They  would  still  need  an  addition  that  could  not  be  dispensed  with,  nliicli
is  nil  nuxiliary  steam  power  sufficient  to  give  a  moderate  rate  in  a  calni,  iu
niatiu-uvring  or  in  getting  out  and  in  harbor.  For  this  purpose,  greater  leii<;ili
would  be  n-(|uired  than  any  of  onr  present  frigates  possess,  as  tbev  now  kirily
Btii»'  the  provisions  and  water  reijuired  for  distant  cruising.  If  tne.'e  shij>j  W
cut  and  lengthened,  the  cost  in  connexion  with  that  necessary  for  heavier  urd-
nunee  will  lie  fully  equal  to  the  expense  of  building  new  ships  with  every  ili*'
adinuta^i'  that  can  attaeh  to  a  sacrifice  of  unity  of  design  in  modi'l;  for  nu
skill  it)  the  builder  could  possibly  develop  any  one  esseutiul  of  f»aui  iu  tlii^
piece  of  piitehwork,  except  by  mere  accident.
Till'  true  ])olicy,  not  only  as  regards  economy,  but  in  reference  also  to  acr nin-
plisjiing  the  object  in  view,  is  to  commence  wiihout  delay  the  reorgaiiizjilio"  if
our  naval  power  by  the  gradnol  addition  of  ships  built  upon  the  most  rcctuL
models,  and  to  carry  heavy  ordnance  as  well  as  an  auxiliary  steam  power.
The  experimental  practice  at  the  navy  yard  has  developed  some  puinis  "f
interest  in  relation  to  the  pieces  likely  to  combine  the  several  essentials  of  »e-
cnruy,  mngr',  and  force,  and  the  bi'aring  of  all  the  results  has  induci-d  me  to
prniiiifi-  the  eonstntction  of  a  class  of  ships  designed  to  unite  a  higher  degrei'  of
efficiency  tlian  any  frigate  or  seventy-four  mounting  the  present  armameni,  ie.
