Mr. GILIMES. It is due to the Senate that I should state the reasons why the ComNavAffrs have proposed that such a bill as this should be passe at this time. A few days ago the 2 Houses of Congress united in assing a JtResolution congratu lating the Emperor of Russia upon his ese ape from assassination. When that resolution came from the HoRep to the Seuate, on the suggestion of the chairman of the Committee on liorci u Relations [Mr. Soir NER] it. was amende so as to authorize and direct the POTUS to transmit the resolution to the Emperor. The present Asst SecyNavy had filed his resignation, to take effect from to day , and, as the agent of the Navy Dept, was about to visit Europe forthepurpose of inspect,ing the various navy yards, ships of war, and improvements in each, and improvements in or once and naval appliances that have been perfected by the European nations during the ast few years. I suppose it is notnnknown to the members of this body that foreign nations, and especially the British, are in the habit of sending naval Officers here to examine with the utmost minuteness everything of that description that is done by us. It is robnbly known to the members of this bodj that there is attached to the British legation Captain Buytho sea, one of the most competent men in the British navy. He is employed for no other purpose than to make such investigations as it is proposed by the Nuvy Dept that the present Asst SecyNavy shal make during the months of this summer.v When the resolution congratulating the emperor of Russia was adopted by Congress, it was suggested by the SecyState, and by some other persons connected with the Administration, that Mr. Fox should be de uted to on the congratulatory resolution to ussia; and it was also suggested to him that he should withdraw his resignation as Assistant Secretary, for the reason that it would give more eclat and would be more acceptable to the Russian Government if he went in his official capacity, as 2nd in authority in the Navy Dept, than ifhe went as a private individual. It is for that reason that this bill has been reported. Added to this consideration is the fact that on account of the peculiar phrase ol togy of the law organizing the Navy Dept, no one, in case of the absence, from sickness or otherwise, of the SecyNavy, can perform the duties of that Dept except the Asst Secretary; and if: order to guard against accidents, or the possi bility of anything of that kind happening, it is proposed to pass this bill.