In view of the vivid impression made upon my mind by what I have in my
limited sphere seen of the status of American commercial interests and
naval prestige, I trust that I may be permitted most respectfully to
call this article to the attention of the Department.
(No. 1.)
A WORD FOR THE NAVY.
The American Navy has ever been the special pride of our people.
Inheriting considerable glory from our British ancestors, who still
sing of “Nelson and the North,” we have claimed equal fame for our
long line of heroes, from Paul Jones, Hull, Lawrence, and Decatur,
down to our own day, when the lamented Farragut won for himself and
his cherished profession new honors and an undying name. The
followers of Farragut still survive. His gallant tars still repeat
the song and story dear to the heart of the true-blue, and,
cherishing as much love for economy and the pruning of our
unnecessary expenses as the most peaceful of all peace-lovers, we do
not want to see our Navy abolished or its very much needed
organization disordered or impaired.
When troubles in Cuban waters demand all our available force near
home, and possible Chinese complications may call for a class of
vessels yet to be built, we think the attention of Congress should
be called to a few facts especially dwelt upon by the Secretary of
the Navy in his very lucid and able report. The needs of the service
are great, as indeed are those of citizens residing abroad or
obliged to travel for health or business. The growth of our country
and its position among the powers of the earth make it necessary
that a respectable and effective force remain ready at all times to
protect our rights, and uphold the honor of the flag. An effective
naval force cannot be improvised, and in case of a foreign war we
would suffer so greatly before a navy could be created that any
sacrifice would be considered proper to insure protection.
The report of Mr. Robeson shows that, although in population, wealth,
and political importance, we claim to be, and are, a first-class
power among the nations of the earth, yet in regard to our Navy we
are not even third-class. Poor Spain, same of our papers habitually
ridicule and abuse, has a naval force sufficient to overpower our
little command long before new ships could take the sea fully armed
and equipped. So with England, France, Italy, Russia, Austria, and
now Germany is making great strides in the same direction. It
behooves the wise men of Congress to consider these facts, and to
especially calculate the humiliation, as well as loss, the nation
would suffer by a war liable to be forced upon us at any moment.
With the immense extent of unguarded coast, lined with wealthy and
undefended cities, it seems eminently proper that means should be
taken to keep up the organization, at once our safety as well as our
pride. For peaceful purposes the naval forces are very useful, and
during the last year explorations and surveys have been undertaken
of immense importance to civilization and the republic. The
Tehuantepec and Darien Canal surveys are great works, and the North
Pole expedition, all reflect great credit on the Navy, and its
scientific corps holds a place second to none in the world. Let
Congress examine and sustain this invaluable Department.
