Page:Memoir upon the negotiations between Spain and the United States of America which led to the treaty of 1819.djvu/103

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��A 74, in time of war, carries only 656 men. and a 44 gun frigate no more than 450, including commandant, officers, marines, surgeons, seamen and all others. By the statement of the Secretary of the Navy, it appears, that the pay and all other expenses of a 74 in actual service, amount to 189,740 dollars per annum: of a 44, to 134^,210, and of a sloop of war or corvette, from 22 to 59,162 dollars.

By these data it will he easy to calculate the whole value of the navy which the United States have now in service — what it would cost to aug- ment it — and how much would be the expense in time of war, or in actual service.

For the perfect organization of this navy, it might be supposed, that a Secretary would be cho- sen from among the principal commanders; but it is quite the reverse: there never was a professional Secretary of the Navy, during the ten years that 1 resided in that country, and as I have heard, expe- rience shows that it is not expedient to have profes- sional ministers of marine, if it is desired to keep the marine in order; for the esprit dii corps Avhich always governs them, is opposed to all reformations and ameliorations that are at variance with old practices. The first Secretary of the navy whom I knew, was a gentleman of probity: the second, was a captain in the merchant service, and the pre- sent one is a judge, well known for liis integrity

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