Herald of the times. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1830-1846, 1831-05-25

SIIIPNASTER RS.

A late number of the "Sailor's Mag
azine" contains an article on the char
acter of American ipmasters, urging
them to unite for the exercise of that in
huence to which they are entitled and
which they have not hitherto eyerted. The
remarks are, we think, very Just, and the
suggestions entitled to the consideration
Of the class to whom they are addressed.
We make the following eXtract:-
No person can form an extensive ac-
quaintance with the masters of vessels
employed in the American merchant SER
vice, without being struck with the Il
mount of character that is possessed IA
mong them. Whatever goes to consti-
tute weight of character, whether we
con slider native talents, solid judgement,
a good education, whether an extensive
acquaintance with men and things, gen
tlemanly department, decision of charac-
ter, habits of promptness and energy, ca
pacity for the discharge of business, this
body ofmcn may safely challenge a com
parison with any other class of persons in
this or any other country.
1t is manifest that such bod y Of men,
thus qualified, and having so extensive
intercourse, ought to exert great inllu-
snce upon human society. They ought
to give enlarged views, and liberal feel
ings. They ought to make deep and
salutary impression, of intelligence and
principle, upon every passenger and eve
ry sailor, especially on foreign voyages,
where for SO many weeks together they
are placed under authority, and within
reach of the captains whole influence.
They ought to make themselves felt in
every seaport, by their efforts to promote
good institutions, morals, general educa-
ton and improvement, and liberal views
for doing good
That American shipmasters have not
exerted that influence in society hitherto
which they ought, according to their
qualifications, needs no argument to prove.
Their enterprise, Intelligence, decision of
character, integrity, boldness, liberal
feelings, generosity, public spirit, ought
to have made them felt powerfully in all
the councils of the state and nation, in
every department of benevolent action,
in every undertaking of public improve
ment. And yet it is fact that they have
never made much impression, even in re-
gard to those departments which most
concern themselves.
How many laws there are, for instance
which bear inconveniently upon ship
masters, without any adequate advan-
tage to others; laws which would be al
tered at once, and for the better to all
parties, if intelligent shipmasters could
make their voice heard in the committee
rooms of Washington
In regard to temperance sailing. There
IS no shipmaster, not himself a lover of
strong drink, who would not rather 90 to
sea without liquor than with it. But in
many cases their owners are averse to
the abstinence system-ln others they
are afraid they shall not be able to get
sailors if they do not give them grog. 1t
is evident that If there were a little con-
cert Of action, so that temperate shipmas-
ters could eflectually support each other,
the thing could be carried into complete
effect. If the shipmasters who are now
decidedly in favor roftemperance at sea,
were united, such man could say to the
owner who still wished to put liquor a
board, "Sir, | beg leave to tell you that
l understand this subject perfectly my