which aeDaratea these build
log from each other great delay 1 caused to puollo
business, and great Inconvenience to those Interests
which renulre r.rnmnt attention.
The present system or hiring separate offices la an
ptni-naira one. and a veariv rent or 150.00 U paid
ror those used that are known a the War Depart-
tnvnt in the northwest Executive building, aocoui
modatinr but one bureau or the department, beside
the immediate office of the Secretary aud the
tieneral of the army. Nine or the bureau are lo
cated elsewhere.
01 1 ICIAL H'STORT OF THE REBELLION.
By Joint leioluUoa gt .Cougres oi Jul t7,l$,
the decretarr of war was rennlred to enrol nt a
competent person to arrange and nrenara for oubll-
oatlon the official doenmenta relating to the Ro
uen ion ana tne operations or tne army daring tne
war, and to submit apian of said publication and
estimates of cost to Conirres at Its then next ses
sion. The person ao appointed to receive a com-
pensaiion or suoo per annum for two years.
In accordance therewith an appointment for the
Dnrnose was mada b Hon. R. M. Htuntnn Rrritiirv
of War, but no acceptance was filed and no farther
action taken. The promise that payment shonld
cease In two yesra after the passage or the act ren
ders an appointment under that legislation Imprac
ticable. It is earnestly asked that Congress at its next
session will revive the legislation and authorize the
Secretary of War to make the appointment. It is
very desirable that action of this kind be taken
without delay. The reasons suggesting the great
value or this national work need not be stated, ror
v lihont atgnment they commend themselves to the
consideration or every citizen.
William w. uklknap, Heoretary or war.
THE NAVY.
Kobcson'H Report.
The Maritime Force of the United
Stales Naial Operations of
the Tast Year-State
of the Seriico.
Navy DrpuRTMUNT. Dec. I. 170. fHr: I ronnnctfnllr
thiLiiiit the follow in report of the Navy Department and
the naval service for the Mat year:
At the data of niv lait report the navr of thn 1'nitnd
State conriritrd of IhS )iipi, of all cluec, calculated to
carry, when in communion, l.I'J un. exclusive of honr
iir.era. fclnce that time four amall nuboai. thii "Hmtii-
nolo" and the "Clinton" (tug) at hornp.nml the "Matimne"
and tne iitiadiua," in tne I'.mt. nave iK-eu eoudjitiiued aa
liUM-aworthr and sold -, tlis tug "linacuo" was aluo ila,
under an act of Congress to the government of Liberia,
through tlieagencv of the president of that Knpiiblic,wlio
vifib d tliia country with authority to carry out tho re
oiiireinenta of the law.
ln tne so oi January iapi ins tug .nana" wai run into
and amiK on Long Island found, n-Tth a loss of four men ;
aud on the night of the 84th of the Hume month tbo stoma
alooD "Oneiila." cut down hr the l.iieli.-h nuwnuor stcuin.
rr isomnay," souk in mo nay oi aeaao, wuu tue lost ot
most oi iter oinccrs ana ciew.
BIZP. OP THK M AW.
Thus reduced, the navy conslsta at this time of 131 vn.
fcli, calculated to carry l:tU9 guns. Of those fi'i aro oi the
iron-chid or monitor clangs; of the remainder i)0 aro sail
ing verscla without any stoam power, and the balance
Humeri or railing vessels with auxiliary steam power.
Of tin so 45 vesHvIs, including store and hospital Bliip,
mounting 465 guns, are attached to the several Meets, and
lour others, mounting 7 guux, aro in commission for
special service. 1 hose- with 6 receiving aliins at tho vari
ous Marions, ana me. tugs ana siuair vessels on duty ac
t lie unvy yards and stations, make tno naval loice no v
in coiuiiii."i-ion. Ten others, mounting 11 guns, are ready
ior st a. n lid w ill join the several fleets as soon as they re
ceive their complement of men. These, however, cannot
be eiili.-ti d till tho snips wnicn are returning to this
country fluill have discharged their crews, (if the. re
mninder, whoso uumos aro liorno on the register, l.'laio
on the stocks in various stages of forwardness, 15 are
under repair at t lie various yards, nmt tno d ii.io.uo are
laid up in ordinary, or us unlit for service or repair.
THE NAW AIIBOAO,
Dinlnc the period which has parsed awav since inv last
report the I nited Mates of Amoriea have been at peace
with all uutiouB, and the duties of her navy have beuii
nov ilicrc thopo of active hostility. Itnt tho attitudo of
tnis lu until ot the public service must always ba in some
degree waniKe, riuco it reprcsenrs uuroau mo military,
Miner oi mo Eoverumcui. ana. ai-Diaying evervwnord
tltnt as oi llifi country. Is expecTed to nrotoct tho rights
whieh that represcuis iroin tne attacKs ot uaruaric lguo-
rautc and tne eucroacnnienis oi civilized power.
I 'HI JT 1 1 fl I , till, .ll.r'l,lUII -, U U 1, nAlllU U . Illflllll
and ipuic.-ciitiuu ucculiarlv tho civilization of humanity
Mid pence, arc Blow to realize tho trials to which their
cfiVAi-nmeuiai. commercial ami religious representatives.
scattered tliroimlioll t the world, are so ofton subjected.
and the sudden una sometimes appalling dangers wnicn
thn-nten ao freotieutlv their personal safety and our na
tional honor. Hut those who mo charged with tne duty of
untie natiug. as lar as may be, eucli dangers and of guard-
jug Hguinel tin in, ul'c ever oppressed by their pri-s;;ioo aud
by the want of adequate power ut command far protection
or redress. ....
Almost every torcisu man during wio past year Mas
brought, through the appropriate channels, to tho Navy
Dcpui tmcut, from our citizens and representative in
every quarter of the globe, iciuonu, which aro sometimes
s)i)eti in, tor that awurunco of safety and protection
abroad w hich is only afforded by the presence of an
armed vessel oi the government.
U lii-revnr civilization ' is backward, commerce and
Christianity are only safe under tho guardiamhlp of
power; wherever governments are unsettion or ai om try.
the property and the pornous of strangers of every cla
uie in continual danger; aud, all o er the world, wher
cmt war inflames the pasi-ious of civilized man. thj au
thority of law is loosened, tho securities of government
Unsettled, and the lunueiice oi civilized society weak
ened, uud there tho rights of neutrals demand of their
governments constant aud caret . il protection.
On our oh n continent war in the Wext lnlies and com
plications on the lishlug-bnuks have ca led simultaneously
lor the presence of our cruiser it t both extremities of tile
North Atlantic btation. i rum tne isolated groups ot mo
I'ucilx and from every struggling government of too
routli we are called upon to protect the persons and pro.
fiei ty of our citizens. Lveryw here ou tho shores of eivi
ivoii Kiirupe. Irom the llaltlc to the Honiliorus. the se
curity of American interests aud l ights of American citi
zenship demand at tins juncture tuo nrosenco oi o:ir nag;
and iu the hull-civilized Lat our commerce is constantly
startled by outbreaks which defy the power of oveu
fl IfMlril V ffOVPrillllAIltS.
At our last advices Christian missionaries, frightened
from their chapels and school houses, wero being re
turned on board a inau-of-war; and on any day we may
hear that some rcun-seiitative oi our (ruvcruinenc. more
than tL-n thousand miles from our capital, lias found his
only salcty under cover oi our uavai guns.
tail, the navy is at this timo prosecuting, under the an
tlmritv i, Coniucss. two survtivs across the isthmus which
n n n i 1 1 in i ii LiiiTuiiLiri i, mull iiicnu Liiiiinuuiuic. cu-
connects the northern aud southern portions of our couti
, i.nt and mnlciun. under like authority, soitudiugs aud
urreys lor lines of telegraph, aud lor dredL'iug and im-
1 rovclueui oi naruors oi reviga auu icsun, on uur ciwh
miH in mill i ci Hii : wu aro alao about to contribute, uuder
special legislative direction, a vesrel aud its appliance to
a icieiitihc expedition toward tho North I'olo.
1 o answer, as tar as poselhle, the requirements imposed
by these conditions, is tiie appropriate duty of our navy.
upon the proportion which tho means at its command
lu-ur in ttm character and lie inencv of the circumstances
tint him fnittmimii oi inis autv must, ui course, aeitouu
calling tor attention, aud the vust di-tauces which must
be traversed to apply mem. iiio navigaow waters oi mo
globe, embracing an area of over 140.uuO.O0U square, uiiles,
are divided, ft r tiie purpose of our naval operations, iuio
to ve distinct cruising stations, to each of which is assiged
such of our nawil force as the circumstances of each n"y
require, and the means at tne coinuiauii oi tne ncpai i-
niinc niTioit 'I h limits of those ftallou have not beeu
. I.Mimi d since the date of mv last report, nor has the I e-
pui tuicnt Ik en auie to increase, to uuy great, extern, tuo
one assigned to eacu oi ineni.
THE NORTH ATl.ANTIO STATION,
extending northward from the mouth of the Amazon aud
wcfctwai'd irom tne lorty-tiiira uegrco oi iohkuuuu west
..I i.rMi.nu ii'li. f-mliraccs more than .UU'J miles of our owu
coast line ou the Atluutic and flic dull, and iuciudos
n itluu its limits all the v esi inula laiauas sun tne coasts
ot Mexico, the Isthmus, aud the northern countries oi
Routli America. I ne force on tins staiioa is uuaor com-
mnnrt ol itcar Admiral o. I . u-o, wno rviievco noar ju-
iniral (.'. II. l'oor ou the ldth of August last. It cousisti
.1... 11 .1. IN .,..- II !. r-j,i-.iC. " fl,A
atara." the 'Nantaeket," the antic," the "Kansas"
and the "Mvsic," un tne tug "rngriin." ami tue irou-
clsds "Dictator," 'Terror," "A tax," aud "Sa-igu," aud
tin, "fawueo" as a nospisai snip, mating in an
fom teen ships, including tho tug, aud mounting
sevcutv-niuo anus. Ot tins Heel all uut lour vessels
t Iia i iiu-.rnrii ." iiiH ".mdi; FKei. i b u ciRi'ir .auu
the 'saugu,,-havu been rehttcdfM- repaired during the
J-nst Jcar. ine principal ucao piarioi s oi iii-s iirei is
r inv sf. Mi-iL-cieu as inn must t:oiicuif-iib tabiwi.
within six hours' sail of llayant. and ia direct co u
iniiiiication bv u-legrapli witii Washington. Of this fleet
tbo four monitors, with the hocmial siiip aud tug, can
not be considered as cruisers; the I tttor is st itioued per-
maurutly at Ueadiuarlers, ana ine lonner, wnose move-
miit. .M uinw mid siusuhvu. ifu isni tchuv lurunier-
geueies, and move only to points where a display ot force
is called for. The steamer "Nipsie" aud tua steamer
w ol tills souaorou. are at lucscui engaged ou
srecial service connected with the surveys ol the la-
lieu and TebuauteDec routes. During the past year the
vessels of this fleet have been largely eua;-'d iu erui-ing
among the west inaia isiauos, especially in im umiciiuu.
l,. r.f iimi llr.niMico to the s iviTiiiiieut ot which reDuii-
lic we extended our protection under the terms ot the
pending treaties; and in the waters of Cuba, where a con
dition of civil stiifc demanded the cons'aut proseneo of
our snips ior me protection oi aiusi iuu mmmii.
..t..ri. rmbrnce an area of tkJO.OOO smiare miles. I'ue
Island of tt. LHiuiluio linen lias a coast uue 01 over iiw
uiiles, whilo that of Cuba exceeds ioOO miles iu extent,
i., ),. .ii.n th f.n, i. uf other aud distaut nati ius far
exceeded our own. The French aud Kugbsli fleets ou that
station uie far larger than our own. while that of Hpaiu
is made up ot snips, iw-niaiiig sovnsi vussnm !
going iron clads, mounting in au .1.10 g ins, ucsiuo w iu-
UOatS, UJOUIIICU. lui wjiuuuo m . .....
THE bOCTIl ATLANTIC STATION,
Stretchlug from the Amazon across to Snint Paul do l.o-
1.. uh u..ntli&-Mril listwssn tliu allures aud ovoud the
.UU. wt .u , - -
-ris of t-iiher contiueut, cove's au area of vast eAteut
ml iiinioi'tsDce. The fleet as'igued to this station coo-
..pit iHuwhlklnt
.1... u l-fli HUH.', I1I1III11I-1 II1M IU Mil SI SIII1B. .1 II.1S
Wt the "NarragaDsct" has been completely retittod d.11-
iug the past year.
STIIV VAIIIFICl Aims.
Extends from Bebiiug hiraits sjuthward to Oape Horn,
and wtward to the i;o deg. west lougitnde. aud south of
the buuator to tn 110 aeg. ea-i. inuiuuiug mo o -uiu 1
V V I-. ..I V u.u Oiiin... Willi A.lMlrullM.
einO groups, .-os ,.risus, .- on . .
The fleet oil the station is divided luto two siuadrous.
t ailed respectively the North aud boutu 1'aciue B piaa-
10ns.
Hlg KOETU PACIKIO BurAOKO!.
l uder the imnicdlatu command of Commodore William
It 'I a lor, consists at this time of sevea ships, mounting
about lu aau.
tui EOl Tit PACIKIO BorAHPOM,
Now nudet the UwUi.'toU CvU,tUudvf C'JUUUjlotl)vid
SIS IS Si l'l-:vuv vi un. ..ii. . v ." - , " " . . l
tl,u ttatiuu, aud the fourth atio.it to join it. lhee under
1,.. ..niinuud of Hear Admiral Lanmau, ara tho "l.an-
ha "I'lirtsmauth." the " asi." and
IU all N5 gUIIF, Sl UI svi:i." w ...w
stveiiih undi r orders to joiu the snuadron, viz.. tho "i'eu
raeola." the "BaiaBac tho "6'. Mary's," tho ". vane. '
the "Na k"audU.a ''Sagiuaw," with the "Caliioruia'
MeIoiigsl. consists of fire snips, mounting In all 4 guns
t, the ,lalnetown.,, the "i )ssipet,'' tio "Ib sara. ' tiie
onward" and the MolllIBn.,, The whole float thus eon
fists of twelve ships, mounting In all 128 guns, aud is titular
the general command of Hear Admiral .lohn A. Wlnslow,
who relieved Ke:ir-Admiral 'l urndr on the th day of tD.
temlx i last. Of fliis fleet all but three vessels hare boen
rehtted or repaired sinre the date of nir last repirt.
Our ros't line oa this station, inelmling that of Alaska,
l over 40 niih-s in extent, and the duties and responsi
bilities of this Hoot are of great variety and Importance.
Kesidet a general protectorate of the parsons and property
of onr missionaries, representatives, citizens and traders
scattered on the coasts and in the seaports of 8011th Ame
rica and the Isthmus, and among the islands of the Pa
cific, they includo a supervision of the interests of our
(iovernment and our people iu tbo whaling and seal fishiv
riosof the North and ol onr commercial relations with
tho Mauds, and with the I'.ssf. In these interests long
stretches of coast must be surveyed, ports of resort and
hsrbors of refuge on the mainland and In nild ocean must
be sounded and dredged, points of dillicuitv aud of danger
tested and marked out, and at vast distances, with thou
sands of miles I etwecn. the flag of tho llepuhlie must he
displayed hrrever barbarism ia ignorant or oupidity nu.
mindful of our rights aud power.
The ir ports of the operations of the ships on this station,
which, together with those of the other Hoots, will be
found detailed In brief in the stafoinent annexed entitled
"Ot eratiens of fleets," and more at large in the reports in
the appendix, will lie found both Interesting nod lnstruc
live, 1 spi ciullv these relating to tho ei uises of tho ".lames,
town" sod "Kcarsargo" among the islauds of tho i'acilic.
TIIH KriROI'KAN STATU!,
Fmbracing all the wafers of the Atlantic, and Its commu
nicating seas north ot tho Ivpiator, and including tho
V In le r.uropenn coast and that of North Africa, is aln ay
a station of great conccucnre. in view of the intimacy of
our relations with the peonies and covernments of West
ern Ltiropc, and the number aud Importun e ot our per
sonal and commercial relations ia that quarter of the
worm.
In the present condition of Kurnpe thn fcelinmi anl nrl-ln
ef our reoplc.aa well as their interest and saletv, demsiid
that we shall le represented there by all tho forre avail
able f r that purpose ; and the department has ndeayored
to increase tho fleet iu that quarter as far aa was possible.
in viow 01 tno requirement 01 otnor stations.
Our Knropean fleet is now under the. command of Rtar
Admiral Olissou, wno sVlieved itear Admiral landlord on
the lOlli of August last. It consists of the "l'rankliu"
(flagship), the "Hrooklyn." the "Kirhmond," the "i'lv-
111011th," the ".Sfienaud-iah,'' the ".iiininta," the "daco.'
and the "(iuerriere," g ships, inounting in all YU guns. Of
these, seven are now cm t lie station, and the eighth, the
"tiuerrlere," is nnder sailing orders to join the Meet. Of
this Meet all but the "Franklin." the "Kichinoud." and tho
Juniata" have Leeu refitted and repaired dm in the
past year.
T1IK ASIA Till NTATinx
Kmbraces all the waters of Asia and of I'.aatern and
Northeastern Africa, aud the islands ol thn Kasturu (lean
sfretchiiia eastward until it niets thn HuiIim of (h I'a.
cilic Slatfon extending from the west. The fleet 011 this
station is now under command or Kear-Admtral .lohn
llodiii-is. who relieved Hear. Admiral knwan mi the i)tli
day of August lost. It consists of the "Colorado" tilag
ship), the "Henieia," tho "Alaika," thn "Asiiuelot." tho
"Monocacy." the "l'alos" and the "Idaho" tstoreship),
seven vessels lu all. mounting 88 guns. Of this Hoot all
but three have been prepared for sea. and have sailed
irom the ( nited States since tho date of 111 y last report.
ine --j-aioe," a man steamer ot iios tons, nued and
armed lor ri uising iu the rivers of China, was sent to join
this fleet by the route of the Suez Canal. Who made the
t assagnfrom Uostoii tn Hlnganoroln seventy-three sailing
days. The history of her voyago aud her passage of the
canni, detailed iu tho appcudU, will be found of much In
tel est.
i he Importance of our interests on this station can
hardly Im ovorehtimuted. and tho constant neci-SHirv t'.u-
an inert asp of our force there oppresses the dopartineut.
'1 lie uncertain tenure by which all the interests o! com
merce, civilizatiou. and religion are held in the K ist; the
ignorance winch clogs.aud the superstitious which tliwart
all plain dealing with barbaric and semi-barbaric po ver;
and the vast distances whicli separate the point of inte
rest or dauger tll these combine to demand un increase
ef the force whieh tho department is uuable to afford.
1 lie feeling of uncertainty and alarm winch at this time
pervades nil the liuropeiiu settlements iu China e.t u ls
to our own commercial and religious roproseutativos, and
the bulk cl our Asiatic fleet is now cruising in that por
tion -t t lie station fur the protection of any iutoresU which
may be threatened, and tho display, as far as in iv be, of
that armed foree Inch inakos tuo strougo-t appeal to
Asiatic respect.
MITIWAV ihi.amiih.
The net making appropriations tor the naval service.
approved Mairh 1. Ism ni-prni-riittcd tW.iMMor de. peiiiim
the entrance 01 t'io harbor uf .Midtvav i-Uudi. in tuo l'a-
t ihe Ocean, to atlord a sate rendezvous and port of rel'ugu
and result lor tiie naval and 111 rchaut vessels of thn
L nifed states. u piirsnauee ol the provisions of tho net.
a coutruct was entered into with .Mr. (.ieorgo Y. Town
send, tl liostuu. September !0. Wis. to execute the work.
and 0110 of the vessels of the I'acilic fleet, the "riagiuaw,"
the contractor by making tho necessary survevs, and to
1111111 j .iciiiuiiMiii-voiiiiiiiiiiiiur cicai u. na uianiiru iu 1111
atlord such other lnrilitie as were reasonable and bust
calculated to forward the enterprise. Tho eo nniandiug
ofheer ol this ship was charged with the immediate su
pervision ol tho work, aud with tliu insouctiun ol it aa
contemplated by the uot.
1 he "Migiuaw ' reai lied the Midway Islands March 31.
ai:d as soon as possible theieatter the deepening of too
channel t us commenced, uud has been coutiuued with
i.delity. More dilliculty lias beeu experienced and greater
cibstuclis cncotiutered than weto anticipated, but at file
date of the latest report from the ullieer iu charge, he was
able to form a tolerably fair estimate uf tho timo ami cost
ef ronipleiiug the work. His estimate of time is httv-tjvo
months from April 98, the date of Its coiiiniouccnieiit, and
ot tho cost, about 4illi lHJ0 which sum ho conside sM be
the least that can I allowed. It is agreed in the contract
that the I'niled htati's shall have the option of tormina-
ting the work whenever the appropriation soeciaily made
lor 11 tiv ;ongrra suun oe lusuiiicieut ior its iuriiier cou-
tiuuauce. and as the department has given positive in
structions that the appropiiatlon be not exceeded, there
will be uo means for proresutiug the work longer lit 111 till
Octolier. ut which time tliu Party proposes returuiug to
San Fi nucisco. mMI
I.leutu nut Commander Mcard gives lu his report full
and inteii-siiiig details of tho maiiiioi' in which the work
lias been executed ; its progress from time to time, aud tliu
prospects ui it success! ill termination.
THIS INTKROHIEASIO UA.X.U..
In execution of the plan stated iu my last annual report
f. r surveying the Isthmus ot Dauen, with a vieiv to
ascertain bv what route, if am . a ship canal miglit be cou-
structed between the two oceaus. three small vessels, the
"Nipsie," "tinnrd" and yack," were, iu January, 187J,
placed under the command of Commander Tlioiuas (J. Sel
tiidiie. n ith instructions to explore and survey such por
tions of the province of Durien as might be supposed suita
ble tor the locution and construction of such a canal, lie-
side the ofheers and crews of these vessels, the exploring
party consisted ol a guard of innries. under coinm aud of
Capt, Houston, and 13 civilians, employed asfiuigiu jors.
draightsuicn, telegraphers, mineralogists, and pioto-
ersphers. 1 wo 01 tne vt-sseis line -noarcr ami -Aipsiii' )
weie ordered to reudezvous in Caledonii lily. 1110
"Ouard" arrived thereon tliu 1 all ol reo'. uary, an 1 tho
Nil sic" two days later, by the way ot AsumwalL whore
she touched to procure laborers aud guides. Tho Presi
dent of j'auama exhibited a friendly interest,-and s-nt
nu ullicial representative to join the exploring party. 1 he
".Nvsck-" which vvns attached to the I'aeitic fleet, was or
dered to 8011 ungues nay, nut, not reacinug ner dnstliia.
tiuatmu until the 14tu 01 api u. uer oiticers ana crew t mik
no part iu tliu explorations nn shore, but were advau
taiteousiy eiupio.vea in naruor sua coa-t survey,
liiree
routes were explored and surveyed, viz,
1. ine Dai leu route, wnicn. slartiug
from
( laledoula
Bay, proceeds to the headwaters ot the nueubitt ri.er,
foiloH ing that river to its junction with the Ciiueun.niui.
ti'.ence goes westwardiy. across the "divide," to tliu cou-
nueueo ui tne i.ara auu savauua riven, urn uotvu 1110
Savanna to the I'acilic Ocean.
2. '1 he Saasardi route, which, leading from Sassordi
harbor, at tho northerly extremity ut C.iledouia Itav, up
the tjassardi river to the dividing ridge, move t ieiieo to
, in rtl-i.1- l.,l-tl a t I'l till fllP V nt t MS I lllll tn lllll I. 14 llll f tll-rll-M
by .lie Murti, t:iiueun.o.ii, aud Mavauna. to tho i'aeitic.
3. The route of San lilas, whieh, starting fr im th- gulf
e. passes through the alleys ot the .MauduKa
aud Muiuioui rivers, to the lunetiou oi the latter with the
river llavomo, or Chepo, and thvnce twelve miles by that
river to tho I'acilic.
Kach of these three routes was ascertained to be. inv
pructical le tor a ship canal. Iu tiie lirst, au eleva'iou ot
iuM feet ; iu the second, oi -4 feet ; and iu tho third, of I14J
ieet, must be overeoino by tunnels, varying iu length from
rixjiu teu miles, and iuvohiug au expense too luoiistrons
lor ttU Hope OI proiliur ausaniuk;c. inn nuiFHl UI -iu
rainy seatuu rendered the further survey ol oilier .route
impossible, aud the expedition let.iru.a to report results
and await further orders.
'1 he report of Commander HelfriJge seems to furnish
abuudant proof that the expedition was conducted with
great industry, zeal aud skill; aud although, no feasible
route lias yet IX-eu aisiovireu lug iiciu ui mime CApiuia
tion has Leeu materially diminished. 1 he iuiportauce of
this work cauuot be overesiimated, and it is the purpose
of the department to prosec ite the plan of exploration
ui.d ri nioleio ilia survey durlug the preseut season iu
such a manner as to settle definitely tno y ie-tiou of a
shin canal bv any 01 tne imrieu routes.
1 lie viiini ;u. orsauiea iiuuer tne provi-iius oi tne
act ot Congress lor thesuivev ot the leuuautepec route
foi' a ship canal. couMsting ui the' iv.ausa uud "JUiv-
..rti i,.. i.il..S l.iini II nriiiir.m l.'onls. linrf..s tin.
coimusud of Captain it. V. all ileidt. ou the lffti of Oe:o-
tar, arriving at ncy vvesiou tuc .sin 01 iuai iu mtii.
iiihi last iiearfl iroin uicv uau v.-it -vey vv est. iu aoun
condition, fur the placa of their rendezvous. It n ex
lee ted that the survey w III be completed during tho pret-
..rr u.h.1,11 siot s fnvnrable result is liO 3ed lbl.
bucn are some 01 tne unties reo uieii ui our uavai 101 co
iu time cf peace, and such is the force which we aro
now able to put upon the teas for the performance of
, lir.a ,1 ut ies
It is true that, svltnaii 111c aopartruent nas oeeu aoie to
do during the last year, it has ut been possible to increase
materially our cruising force on K-ivuu stations, ft it this
l.ir. M IM I f ill.lC 111 a MIULt- OI llltlf-ll KICKILT I'lllCIVIIV. , iiiau
furmerlv, and there are, in additioa. several ships ready
for , which cau sail to stieugllien our s juadrous as soon
ps crews cau be eulisted to iuuu them.
I am happy, moreover, to be able to report that tha past
tear sbos a marked improvement in toe ctaaraoter and
tlis conduct ol the men eulisung ia th seryios, and tne
nj,riii disomliiia and uticiDUcy ot the oraws of our men-
ul-war. Baas reguiaiitma u,s, imva umu uu
issued during tn laat year loosing to cuair vuiuiurb auu
beaitn. and a system OI rewards ana pruinouous ior gujv
conduct ettabusUcd. Tnie us already produced a no-
i..u.i,isi s.fl.u-t for mona. ana it neous ouur to do nursaaa
and snlsrged 10 make tna navj allraotive to the best
ksilois iu tba country. Ine omeera in ensrge 01
,iou Biii.ittt. amis ia lacuiuoiandlnir. as an
inuproveUiBUl now most urgent, tba allowance of an outnt
of clothing to each sailor, on enlistment, after the manoer
of alkmsncea ot a similar vbaraosw mad in tha army;
and tba t ei aitnuonl concurs in this recouieodation as aa
act of justice, and a means of relieving the men from the
neceibiiy ot entering 1 be service in debt to tna Oovera
msnt. and removiua this iuduoement to duoonten. aad
deseition. I beg, also, ia this connection to reisr to and
repeat tba recommendations uiada at length in my la it
report upon tna aubiact of improving tba character of
our aaauta, snd ot tneir warning, ragisiry, aau oigauia-
l ion as a part ol toe avanaoia larca 01 luvuuuuiag.
t oca navy takixi.
ti.. ,...,o. nf uur uliv lunli ia iirioui nart of tha
country dsmand altaniioa. Vary Inula baa bean dona
toward! their iwproveaienl at any lima since ta com
mencement of tb war. and lt jaar aotblng sisa appro
iiriatsd for that purpoast, a&oept a small amount, fur tba
HeLI1,1"?:..,.. Mr Wall... frauu.ntlv called
ik. ...u..i.., .,1 Ctiiurresa to tba condition to whioa our
loiibtinir and leoairiug yards wera comma uaiar tuia
nolici.aud in iy fat report I felt called upon to apeak
mt koikrth on tha aubjaot. Kach yaar that tbi-y
1 .... -mound, tba necsasiiy tor imurovamsats grows
: 1 ... anil tha f lUMkiaif tlusui larger.
nivis imvii.,"-i - - - - - .
while the aaut o( I Usui is oasU ic iuwt aul wjr
ovetaly felt la tha 1 ereas-yl e-sst ts tho !.T.?ri
of th work which w are oblitrwd lo n.
by thewant of thnordlnarg applUmiM fitiiU u ",
aomieal labor. Tbia want is moat severely felt as Z
Island, tbsrs is situated anranly naval astabl abment s
I be I'aeifla coast. Onr vaaaelsfor th PaoiAe flaw sttmtla
b built, as far aa may na, and all of them, as wall at taia
ef tba Asiatic flout, should ba repnirsd at t his yant. Tna
passsge round Caps Horn Is too diftkialt an I dangarrms,
and eonanme too mirrh tint t b tboisghs of when other
nisant of refitting an 4 repair or possible to tbo Uorsrs
ment ; yet, for th want of appropriations for tb proper
buildings, tools, and maobinery for this yard on tk
Pacific, onr ships ara obi iced to make long and dangerous
f asasget to tb Atiantio coast, with great detriment to
be servic and losa ta tb Oovemmsint: a t-t expeniiv
and cambeiaome maohinnry built at th Hast must b
trsnsportcd across the- continent at aa expense often
cmsl t Its oririnl coat,
I would also again press the suggsslions made laat year
in regard to th Importance of mnrovinff nnr larvo working
J-srils from tbeir present situation i'l th midst of nopa
oas and growing cities; and esll attention again to th
neceasities of th aervle and th obligations of tlwOoT
emment in tegard to th lvagn Islsnd pm-tios of th
Philadelphia station, and to that at Nw London.
THK BUIlaf ABtN TORPEDO.
Tba Import an c of tha aubmario tomedo as a weapon
of naval warfare is every dy mora apparent As ont ex
periments and improvements progrsss, trre ton-ibis posror
of this e'gine and the certainty and ease with which it
may be tppliol ara mora clearly domomt.ratnd, aad it
promises to be tbe most eilicient, as well as the lexst ex
pensive, means of defeusa aad attack known i the sor
vice. Kecent events avent4 in Furopa have ahown-its value
as an Important part of tba srstetn or coast defense. We
are prociaasing in this direction as fas as tho appropri
alion will permit, and if tbs suggestions or tha otneers
in charge of tins branch ara carried out, w shall, I tbink,
baas well armed in this respect as any other power in
tbe world.
'J he reports of tb several bureaus of tha department
and that of th Admiral upon th condition of the serviee
will b fon-d ia tb appendix ti this report. They contvn
mnch that is instructive aad valuable. I an all not pans
to lepeat thera in detail, bnt recommending them for tba
study of all wlio from duly or inclination are interests 1
in the sersic shall refer epauially to a few things wnioh
impress Die as of the moat urgent importance.
THE RTUROOBAPHIO OKKK'g.
The neossity of an American hydrographie establish
niont, furnishint its own charts, hoiks, an I tailing
direc t ions, at least to onr own commerce, if not to til
outside world, and performing its portion of th work of
aorveya and discovery, must b apparent to any ons even
slmlitly acquainted with the want of coinmeree and tba
duties of a commercial nation. I'nder all Kunuiean
f iivernmeni t of any not such establishments have long
icn in operation, furnishing their quota for th general
advance of science snd the greater security of naviga
tion. In this th bydrographio ottl 08 of Holland takes
the lead, snd, furnishing its charts and pnhboatinnt to
a great pun of tba oomuierciul world, exacts a trib.t'e
which pnys almost tbi whole expanse, not only orSba
ctfite and its publications, bnt of the. survey constantly
cairied on in evey quarter of tb globn.
Our country, with perhaps greater advantages, has d in
and is doing but lit lie in comparison. Although a hydro
graphic r.ttic baa been established by Congrsna, nnder the
Kurean of Navigation, no steps have taken towards its ad
vancement and gradual increase, and it is at present
scarcely more than a dopotof charts, tb greater part of
which, with tli sailing directions, eto , used by onr naval
and commercial marine, are purcnasod from abroad ; aud,
in tb event of a rnptnr of onr relations with Great
Britain, our supply would be, in a great measar, cat oif.r
1 here is not iu this country a ptivat firm of hydrogra
phy. The Uovernment, by establishing its own oltioe, has
(tsKtroyed private enterprise in this direction, and taken
upon itself tbe supplying of all tb needed information ;
and most preperly so. for private firms oan neither And
tbia branch sufficiently remunerative to inaar accuracy,
nor tan they readily obtain th neoetaary information,
wbieh cornea largely from the otnooa of foreign govern
ments and from original surveys entirely neyond their
provinco.
To place our t fflcaon a proper basis, aid insks a gra
dual advancement from year to yoar, a fair appropriation
ia reqnired to prooore and arrange a proper building for
the prosecution and extent on of the woik ; and a yearly
allowance to enable th otitcs to increase g.aciually its en
graved chart-plates, etc., nntil such a tint aa, oy the sal
of their work, wita an inoresie of comuieroe, the olhos
would psy for its if. A small yearlr appropriation should
also be made for oroseouting aurveyt abroad in such un
t-uiveved Held as most require, it, and winch may mo it
imines. lately benefit onr own commerce.
MAOAZINR AT NOBPOLK.
I beg leave, also, to call your attention to ths untaf
condition of tbe magazine at Norf.vl I, Va , an I to ask
that a SJttieiont approprintiin be made for the pu'chsse
of a now site in s sa'er position, and for the orootion of
tba neoossury buildings. A smelting furnaoe has been
tract nd. and ia in full onesation within 3M fret of th pre
sent sit of tb magaziua bnildings, soma of which aro of
wood, aud tbe town it fast extending tl direct contact
with tbeir walla.
NITRB DEPOT.
The sntiiect of a nitre depot for tb storage of nitre at
some inland point, near railroad or can U communication
with the seacoast, also press tor action luis tutijeot
fnliw urauintsd br tna chief of th Bureau of ord
nsm-e. in a nut e to tbe estimates for tbe Bureau for 1447 7l).
1 bis is believed to be very important, an I it is hoped that
Lcagresa vrill see tn propriety 01 acting in tne minor.
ollDNANt'K.
T ordnano thera la ao reason to believe we are yot
behind other nations, but large tutus are now beinx ex
pended by them in experiments with cannon aid guus
of all calibres; and at tn inventive genius of our coun
try is mueb engaged in tue improvement 01 arms, ami new
suggestions, tome of much apparent merit, are constantly
ottered, it is hopsd that a suitable turn pifcy bt allowed
for testing them, particularly as most 01 true inventors are
1 it bout tua nutans lor doing una tnemseives.
IRON SmP-llCELDINO.
Anions the many enterprises on foot for restoring our
commerce and affording groater facilities to tua n ivy in
time of war, which ask for Governmental assistance,
those which present themselvrt most favorably to the do
DM1 uient are such as propose to erect building yards for
iron ships ana doclis 01 large capacity, suiiiuieut ior tua
building of tbe largest class of steamers tor merointilo
and war purp'-set, and off er to the Uovernment prefer noa
forlbeirwoik in time of peace and absolute ooutrol in
tune o' war. We have not at this time tbe requisite docks
tools, and machinery for the construction of these gro it
iron vessels, and tte establishment and contrii of such
w 01 ks aa these would of course ba of great advantage to
tb Uovernment.
THK UAVAI. ACADEMI
at Annapolis, continues to be a subject of groat interes
aud satisfaction to all who ara interested in the s-jrvica
i lie mental ana pnysioai development prouuoea unaer
tbe system there pursued is of great value, and its bene
fit are felt ia every department of tbe service. . The
lvoard 01 Visitors, wnose report- is aanexsai tin tue appen
dix), have mada recommendations, in wniob toe
department concurs, in regard to tha increase of
ago at the time of admission; tbo purchase of a
strip of land lying contiguous to the Academy,
and between two portions uf tlis Uovrnnnt
property, and tne estaoiisnment 01 a swimming scuooi.
K should not be forgotten by t Hose interested in this in
tiiiition that it ia intended as a school of discipline for
an exsct and cirb cult service, as well as of mental instruc
tion and improvement, tn tuia view, tne enforcement 01
rsgulstions, which to the uninformed may seotn strict,
becomes necessary to invintain tbe standard of the
tobool, and accomplish tha ends for wuioo it wat esta
blished.
' THX Df ATH OF ADMIRAL VAURAOUT.
Kim-a the adiouriunant of Congress tb nation hat been
called to meurn tba death of tbe great naval hero, Ad
miral David U. Farragut, who was al'ke diatinguisaed for
bit service to bis country, for his moral wortn, and for th
simplicity ot nit personal cnaracter. ne nas pissed so nia
rett while bis deads ara yet frssb in tb memory of bit
countryman. Entering tb naval tervio at an early ag
be gave evidence, it a boy, on board tbe bistorio hssez,
ot tnat bravery and seli-roliaue which distinguished him
in alter li:e. During tn year or pe-ios wuicii suooeeae 1,
his irnfesi.iinal conduct and his personal hearing, as he
advaneed irom grad to grad in tQ service, placed him
among tb foremost of bis profession in lb stimatton 01
toe department ana 01 tue uouuiry.
Ca the breaking outof tha Kebellioa, Admiral (than.
Captain) 1-srragut, though a clti.sp ofateoedmr Stale,
know no other al'ogianca tnan that pledged to the Gov
ernment and flag of bis country. He was early sals Jt ad
bv iba Navy ieiiartiuntasuacoiniU'inaer-iu-coiei o. tue
blockading squadron operating on tbo Hoa-.hern
coast, wbere, by tba br.lliatit axploitt of to fleet
under bis command at New Oris in , ia tbe Mis
sissippi, snd at Mobile, be conquered the admiration
tl,a ,rls anit wow tha aratituda of his eountrv.
Honored both at borne and aoroad, and beloved by all
who knew h'm, he has dasoanded to the grave, and his
country mourns las bera and tne man. nines nis aaaiu
tba vaiy distinguished offioer who had oocupied tbe posi
tion of Vic Admiral has suocMded to bit pi to s Ad
uiial, and Kaar-Admiral Howaa who hs received tb
tbanka of Congress far gallant services t .the coaalry,
bat been appointed Vic-Admiral,
TBR LOIS OF THC OMEIOA
Ontb afternoon of tbe 34th of Jaunary laat tha steim
iop-o -wsr Oneida, carrying six guns and a arew of lis
ctiicsrt and men, steamed ont of th harbor of Vokotxama
cu her retum t tnis country, aftur a cruutaoi three iirs
n tb Asiutio citation. At avaa o'clock on too same
avsning, in Iba Bay 01 xsono, stoui nus sum iroin
Vokuhsma, aba wsa run into by tfca Euwlisu, ttaaiusr
Bob. pay, cariying ma ui Hn-s.i.
last-raiufd port. ftr cutting down tna Oneida, and
rariying away entirety a large peniue 01 ur siuu. m
ranving away entirely a large portion or nor stern, tn
Bombay proceoed on her way, I oaring kebind her, in tbe
darkness, tbe untonunate ship and ber galiaJoA orow. In
less tban biUen minutes from th time b. was first
B
di
1.
..,...L th 1 inairia bad sunk beeaatb tba wave, aud ol 24
officers and 151 men, but J of tha former and ! of the
latter escaped a watery grave.
I bava already had tue honor, in response to resolutions
of Congress, to communicate all tbo itiforua.it iod oa tui
aobiect which waa in the possej-tioo of tb d jpsrtmaat.
and totxpreea suy opinion of tha caiiaeaof tba disaster
and of tb conduct of the aotois. 1 have u t since tnat
t ui seen reason to ensuge mn "?''
init tbat our loss wa caused b tha rec-lestaoss snd bad
navigation of the persons in cUarxe of the Bsmbsy, I
lecoiuiuend thattb departinaut b autboriied to txka
socb uieausas may be available to obtain redress from ber
owner for our iuniry los. Th lives of those sis
perished cannot be restored, ner tlieir lu rpsid to their
laniiliesor their country.
NAVAL. rlNSION ruvv.
Tb pension roll on the 1st of Bovamber, 187U. waa a
follews: ,, ,. n iSl xa
i inv.iida w f -; l- s
IMat WldOWtl eVBU tuiiuiva, tuautuii a -
8010 persons, receiving a total of. .......
Tba wool actual expenditure of the department and
thaseiviee, chargeable to tne aavy appropnutiuus eiuo.
tb date oi lbe last report and up to tba 1st of December,
is the sum of 1K i2d.lii II. This amount will be slightly,
but only aiparenuy, inorisaoos"7 --r
catd priae nieuey and tbe bounusa given by Uongr to
rrTi..... ..I ii,ru 1.1 in the i-naida. vibiosisuma, t Hough
i-brgeabl to other funds, will appear ia tb geural turn
of naval expenoiinre. . .. . ,
Tba actual espenciture of the year ending Daoember 1.
Us was k JO ll.:Jo. 'Ibis shows a denressa iu tba eipn
oitaraoi the last year Irom that of ik prnou yoarot
II .. llu.u
lh.'.'..w.oriationsfor tb curteoA fisoal year, anjing
rn tbe Si. ih dsy of Juu next, amaiiut ia the aggrt iu
ftlH.Sii-4.oli7 17. ... . . a .i
ill expenditure since the oonimancainant of tba n seal
tesria witbiu tbat prport iun ot lb appropriation apli-...i.i-iiiiiiibiinisuliia
waim bsv pMSd, and has a
dmirsas during that period of 4iH,iAiJJ rom the es
pemitur t( tb BOirtsyiMidiDit bte uioulhs of til last
ear.
13.7 T7 ding Jun . 1471. araonat to .
r ZZ2i"Ad" n -sansoessswy
sed aKJesVs? 'Pr0Tennl tavarol aavy yard
,.?,,i!U, .LftB I. wou,d ! my renrwerl owl
p,jon to the chlffs n omoera of the- several
burctv'1" r ,helr ik'" ,n(I 'tntion. anrt to tbe ao
conipl(sJ,n rhlef clerk of the departmtnt, wile hae
tllHoharffraj ! nts ODerous dotles with rrat Industry
SBdabUltV. IsBORlM M. ItOBfteVTH.
Secretary of the Navy.
The President.
la supplement t hit report, Sooratary Robason givaa
th followmg statement of tho ttrongtU of foreigw
asvies:
, feres
Sail. r-vil. 0m. fMiesr.
two Ts In.
7 141 Vm S.TsH
111 4ht 4HM !.(
K4 1:1 11
9S SO Ifg ....
144 m lisio
S V$ 94") ,VI
M SIT .... 1MTI
4 Its StTS
-Tf S74 XSIO
IM xH4 IKJ
aS t 46 1.BM
rovt.trtft.
Great Britain
lisrsiai Union.... 44
r ranca
Methtrlaada.
I'OTtagsl
rtpaia
Italy
Austria
Turkey
ttnai.
. Sol
.. 6d
.. S
.. 7
IVf
of
isweden A Norway, "-t
1, 1. Q 1
VSI'HISIft PI .
. 1 i'ott j eight steam gunboats.
BLACK ASTRACHAN CLOTHS.
EDWITJ HALL,
Ktr. 28 SOUTH SECOND STUKKT,
Opeoe I this day a fresh, lovotoe of
Black Astraclian Cloths.
FROM
S5 to S3 15 Per Yard,
A bnt,
Black Garaculla Cloths.
From SO to 814.
e
EDWIN HALL.
Ittflll2t
No. M South SECOND Street.
H. STEEL & SON,.
No. 713 and 715 N. TENTH Street,
Preparatory to making alterations,
HAVE DETERMINED TO CLOSE OUT
TIIEIli ENTIRE BTOCIC OI'
Silks, Dress Goods,
Shawls, Velvets, ? lushes,
VELVETEENS, HOSIERY,
WHITE GOODS,
AND KID GLOVES, FOR CASH,
Without Xlegard to Cost.
Our stock la now ami choice, all purchased Uiia
season ; some of it very suitable
For Holiday Preoonts.
VERY GREAT BARGAINS
Will be offered, as our entire stock
MUfaT BB SOLD
To make room for the workmen. it lk
SlTKAIiDViORSTED EMBROIDERIES
For Chairs, Cushions, Traylng Stools, Slippers, Pin
Cushions, Etagorea, etc.
CAUVEn SWISS (,O0B,
A handsome -and superior assortment.
As J. IANDBR A CO.,
No. 1303 CHE? NUT STREET,
123 emw20t PHir.DBL.PHIA.
PURCHASERS OF
COTTAGE C1IA31IJEH SUITS
And the various stylos of
BEDSTEADS,
JJUllJiAt-,3.
WASnSTANDS,
WAKUKOB2S, lITO.,
Finished In Imitation of Walnut, Maple, or other
"hard woods," and now generally known as "Imi
tation" or Tainted" Furniture, ara hereby informed
that every artlole of onr manufacture la
STAMPED WITH OUR INITIALS AND TOADS
MAKE,
And those whA wish to obtain goods of oar make
(there being, at the present time, numerous lmlttw
tlons In the market), shonld Invariably ask the dealer
of whom they are purchasing to exhibit onr stamp
on the goods, and take no other, no matter wh
representations may be made concerning them.
KILBURN & GATES,
Wholesale Manufacturers of Cottage Furniture,
No. 619 MARKET STREET,
T I tmwemrp PHlLADEiPHIA, PA-
BUYYOUR FURNITURE
or
GOULD JSc CO.,
Hoi. 37 and 30 N. SECOND Street
AKD
N. E. Corner NINTH and MARKET.
LARGEST, CHEAPEST, AND BEST STOCK IN
TUB WORLD.
10 8 wfm3mrp
rpiIE CJREAT AMERICAN F UK NIT UK IS
DEPOT,
1202 MARKET STREET. 1204
Examine oar Immense stock, unsurpassed In va
riety and elegance, before purchasing.
WALNUT WORK A SPECIALTY.
We sell 90 per cent, cheaper than aactloa prloea
and will notlse undersold by any house.
Foil Marble Top Walnut Suits .. to IS0
Cottage Salts ' 330 M
Parlor Baits In Plush. Terry, Reps, and Hair Cloth;
Chamber and Dining Room Suit s In great variety, all
at orlcea that diatauce competition. 10 U nivfnrp3ra
ALSO, FURNITI-RE KOLD ON IKSTALMKNTg.
BONBONS DE PARIS.
Paris Confections
or cveiy variety and of tho most exuuisite flavors.
Mr. PENA8 Is happy to announce- that heha se
cured bis Importation ol
Paris Fancy Boses,
ComprUlng a magulaoent asacrtment of
BASKETS AND B0NB0NNIEBK8.
C. PCNA8,
Ko. 8.0 WALKVT .STREET,