REPORT

OF THE

SECRETARY OF THE NAVY.

The PRESIDENT:

NAVY DEPARTMENT,

Washington, D. C., November 4, 1901.

SIR: I have the honor to make the following report of the Navy Department for the past year:

It is accompanied by the reports of the Assistant Secretary and of the various Bureaus. These have all been prepared with painstaking regard to the needs of the service, and I particularly commend them to your consideration and that of Congress. Such of their various suggestions as in the interest of brevity I have not referred to should not be regarded as less entitled to careful attention. Where desirable legislation is recommended by them, bills will be prepared embodying it and sent to Congress for its consideration.

OPERATIONS OF THE SQUADRONS.

ASIATIC SQUADRON.

The vessels of this squadron, detailed for service in Philippine waters, have been employed in cooperating with our military forces, in maintaining an effective patrol of the various 'islands, and in preventing the insurgents from receiving supplies of arms. Since the capture of Aguinaldo, in which operation the U. S. S. Vicksburg took a conspicuous part, the Department has reduced its force on this station.

The vessels in Chinese waters have kept in touch with the important ports on the China coast and with our forces operating on shore, until the evacuation of the Chinese capital by all but a legation guard, since which time they have been so distributed as to readily cooperate in case of an emergency.

The efficiency of the squadron in Asiatic waters reflects credit upon the commander in chief and his squadron commanders.

On the 15th of July, 1901, in the presence of Rear-Admiral Rodgers, U. S. N., second in command of the Asiatic station, of Rear-Admiral

71876

Beardslee, U. S. N., retired, and other naval officers, and of a large number of distinguished Japanese officials, a monument was unveiled and dedicated at Kurihama, Uraga, Japan, marking the landing place of Commodore Perry on his historic visit to that country in July, 1853.

NORTH ATLANTIC SQUADRON.

In the operations of this squadron the instruction of officers and men has received more attention during the last year than ever before. In addition to the usual evolutionary cruises along the Atlantic coast and in West Indian waters, several of the smaller vessels have done important surveying work, and also been on hand to protect American interests along the South and Central American coasts. During the summer, fleet evolutions were had in Nantucket and Vineyard sounds, and practical experiments carried on to determine the facility with which naval guns up to 5-inch caliber can be landed. Shore fortifications for both gun and torpedo work were erected with the resources of the squadron, and practical experiments in the matter of attack and defense conducted on sea and on shore.

SOUTH ATLANTIC SQUADRON.

The vessels of this squadron have cruised along the entire South Atlantic seaboard, in harmony with our commercial interests there.

EUROPEAN SQUADRON.

In order to reestablish this station, one vessel was withdrawn from the South Atlantic Squadron, and two vessels were withdrawn from the Asiatic Squadron. They are now cruising in the Mediterranean.

PACIFIC SQUADRON.

The vessels on this station have been in active service, and have visited the important points on the Pacific coast. On account of the great length of coast line, the necessity for protecting our interests in sections where conditions are frequently unsettled, and the few vessels available for this station, they have been compelled to drill singly instead of in squadron.

APPRENTICE AND TRAINING SQUADRONS.

The vessels of the Apprentice Squadron have made the usual cruises to Europe and the West Indies, with beneficial results. The method referred to in my last report of training landsmen who come from various parts of the United States, has proved so far successful that the Department has increased the facilities for this work. The train

ing vessels are kept cruising continuously, except for the short periods necessary for repairs and for supplies.

NAVAL PERSONNEL.

LINE OFFICERS.

The need of line officers for sea duty becomes steadily more pressing, and in case it should become necessary to man all the vessels of our present fleet the required number is not available, and I recommend that the number of lieutenants be increased from 300 to 350, and that the limit of the number of junior lieutenants and ensigns be made 600.

NAVAL CONSTRUCTORS.

I concur with the chief naval constructor that there should be an increase in his corps. With more ships to build there must be more

constructors.

CIVIL ENGINEERS,

Some increase in the corps of civil engineers is necessary in view of the great increase in yard and dock construction.

PROFESSORS OF MATHEMATICS.

As the original reason for the creation of this office has ceased to exist, I renew my recommendation that the statute authorizing appointment of professors of mathematics be so amended that, without disturbing those who now hold office, no further appointments shall be made.

ENLISTED PERSONNEL.

I can not too earnestly call attention to the necessity for an increase of this most important branch of the Navy. As with the officers so with the enlisted men. The ships of the Navy have been greatly increased in number, but commensurate steps have not been taken to provide the necessary crews for them. I recommend that the present enlisted force be increased by 3,000 men.

MARINE CORPS.

I recommend that the Marine Corps be increased by 750 men, as recommended by the General Board.

VICE-ADMIRAL.

I renew my recommendation that the office of Vice-Admiral be revived.