Page:Vol 6 History of Mexico by H H Bancroft.djvu/524

504 years attempted to maintain a naval fleet, but unable to meet the cost, the idea was abandoned in 1829, and the navy was represented by a few revenue vessels. At a later date, however, it was revived, and in 1856 the government possessed 15 vessels mounting 40 guns. In 1875 the navy was strengthened by two iron-clads which were built at Liverpool, England, and arrived at Vera Cruz in September. These were the first vessels of this class introduced into the Mexican navy; two others were added, and in 1880 the republic possessed four iron-clad war steamers. Naval arsenals have been established at Lerma, in Campeche, and in the bay of Acapulco, the first mentioned being provided with a floating dock.

As early as 1822 a decree was passed to found a naval school at Tepic, and in 1854 one was established on the Isla del Carmen, Campeche, in 1857 another was established at the Fortress Ulúa, and lastly in 1881 a naval school was founded at Alvarado. At the present time, two such institutions, one in Campeche and the other at Mazatlan, are supported by the government at an annual expense of $6,300 each. Ten resident pupils are admitted into each of these establishment, whose expenses are included in the annual estimates for the military college.