The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1841-12-04
Communications.

FOR THE MACEDONIAN.
PROFESSORS OF MATHEMATICS IN THE
NAVY.
II is favorite reproach in the mouths Of foreigners
that Notwithstanding boasts of the universal diff
fusion of education among citizens there is scarce
ly any country-with the exception Of our prototype
Englandin whchearningis little respected and lis
labours veIy rewarded In its application TO some
divisional Of our country, we hardly deny that the
reproach is founded in truth. Among many Of onr
citizens the name Of a teacher is term Of contempt,
and If we may judge by the Advertisements appearing
in the newspapers, the compensation considered ade-
quate for accomplished instructor of youth is so
low that accomplished cook would consider the
offer insult. Could ascribe the limitation of the
salary of teacher to the poverty penury OF ind-
viduas could escape the bitterness of the reproach
by reference to the cause-which certainly could
implica,e the character -four citizens generally
But unluckily have such apology in this part Of
the country at least. We frequently see advertise
ments from commissioners trustees Of public schools
offering employment TO teacher, and enumerating the
various branches of knowledge with which he must
be conversant and at the same time promising him the
munifcent income of three hundred dollars. Such
advertisements are by no unfrequent in the pa
pers Of this city, and sent TO them l believe from
the adjoining States. With these publications before
u.s. can we assert that the business Of education is
treated with respect or liberaly.
have no intention, however, to dwell on numerous
facts Of this character which could be adduced They
present, indeed, eproachfu picture TO imagina
lions, when trumphng in the boast of the UNIVERSAL
ty Of education in these United States; but we alude
to them to manifest that the profession Of teacher is
by no means SO highly respected might sup
pose, and to account in some for the fact
that in the laws of our General Government,
there seems 10 be disposition to undervalue the cha
racter Of instructors take this time to draw atten-
ton TO this evil trusting to the learning and literally
Of the present Secretary Of the Navy for an effort to
correct the evil.
If you will examine the law Of 1885, regulating the
pay of the officers Of the Navy, you will perceive that
while all the entitled receive duty pay and
leave pay, sea pay and shore pay, the Professor Of
Mathematics alone is allowed compensation what
ever, except while actually on duty. He is ranked
among the officers, but enjoys Of the privileges
of an officer while all the Others from the senior
captain, who may be generally considered the
tired list down to the rawest midshipman who is re-
ceving the iudimsnts Of education at the expense Of
the Government, receive certain salary, whether on
duty not whether serving his country INDUCING
his own pleasures,-th poor Professor receives no
commission officer, and is not paid except
for services actually rendered.
True, he 10 a non combatant--and so is the chap
lain, the surgeon, and the purser He is subjected 10
much hardship and privaton as they are and yet
after the fatigues Of long cruise, the chaplain, the
surgeon, and the purser enjoy the relaxation their
health may demand, in the certainty of salary suf
6cient for their support while the moment the cruise
terminates the pay Of the Professor ceases and the
expense of his recreation must be betrayed out of the
savings bis prudence may have enabled him to make
from the pence Of his actual abors. What is there in
the nature of the duties of the purser to ene him to
more consideration than the Professor-excep his sp-
portunes Of amassing wealth And shall ii
always be among usl Shall wealth alone, or the
power Of accumulang il, always command more
spect than talent and worth View the case as you
please is clear that the Professor has the same title
a commission and all the privileges Of commission
as either The chaplain the purser If not, what rea-
be assigned for the dscrepancc, unless that
the profession Of education is the contemplate
on board our ships.
could dilate much on This subject, but am
unwilling to be a trespasser on your kindness will
add that situated he is the Professor has fewer
advantages than any man in the Navy-no matter
what may be his rank situation. shall trouble
you but with few words Tor wish TO be as
succnct possible. A proper berai,y Of encourage
the part of the Government towards the
Of learning requires Of it not only to place the Pro-
fessors in the Navy similar footing a to pay with
the Others but fix their rank in the service and
their position ship board, that they need not be
made necessarily the equal associates Of those whom
they called upon to instruct According to the
present system, not only are they treated with inus
tce, but their services rendered almost useless Is
no, this subject worthy the attention Of tho Secretary
and Of Congress-
A VETERAN PaorEssoR.