The Northern star, and farmers' and mechanics' advocate. [volume] (Warren, R.I.) 1830-1834, 1834-08-02
FOR THE STAR.
SAILORS.

While we see with the greatest delight, associa.
tons formed all over the country, for amclora.
ting the unhappy condition, of the more unfortun.
ate classes of men, which exist in almost every
community sit is truly lamentable to observe the
apathy and Indifference, which are manifested by
those who claim the title Of Phianthro pists, to.
ward that class Of men whose avocation calls them
ito 60 down in ships, ard to do business on the
mighty deep" II is indeed painful to remark the
cold charity manifested toward the hardy sons OF
the ocean, even by the ardent professors of the
gospel OF our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. But
the claims of this much neglected class Of men,
have, in some little degree, been needed, by those
to whom an appeal has been made in their behalf
An effort, powerful. and am happy to say,
in some degree successful effort, has been made
to elevate the moral character of these men. md
to reclaim them from that desperate state of moral
degradation, to which q vast majority of common
sailors bave unhappIly been reduced. This is a
cause-good and righteous ;-one well worth, the
noblest efforts ofhe phiIanthropists and christians
Thore is another point ncoEnexion with these men,
to which wish to calthe attention OF the fiends
Of humanity and religion.
1t swell known that these men follow an avo-
cation attended with constsnt danger, ,-unremit-
ing toil,-and unceasing hardships it is no less
! "ote'ie.., chat .e 81, other c,as.rs or ncn none
are so poorly pnidiu proportion TO the amount Of
labor performed while on the other hand the re-
suits oStheir industry have been to accumulate
wQalth fop sla;r Al.
single class, whatever. We all know too, that
they are proverbial for their honesty and berali
ity, for their contempt Of every thing that bears
the least semblance to meanness.
Iwish to ask If their good nature is not some
times grossly imposed upon' If undue advantage
is not frequently taken of their noble generosity
Is not often the case, that after they have brac-
ed the dangers Of the ocean for months and per-
haps years;-have been exposed to the pestilential
atmosphere ofthe most unhealthy climates on the
globe ;-after they have cheerfully performed
with willing heart and an untiring hand. the ar
duous duties Of their periIous enterprise, and a.
massed fortune for their empIoyers-and after
they have done all this-have once more been "a
vored by Divine Providence with return home.
received the cheering welcome of their friends
and relatives, and in the high anticipation Of the
rich fruition ofheir hard-earned pittance is il
not true that on the settlement ofther voyage they
have frequantly received nothing but disappoint-
ment, chugrin, and debt as the only avails of their
long labor. They may be honestly in debt I
dot say but that they arc, but is it Invariably so
Let conscience answer. Let this poor disposed.
neg scted sailor tax his recollection, and call TO
mind the cont act, and the manner in which il
has been fulfilled Let the ship owner, agen, or
merchant make out the account as conscience
would dictate. Then take the uyiften state
mem" and compare notes." how would the
three asrees Let none be- afraid to answer, mer-
chants who trade with sailors before they leave
home and after they return, as well as Others who
are more directly concerned in their employment.
Answer one and ALL
A FRIEND ITO SAILORS RIGHTS"