266 COMMITTEE ON 



Eight years since this subject was examined by a committee of 

 the House of Representatives, and specially referred to the con- 

 sideration and attention of the Navy Department. That depart- 

 ment had looked with anxiety to our commerce in the Pacific, and 

 required from our naval officers such reports respecting its extent 

 and condition, as might be a safe guide in discharging the obliga- 

 tion of the government to protect it. These reports confirmed the 

 views which had been previously entertained, and prepared the 

 department to urge the measure upon the favourable consideration 

 of Congress. 



At the subsequent session renewed attention was paid to it, and 

 a bill was proposed, but did not become a law. In consequence 

 of its failure, two resolutions were passed by the House, declaring 

 it expedient that one of the small public vessels be sent to the 

 Pacific ocean and South seas, to examine the coasts, islands, har- 

 bours, shoals, and reefs, in those seas, and to ascertain their true 

 situation and description ; and requesting the President to send 

 such a vessel and afford such facilities as might be within the 

 reach of the Navy Department, to attain the objects proposed, pro- 

 vided it could be done without prejudice to the general interest of 

 the naval service, and without further appropriations during the 

 year. Suitable attention was paid to the duty assigned by these 

 resolutions, and what had been done communicated to Congress 

 at the subsequent session, at which a bill passed one house of 

 Congress to carry the object into execution, but was lost by causes 

 which it is not now necessary to explain. 



From that period until the last session, there was no im- 

 portant movement or action upon the subject. At that time 

 a committee of the house, after full inquiry, made a report in fa- 

 vour of the expedition, which is worthy the attention of those 

 who desire to form a well-advised opinion upon the measure pro- 

 posed. 



The committee think it proper to annex to their report, as a 



