Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1825-07-30

EoNlho I'LL w oN - SoN-A'~~~
Commodore Porter's Counsel for objecting to
the word "insubordinate," used in one Of the
charges against the prisoner. The Counsel
contends that "insubordinate" is not to be
found in any English vocabulary, or in any
work of art or science, or department of &C.
neral literature, and, therefore, should not be
considered as having any meaning in the
charges against the Commodore. "DlL-
WORTH" on the contrary, maintains that
Notwithstanding its absence from the vocabu-
Iaries, it is one of the most common and fami-
liar words used in conversation about naval
and military affairs, and about the meaning
and Specification Of which, no two men ever
did or can disagree-consequently the word
has been properly used in the charges, and
ought not to be objected to. In support of
this position, the writer ingeniously introdu-
ces into his satire some ten or dozen words
in common use, which, he asserts, are not to
be found SIN any English vocabulary;"
but in this he is in error, "admiSsibilty" be-
ing the only word in his catalogue which is
not to be found in an English vocabulary OF
responsibility, and supported too by authorl-
ties equal to those cited by JOHNSTON
But as the piece will probably amuse our read
ers, we subjoin it entire.
FOR THE HERALD.
"7he mighty difference here yOfHsee,
"'Tlvirt t,ceedle dun and fUeedle dee, "
Hints respectfully offered to the Secretary of
the Navy on reading Mr.. Jones' argument
before Commodore Porter's Court, as re-
ported in the National Journal;
|. If an officer uses the most abI-
sive, insulting and reproachful Ian
guage towards you and the government,
either by word or letter, take care that
in bringing him to a Court Martial for
it you do not charge him with "insub-
ordinate conduct" although Sin
subordinate" is one of the most COM
mon and familiar words used in con-
versation about military and naval at
fairs, and about the meaning and sig
MITIGATION of which no two men ever
did or can disagree, it is, according to
Mr.. Jones, "of foreign growth"-"not
So be found in any English vocabu-
lary-in any work of art or science
b" or department of general literature
sand the meaning of which can only
"be declined by reference to its ne
"gative or primitive, as grammarians
would say. "
.. Be equally careful when an officer
commits the most gross and shameful
acts of indecorum or Improperly, not
TO charge him with conduct "unbe-
coming an officer" but let the words be
" unbecoming the character of an Off
cer''-for there is " an evident distinc-
tion," according to the same authority,
between unbecoming an officer" and
"unbecoming the character OF an Off
cer"-as, although the law prescrlbeS
the particular uniform an officer shall
wear, but omits to define in what man.
ner he shall put it on, if it suits his
whim to appear on the quarter deck,
or in company, with his coat wrong
side outwards, or with the skirts where
the collar ought TO be, this would be
conduct unbecoming an officer; but in
no wise such as could affect his" charac.
ter" as an officer.
s. If by such behaviour, or even in
moments of the most incoherent mad
ness, he should distract the harmony
and discipline of the service, do not
charge him with conduct tending to
derange the discipline of the Navy
for "derange" is a word of "foreign
growth, and not to be found in any
English vocabulary" &c.
4. If in his transactions abroad with
foreign governments, or in the dis
bursements Of public monies, he rem
ders you false accounts of either, do not
charge him with making false state
menf-for Statement" is word cfno
origin at all, and "not to be found in
any English vocabulary" &c.
S: If pestilence, plague and famine
should overtake the ships company,
and the commander does nothing to
prevent or check it, do not charge him
with taking no pains to ameziorate their
sufferings--for "ameliorate" is word
of "foreign growth,a and not to be found
in any English vocabulary" sc.
6. If he behaves in "scandalous and
Infamous Manner" either at home or
abroad, do not charge him with con-
duct neither respectable to himself nor
the government he represents, for Gre
spectacle" is aword of doubtful origin,
and "not to be found in all vocabularies
of the English language" &c.
Charges drawn i'll this careless man
ner, will be labour lost; and according
to Mr.. Jones, must be "when prepared
in such form and TERMS" altogether
"unsustainaJle,". and expose you before
a Court Martial to the modification of
a. -