Literary cadet and Rhode-Island statesman. [volume] (Providence, R.I.) 1827-1829, 1827-07-11

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10 tell you tile truth, ! have received letter
from my friend in New-york who states, that
the merchants have pciitoncd 10 the legisla-
ture for the removal of said Marine Court
which was and is still, disgrace to the me-
tropolis Of America. A. B. c.
REMARKs.-Did we not know the writer
Of the foregoing remarks, to be a gentleman
ofvcracity and truth, We should not listen to
his story SO willingly as we now do, andshould
dignation, had induced him to give false col
curing to the charge Of the court. But know
ing him as well as we do, VIC place implicit
confidence in his assertions, nor do we think
he has exaggerated the facts. The Marine
Court Of New-York, it an institution, which
has, as we are informed, the exclusive jurisdic-
most Of the year, in investigating cases Of no
consequence, and which in nine cases out OF
ten, arc brought by some meddling interfering
pettifogger, who to swindle an honest and en-
terprising ship master, will prevail upon a
worthless tar TO institute a suit against his
commander; and these suits are often brought
when there is not shadow for foundation.
We are glad to hoar that this niquitous Court,
is in fair way to be abolished, and we can
not but hope, that the merchants and COM
mcrciaI men Of Ncw-York, will take early and
efficient steps for the prcstration Of an institu-
ton, which condrctcd as it now is, is dis
grace to the country.
The relation between tie master and sea-
men Of ship, is one Of great and singular IN
terest; and there is 10 task which is more ar
duous, than that which is assigned TO the Com
mander Of ship, manned by an incorrigible
and an unruly crew. Mere sailors are too of
ten, obstinate, hcad-strong, and unwilling to
perform their duty, and TO compel them to its
performance, it is sometimes necessary to ap-
ply force to persuasion, and blows TO argument.
We would not advocate the cause of ship
master, who for mere sport, beats and mains
his sailors, but we do think, that all the COM
plants that are made by seamcn, when they
arrive home from their voyages, should moi be
listened to, and that court should be very
careful in sustaining their actions.
The master Of ship, many times. IN cases of
imminent danger, may be obstructed and de-
fea,ed in carrying his plans and designs into
execution, by nulish crew; and if he does not
beat them into OBEDIENCE ship, and the lives
of a ships crew is lost, when by the exercise of
a little severity, and little floggng, all might
be saved.
Tic Marine Court Of Ncw-York, was evil
IDENTIFY founded on good intentions, and on
proper principles; but conducted as it now is,
managed by some half dozen pettiioggcrs, it
has become nuisance and curse to society;
and It's decisions too often encourage the mu-
tinous plans OF those Of our seamen, who, lost
to every sense Of propriety, take no interest in
the success and welfare of their employers, and
who wish for no higher station, than that of
common degraded Jack Tar.
These remarks will not apply TO any enter
prising, industrious and sober minded sailor
they are meant for the out-casts Of the profess
ion only, and as such, and by such only, will
they be considered.
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