Volume 9 — THE RANK OF ADMIRAL.

Remarks in the Senate, on the Bill to establish the Grades of Navy Officers, July 2, 1862.

The bill under consideration was “to establish and equalize the grades of line officers of the United States Navy.” By this bill the rank of Admiral was established in the national navy. Mr. Hale moved to reduce the pay of admirals from five thousand seven hundred and eighteen to five thousand dollars.

Mr. Sumner said:—

I hope the amendment will prevail. For years we have been asked to make admirals. Congress has refused,—partly, perhaps, from motives of economy, and partly, also, from hesitation to create officers with that rank and title.

Now, Sir, I am willing, considering the increase of our navy and the exigency of the public service at this time, to create officers with that rank and title. So doing, we confer honor and consideration,—we bestow what officers, military and naval, naturally covet. Wherever they go, they will be addressed as Admiral; and, with naval men, that is much. Sir, I believe it more than money. But, while bestowing rank, I hesitate to increase emolument largely, particularly at this moment of our history. It costs nothing to confer rank; but it will be most expensive to the Treasury, if we enter upon a new scale of pay. Therefore I follow the Senator from New Hampshire in his proposition to reduce the salary. Create the admirals,—bestow this new title, this consideration, this introduction wherever the admiral goes, this equality, if you please, with the admirals of other nations and other fleets; but do not undertake to vie with those nations in salaries. To me it seems unwise.

The amendment was agreed to.