Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1839-07-05
BOW ESTIC.
APPRENTICES IN THE NAVY.

AffREN IlIES IN he NAft.
We happened 10 be near Of The wharves a day or
two since, when q boat was in the stream which
attracted much attention The crew looked like sailors
IN miniature as in truth they proved 10 be- for they
The young apprentices from the Java, and so neat and
tdy did they SEEM that they might readily have been
taken for some youngsters who had stolen from school,
and equipped themselves in the appsfel Of The sailor
1t is PLAN TO see that this system apprenticeship is
about to effect great change in the Eatsrie Of The
OF war-a change that will be haitS % Of the
important revolutions Of modern times IF there was
ever class OF men deemed inca psble OF amendment
were those Who without pride Of profession. and
last resort, shipped on board man Of Such men
seemed unassaIlable By The ordinary of moral
attack they were given over in despair. But there
IS means now operating which will accomplish the
WORK The regular education Of young men, from their
earliest infancy to manhood in all the details Of seaman
sup; IN me nurture OF sound morals and under the
guidance Of intelligent and ACCOMPLISHED officers will
bring about The change These Youths will be well skill
ed IN their Professional qualification that will claim for
them lhe respect of the Oldest most worthless sailor
They VIII have become acquainted with the officers
shared their confidence, and, like Them will feel pro-
irssional pride well Of self respect that will
nj them above vicious associations Known 10 the
commanders they will be selected as petty officers and
be deemed worthy of confidence and respect Each will
form nucleus among these who have enjoyed the
same advantages, and while the tone of the morals Of
Inc ship VIII be improved lis discipline will be also pro-
NOTED
We understand tina, in order 10 attain result so i'm
v,
10 It's moral and intellectual Improvement The Secretary
OF The Navy has determined 10 remodel the receiving
SHIPS, ana convert them into schools of practice for
young lands!nen and boys. The system which has
heretofore prevailed in thege ships had considera
tons 10 recommend it, but has been felt very sens-
BILE thai II Crushed the spirit of The sailor, and made the
service unpopular II sunk every sentiment, OF chvalry
IN the bosom Of The young mariner. who with all The
pride OF profession about him. was handed over 10 he
backyard tor daily labor, al reduced remuneration II
was comngiing OF land and service in the case
OF those who looked TO The their proper eie
ment, aud The ship as their native home
Under the new system. which will regard the receiv
ing ship IN rs proper hight school Of discipline for
young landsmen and boys The best results will assured
y How. Much OF the practical knowledge of seaman.
ship may be learned in port To handle the guns, 10
manage the yards, 10 attain, if may so speak the
geography and vocabulary Of man Of war, may be
done on shore. service of siI eight months will
enable an active lad 10 perform The duties of sailor
well and skiiiuy especially if occasional coas,Ing
tP. by way OF experiment, added. Such policy
will insure constant supply Of good seamen 10 ships
OF war, and II The present Secretary Of the Navy sue
ceeced IN establishing The system firm and lasting
foundation, he will have done for The real int rests
OF the navy than he could have by any other act
Whatever, ard will have secured reputation for himself
as lasting the benefits conferred upon this fayorls
arm OF the public defence
We lately visited the receiving ship Java under the
commend OF Captain Charles w Skinner, and had
opportunity of observing the apprentices. They
about 40 80 in number neatly atlired in the garb Of
sailor, gooc.Iookng, and ranging from twelve 10 ech
lee years Of age. We the school appror.--
leo 10 ,neir me carronades winch they usedin
their exercises Ihey show great aptitude in acquiring
knowledge. and are already catching that esprit
essential 10 effective organization. If The boys on
this station do not turn out worthy and skul sesuien,
ii will not be the fault OF Capt Skin ner and The inle.
gent otticefs ot the Java .-.No:)0tk BsacGn.