The Sun.
London, England, 1861-04-10 00:00:00

SAILORS' HOMES.

Sir H. STRACEY moved, that, in the opinion of this
house, the establishment of Sailors' Homes had been so
conducive to the benefit of seamen, and, consequently, of
so great national importance, as to be deserving of the
support and encouragement of the Legislature. In
bringing forward this motion, he begged the per-
mission of the house to make a few observations
on this subject. The sailors' homes had considerably im-
proved the physical and moral condition of sailors, as was
proved to the satisfaction of those conversant with their
present state and their status prior to the establishment of
these institutions. They had also materially contributed
to the efficient manning of the navy. There were 31 of
these sailors' homes in the kingdom, of which only
six received assistance from Government, the remainder
being supported by voluntary contributions. He contended
that this state of things was not consistent with the duty
and the interests of a great maritime nation in reference to
these sailors, to whom they were so deeply indebted for their
commercial prosperity. To show the benefits resulting
from these institutions he mentioned the fact that from one
of tkem last year no less than £30,000 had been transmitted
to the relatives of sailors through the medium of the
savings bank in connection with the establishment—
which except for its existence might have been squandered
in dissipation or stolen by the class of unprincipled persons
who prey on the unsuspecting nature of mariners. These
institutions were also valuable in succouring shipwrecked
mariners. Several thousands of them had been rescued
from suffering or death through their agency; but in carry-
ing out this benevolent object they were not provided with
adequate funds, notwithstanding the great benevolence
displayed by private individuals towards the main-
tenance of these institutions. Having drawn a graphic
picture of the crimp, and adverted to the description of
Captain Hall, R.N., relative to the injurious influence of
this class on sailors, he stated that when these Homes
were established the " crimp " disappeared. He next
referred to the authority of the Admiralty in verification
of his assertion as to the benefit of these institutions in the
more effectual manning of the Royal Navy, and contended
that, as he must be a very bold politician who would
predict positively peace for six months longer, anything
that would conduce towards that result must be of the
greatest importance, and entitled to national encouragement.
(Hear.) It might be objected that the motion was brought
forward merely for the purpose of obtaining money from
the Treasury, but he reminded the house that there
existed what was called the Merchant Seamen's Fund, to
which sailors had extensively contributed. There was
a surplus of £66,662 arising out of that fund,
of which over £57,000 was in the hands of
the Goverment, and he argued that the t applica-
tion of some portion of this surplus towards the sup-
port of these instituticns would be more legitimate
and useful. He next adverted to the extent of the
recent disasters at sea to show how desirable it would be to
extend the operation of these institutions, and concluded by
a laudatory allusion to the great services rendered by
sailors to commerce and the protection of the country.
Admiral WALCOTT seconded the motion, and earnestly
iml ortuned the Government to give attention to the sub-
ject, and to act with liberality towards institutions that were
calculated to promote the interests of the sailors, and to
provide for the defence of the country. (Hear, hear.)
Mr. M, GIBSON said he believed the house would con-
cur in a great portion of the statement of the hon. baronet
who brought forward this motion, and he agreed with him
in what he had said with reference to the benefits of these
institutions and the benevolence of those who supported them.
He believed, however, that the House• would hesitate
before they pledged themselves to a resolution to subsidise
the country for the support of the sailors' homes that might
be established. Notwithstanding the fund to which the
hon. baronet referred, it would be found that if the house
agreed to this resolution it would be found necessary to
come to the consolidated fund for the assistance towards
their institutions. There was no class of labourers who
were better paid than sailors, and none who could more
easily obtain more regular employment, and he believed, as
regarded these institutions, he thought they would succeed
much better under the effects of voluntary contributions
and local control than they would under Government sup-
port and influence. From inquiries he instituted he ascer-
tained that sailorswere not generally so deficient in means
of obtaining good and comfortable lodgings when on shore,
and, considering all circumstances, he felt bound to nega-
tive the motion of the hon. baronet.
Mr. HENLEY agreed to the statement of the hon.
gentleman (Mr. M. Gibson) as to the injurious influence of
Government connection with these institutions. At the
same time he denied that sailors were the best paid class
of skilled labourers in the country.
Mr. M. GIBSON said that what he meant to state was
that they were a well paid class.
Mr. HENLEY denied that even that were the case, but
at the same time objected to a subsidy.
Mr. LINDSAY also objected to any subsidy, and con-
tended that the sailor was very well paid.
Mr. KINNAIRD hoped that the hon. baronet would
not press his motion, as in the present state of the finances
hopes might be excited which could not be realised.
Lord C. PAGET said that the Admiralty subscribed