The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1842-05-05
FOR THE MACEDONIAN.
THE WHISKEY RATION OF THE U. S.
NAVY

Mr.. EDITOR
noticed in your paper, Of Saturday last article
from the "North American" upon the whskey
ration Too much cannet be said upon this destruc-
tive and Ubiquitous indulgence, and the legal sanction
given to it by the United States Governmsat- There
was a time when any proposition to annul tho whis-
key ration secuted at by too many officers, as an
emanation of bgotry, cant and fanaticism but for
tunately this time has gone BY Spirits were once
thought essential to sustain those exposed to hardship
and privaton, and grog thought to be neces-
sary an article of nautical diet, tarpauln is of 4
sailors Dress but it is, almost universally known
that the excitement of spirits only facilitates exerton
by contributing temporary excitement of mind and
body, incompatible with cool, steady and judicious
labor, and finally leading exhaustion and enfeebIed
energies If the excitement of spirits did contribute
to exertion this would in reality be far more than
counterbalanced by the fruitful disability and disease
resulting from their use to say nothing OF the lnso-
lence roting revels and insubordination which may
be traced to the whiskey ration; but when to coun-
terbaance all this evil good effect results, the
periodic three times day, legal distribution of NOR
bid excitement and fuel to animal passions is highly
senseless and censurabe practice.
Drunkenness is crime visited with punish
ment by Naval law and the experience of every one
who has served on board man-ofwar, will evidence
that it is the offence for which punishment is most
frequently incurred, independent of the many other
offences of which it the origin. 1t is established
fact, of melancholy experience that very few even of
disciplined minds, and who are under the control OF
great obligations to society," can be habtuai drinkers
without rushing into the whirlpool of intoxcation.
What, then, can be expected of men, who, not pro-
tected by the pride Of station, terate and accus-
toned to yield to the impulses of nature, when they
see habitua drinking sanctioned and dgni6ed by
law? What inconsistency to make drunken
ness, by the same law, crime to push over the
mecipice and punish them for not cliDging by its
brink; for, tempted and INDUCED in this way they
inevitably become drunkards, and the law and the
lash is but small check upon vice, which, in those
of higher station riumphs the appeals of pride,
tho TICS and every affection Of the heart
The few sailors who might refuse to enter the SER
vice, if deprived Of their grog could very well be
spared for the many who would be induced to enter
il, om the higher character which would be given to
the service; but believe that many, very many of
those who have become habituaed to its destructive
excitement and familiar with its bad consequences,
would willingly place themselves in service which
refuse themselves. The Government Systematically
throws insurmountable impedments in the way of
voluntary reformation; for the boatswan's pipe,
which calls to the grog-tub, whistles triumph
many old tars good resolutions
Putting out of view the great return the Govern
ment would receive from the increased efficiency and
character of its seamen, by doing away with the
whiskey ration, and substituting increased pay,
matter ofdoars and cents, the Communication would be
favorable to the Government for the cost of the
whskey is small consideration compared with the
hospital expenses growing out of this ration. The
increased comforts and safety of ships would be in
calcuIabe. In consequence of the great bulk of the
whskey ration, large portion of the ship is occu-
pied as the "spirit-room." The whole ship is nus-
ance when it is being pumped in" the danger of
fire greatly increased, and three times day, when
the spirit room is opened the surrounding lights
necessarily extinguished.'
The whiskey ration has single advantage to
Justify its continuance; it is nuisance shp-board
source of crime, unworthy the Government, and its
dscontinuance would facilitate the efficiency, health
and subordinaton of every ships company.
w.