The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1839-06-29
APPRENTICES IN THE NAVY.

We happened 70 be near Of the wharyes day or
two since, when boat seen Ia the stream aud at
lracted much attention The crew looked like sailors
10 miniature, 10 truth they proved be r they
the young apprentices from the Java and so neat and
tidy did they seem. that they might readily have been
taken for some youngsters who had stolen from school,
and equipped themselves in the apparel Of the sailor
Il plain to that this system OF apprenticeship is
about TO effect great change IN the material Of the
man change that will be hailed rs one OF the
most important revolutions Of modern times. II there
was ever class of men deemed incapable OF amend
nenl they were those, who. without pride oil probes
sion, and last resort, shipped on board naii-o-
war. Such men seemed unassalabio by the ordinary
Of moral attack they were given over 10 DC,
spar. But there Is means now operating which WIN
accomplish the work. The regular education OF young
men, from their earliest infancy manhood IN oil the
details Of seamanshp in the nature Of sound morals,
aud under The guidance Of intelligent and accomplished
officers, will bring about the change These youths VIII
be well skilled their proessOna qualification that
will claim for them the respect Of the oldest most
worthless sailor. They will have become acquainted
with tho officers, shared their confidence and like them
will feel professional pride well a sense OF sell
respect that will m them above vicious associations
Known to the commanders, they will DO selected as
petty officers and be deemed worthy Of confidence and
respect, Each will form nucleus among those who
have not enoyed the advantages, and while the
tone of the morals Of the ship will be improved, ITS div
clpine will be also promoted.
We understand that in order TO obtain result so
important the discipline Of the navy and SO auspi-
cinus 10 lis moral and intellectual improvement, the
Secretary Of the Navy has determined remodel the
receiving ships. and them into schools Of prac
tce for young landsmen and boys. The system which
has heretofore prevailed in these ships had
sIderaions TO recommend it, but it has been felt very
sensby that il crushed the spirit Of the sailor aud made
the service unpopular, IL sunk every sentiment oil
chvary in the bosom Of the young mariner, who, with
all the pride of profession about him, handed over
the dock yard for daily labor at reduced remunera
ton. II was a comnlngng Of land and sea service IN
the Of those who looked TO the their pro-
per element, and the ship as their native bone.
Under the new system which will regard the recelv-
ing ship in its proper light school Of discipline for
young landsnen and boys, the best results will assured
y flow. Much Of the practical knowledge Of seaman
ship may be learned in port To handle the guns. to
manage the yards, TO attain, II we may speak, the
geography and vocabulary OF man-ofwa may be done
ashore service OF six eight months will enable an
actve lad to perform the duties Of sailor well and skill
bully, especially occasional coastng Trip by way of
experiment were added. Such policy will insure
constant supply OF good seamen our ships Of war,
and II the present Secretary of the Navy succeed
tablishing the system firm and lasting foundation,
he will have done more for the real interests Of the
Navy than he could have done by any other act what
ever, and will have secured reputation for himself
lasting the benefits conferred upon the ayorte arm
Of the public defence.
we lately visited tne receiving snip Java, uhuci ihe
command Of Capt Charles w. Skinner, and had an OPP
portunity Of observing the apprentices They were
about forty fifty in number, neatly atrcd IN the garb
Of sailor, good-lookng, and ranging from twelve to
eighteen wears Of age, We the school room sp-
proprated their use, and the carronades which they
used in their exercises. They show great aptitude IN
acquiring knowledge and already catching that
esprit du Corps essential to effective organization II
the boys on this station do not turn out worthy and
skliul sesmen will not be the fault Of Capt Skinner
and the intelligent officers Of the Java.
Norfolk Beacon.