REMARKS IN THE SENATE, ON THE BILL TO REGULATE THE APPOINTMENT OF
MIDSHIPMEN TO THE NAVAL ACADEMY, FEBRUARY 16, 1863.
The Senate having under consideration the bill to regulate the
appointment of midshipmen, Mr. Anthony, of Rhode Island, moved
the following amendment:--
“And to be selected by the Senators, Representatives,
and Delegates on the ground of merit and qualification,
to be ascertained by an examination of the candidates,
and that the Secretary of the Navy be authorized to make
the regulations under which such examinations shall be
conducted, not inconsistent with the provisions of this
Act.”
Mr. Sumner sustained the amendment.
Because these appointments are conferred upon youth, or, if you please,
upon boys, it seems to me that they are too often regarded as of little
moment. In reality, they are among the most important appointments
under Government. They are appointments for life; since, beginning
with the youth or boy, they end only at death, it may be as captain,
commodore, or admiral, supported always at the expense of the country,
and with increasing emoluments corresponding to increasing rank.
Therefore do I think that the Government cannot be too careful in
securing the best youths, and I welcome cordially the proposition of
the Senator from Rhode Island. I think it entirely practicable, and
also most important. I hope the Senate will adopt it. I cannot doubt
that such places should be given only to the most worthy, discarding
personal or political favoritism; but there must be a rule by which to
ascertain the most worthy.
The amendment was lost, having only 6 yeas against 32 nays.