True Democrat. (Paulding, Miss.) 1845-18??, 1845-09-10
THE NAVY AND ARMY.


ture of our navy and army of the ano-
molies presented TO the theory of our gov
eminent in these two branches of our ma
tional defence, and of the gross abuses
which characterize them, more particular
ly the former. The government of the
United States, in theory, recognizes no dis
tinctionS among our citizens, founded on
birth, wealth, or station, but regards all as
created free and equal, and alike eligible
to any honors and offices in the gift ofthe
nation, to which their talents, merits and
attainments will Justify them in aspiring;
but as regards the navy and army the fact
buntly contradicts the theory. Here dis
tinctions as wide aye, even wider than
separate the prince and peasant, the mas
ter and the slave, are recognized and up
held. In these branches of the govern
ment, the positions of honor and emolu-
ment are by no means open TO talent and
merit, but are filled with but little regard
to ability or fitness, in the one exclusively
by those who enter the service as midship-
men lin the other, by graduates from the
Military Academy at West Point. The
men who man the ships of the navy and fill
the ranks ofthe army, must ever be content
to regain in these subordinate positions, no
matter how we'll qualified they may be to
direct fleet in action, or lead an army 20
baule-though they may sometimes poSs-
ess the ability and bravery of Nelson, and
the genius of Napoleon; certainly they
can aspire to nothing higher than the posi-
ton ola boatswain or sergeant, between
whom and the oficers''in line" there lies a
gulf so broad that none may pass it.
Nor is this all. The cruel and barbar-
Gus punishment ofhogging is tolerated and
sanctioned by law in these branches ofour
service-and notwithstanding the efforts
atterly OF those at the head OF affairs to re-
s.rainitsopplicatiOn within merciful limits,
it is still inflicted in the navy, TO all extent
corresponding with the wide distinction
which exists between the officers and men,
and at once revolving to humanity and dis
graceful TO the nation. Mr.. Woodbury.
and Mr.. Paulding, both, are entitled TO the
country'S thanks for their vigorous efforts,
when at the head Of the navy department,
TO restrict and control the infliction of this
punishment, though from the nature ofthe
service as at present organized, their efforts
were necessarily attended with very imper-
feet success; and we rejoice TO see that Mr..
Bancroft has taken hold ofthe abuse with
a strong arm. But it is vain to look for the
eradication of this crying evil in this direc-
ton. Ii is a trite, nevertheless a true say
ing, that there is no law for Post Captains,
and il might be added with equal truth but
very little for commanders; and so long as
flogging in the navy is sanctioned by law,
will the petty tyrants by whom these posi-
tions are occupied in the majority of cases,
cohtrive 10 evade the orders of the depart
ment relative to this matter, or disregard
them with impunity; so long will the backs
Of the brave sailors, who man our vessels |
Of war; be exposed to the scourge Of the |
and cut in pieces for every |
trivial offence-every imaginary inSultto I
inflated official dignity We are aware il
is urged that this mode of punishment is
TO the enforcement of obedi-
ence, 10 the maintenance of discipline.
Why not apply il then TO officers as we'll as
men. Upon what principle Of right, jus.
lice aud equality is the sailor trlced upto
the gang.way and his back sklnd for dis
obedience of orders, and the officer treat
I'd with the respect and Difference due
superior order Of beingsl Ii the lash is so
potent in enforcing obedience on the part
ofthe men, why may it not be applied with
,qual advantage and success to Midship-
men, Iieutcnants and even Post Captains,
md thus the trouble and expense TO the ma
ion oflhe numerous Courts Marshal which
ire almost every month being convened to
ry aud punish these officers for disobedi-
nee oforderS and fragrant offences tending
o the destruction OF order and discipline,
'e avoided Why should not the President
ave ordered Capt. VOORHEES,, late ofthe
rigate Congress, 10 be iricod up TO the
anyway Of his ship on her arrival in the
United States, aud aogged twelve, twenty
)ur, or thirty-Six laSheS, according to the
magnitude Of his offences, instead Of sub
citing the country 10 the expense Of two
'ouus convened at Washington TO try and
unish him, aud which poSsiblymayinflict
be severe punishment on him ola fur
lRgh fora year or tlrO on fisllpayi The
nth Is, this barbarOus custom Is no more ,
TO The preservation Of dis
pliine in navy, than the whipping-post
I'd the pillory are 20 maintenance Of order {
society. LISA disgrace 10 the nation
ID age, and Il is fulltime II was totally and Z
ltirely abolished, and the thousand other I