The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1842-03-24
From the N. Y. SAM
ENLISTMENTS IN THE NAVY.

We have received several communications upon
this subject all with single exception holding out
the high and strong inducements which young Ameri'
citizens have for entering the Navy The single
correspondent who speaks doubtingly upon the sub
ect processes desire to enlist but asks despondngly
what chance he should have of promotion? what en-
couragement that ne should be any thing more than
sailor all his life what object there is in this
and also complains that is often the worst class of
citizens who resort to the Navy means of veli-
hood after all other have failed We will
endeavor to give him brief but satisfactory answers
to his questions
In the first place, as to promotion the path lies open
to every honest tar whose abilities, whose strict at
tcnton to duty whose bravery and ntrepidty enttle
him to it And the sphere Of promotion must inevi-
tably be enlarged. gradual increase of the
Navy is now the settled policy of the Government,
and necessary consequence, new and higher
grades of officers will be introduced. This we take
it for granted will be the case, even if the country
continues to enjoy the blessings of peace and should
we be involved in war, the increase Of the Navy and
the consequent promotion of officers would be
pd as could be desired by the most ambitious.
But we assure our correspondent that there is
an object in being mere sailor, without reference
to promotion. We never of our hardy tars
in the street. wearing the dress Of the American Navy
and conducting himself as becomes his station, with
out feeling deep and profound respect for him. AS
he passes along, his countrymen turn to look at him,
and say there goes of gallant defenders
whose high privilege it to bear the stars and stripes
| in triumph to every land and over every sea. The
tarpauin hat and nankeen collar, well the epau-
lette and the sword, recall to mind the glorious
achievements Of our nvncibe Navy.
| There is, then, an object in being mere seaman
| in the American Navy. There is certainty of reg
ular occupation, of comfortable livelihood and no
norable distinction. If has any inclination for
seafaring life, if he desire to his country if he
be brave and patriotic, he can find more desirable
sphere of action than the Navy whether his lot fall
among subaterns officers.
There is nothing in our correspondents question,
whether it is not bad class of citizens who enter
the Navy. For when they enter it and submit to its
order and discipline, they must do if they remain
there, they no longer bad. Generally speaking,
there is class who conduct themselves with more
proprety than the privates of the Navy. If any of
| them have been reclaimed from former bad habits
the fact so far from being dsparaging, is honorable
| alike to them and to the service.
| And we here again take occasion, as we have oft
done before, to call the attention of parents and
guardians to the and admirable system of enlist
| ing boys as apprentices 1t is working admirably
| 1t has cleared streets Of many idle BOYS, that
would have grown up in vice, and has placed them
in position where they will honor themselves and
their country. Among the ranks Of these welI-be-
| haved, well-educated, and thoroughly disciplined
! young apprentices, we may future I.eute-
nants, Commodores, and Admirals, who but for this
| system might have been confirmed in vicious habits,
and become inmates of our prisons. Every exertion
should be made to induce the muttudes of idle boys
that still hrong streets, and growing I'D for
certain nfamy to accept this opportunity of chang
ing their fatal for the higher and nober career
| that is thus opened to them.