The report of the Secretary of the Navy exhibits great progress in the construction of our new Navy.  When the present Secretary entered upon his duties, only 3 modern steel vessels were in commission.  The vessels since put in commission and to be put in commission during the winter will make a total of 19 during his administration of the Department.  During the current year 10 war vessels and 3 navy tugs have been launched, and during the four years 25 vessels will have been launched.  Two other large ships and a torpedo boat are under contract and the work upon them well advanced, and the 4 monitors are awaiting only the arrival of their armor, which has been unexpectedly delayed, or they would have been before this in commission.

Contracts have been let during this Administration, under the appropriations for the increase of the Navy, including new vessels and their appurtenances, to the amount of $35,000,000, and there has been expended during the same period for labor at navy-yards upon similar work $8,000,000 without the smallest scandal or charge of fraud or partiality.  The enthusiasm and interest of our naval officers, both of the staff and line, have been greatly kindled.  They have responded magnificently to the confidence of Congress and have demonstrated to the world an unexcelled capacity in construction, in ordnance, and in everything involved in the building, equipping, and sailing of great war ships.

At the beginning of Secretary Tracy’s administration several difficult problems remained to be grappled with and solved before the efficiency in action of our ships could be secured.  It is believed that as the result of new processes in the construction of armor plate our later ships will be clothed with defensive plates of higher resisting power than are found on any war vessels afloat.  We were without torpedoes.  Tests have been made to ascertain the relative efficiency of different constructions, a torpedo has been adopted, and the work of construction is now being carried on successfully.  We were without armor-piercing shells and without a shop instructed and equipped for the construction of them.  We are now making what is believed to be a projectile superior to any before in use.  A smokeless powder has been developed and a slow-burning powder for guns of large caliber.  A high explosive capable of use in shells fired from service guns has been found, and the manufacture of gun cotton has been developed so that the question of supply is no longer in doubt.

The development of a naval militia, which has been organized in eight States and brought into cordial and cooperative relations with the Navy, is another important achievement.  There are now enlisted in these organizations 1,800 men, and they are likely to be greatly extended.  I recommend such legislation and appropriations as will encourage and develop this movement.  The recommendations of the Secretary will, I do not doubt, receive the friendly consideration