In regard to THE NAVY, the President says:

"The present force of the navy consists of 4 battleships of the first
class, 2 of the second, and 48 other vessels, ranging from armored
cruisers to torpedo-boats. There are under construction 5 battleships of
the first class, 16 torpedo-boats, and 1 submarine boat. No provision
has yet been made for the armor for three of the five battleships, as it
has been impossible to obtain it at the price fixed by Congress. It is
of great importance that Congress provide for the purchase of this
armor, as until then the ships are of no fighting value."

Considering that five battleships of the largest class are now on the
stocks, the President only recommends the building of one more
battleship, which shall be for the Pacific Coast.

He also asks for several torpedo-boats, in connection with the system of
coast defence, and recommends that floating-docks for the repairing of
battleships be provided on all our coasts.

As to ALASKA, the government of the territory is, the President says,
not strong or effective enough to take care of the crowds that have
hurried into the country since the discovery of gold.

He therefore suggests that a more thorough system of government shall be
established.

He states that he agrees with General Alger, the Secretary of War, that
Alaska also needs a military force for the safety of her citizens. A
military post is about to be established at St. Michaels, which, as you