The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1850-04-18
From the Nautical Standard.
The GroQ Questfou.

We continue 10 receive numerous letters upon
this subject, embracing variety of shades Of opin
ion which shows that the subject itself continues TO
excite considerable interest in the service. We
studiously avoid Offering any decided opinion upon
the subject, because we that il Is now
undergoing an examination in quarter where the
best possible evidence can be obtained, and where
no possible bias can exist for varying judgment
distorting truth. Drunkenness has ever been the
bcsettinR sin Of the British seaman, and of
no difference Of opinion can exist upon the proprie-
~ OF eacing this blot from the fair fame Of the
vice. But, in considering the means by which this
desirable object is 10 be attained, must give due
regard 10 the nicely which Ia required in dealing
with such question, and must, before all things,
allowed in the service is really the Of the evil
which we seek 20 remove. Great credit is due 10
Rear Admiral Dundas in the matter, and we feel
fully assured that the most honorable motives gen.
orally actuate their lordshps In bringing this sub
ject under discussion.
There is no desire on the part of the admiralty 10
deprive the OF the few comforts Inc possesses
and which lac 30 dearly earns no miserable parsi
mOny has actuated their lordshps, we believe, to
move in this matter; but, on the contrary VIC have
every TO suppose that their ordships in
huenced by an honest desire 10 eliminate drunken
meas from the service, and thus TO diminish the
ccssity OF frequent punishment. OF course many
questions will incidentally present Themselves TO
the committee entrusted with this important nvee-
tigation: all will be found less subordinate
and subsidiary TO the question whether the preya-
lent amount Of drunkenness now known to exist I'm
the service IL 10 be referred 20 the ordinary Of
the allowance now permitted in the service, or
whether IL is not rather 10 be referred 70 irregular
practices, and an improper use Of that allowance
an evil which would Of course require different
remedy. lift shall turn out, upon a fair investiga-
ton and unbiased inquiry-if evidence Of all shades
opinion is invited and carefully dealt with-if
preludiccs are discarded and honest truth be per-
United 10 assume its proper place. and exercise its
Legitimate iniuence-if with these auxiliarics IL
shall appear that the allowance Of spirits is now ex
cessive, hurtu 10 tho health Of the crew, condu
Give TO drunkenness and DISQUALIFICATION Of
the question is resolved, and the excessive
allowance should be reduced, with adequate pccu-
MARY compensation, 20 an amount more consistent
with health and morals, and better calculated TO
ensure obedience and good conduct.
On the other hand, il II shall appear that the
drunkenness Of is not TO be referred 20 the
allowances and further, II IL shall appear that that
allowance IL not inconsistent with health, nor ne
ccssariy the cause Of drunkenness-in short, IL II
shall be proved that the present allowance is not
excessive, then the inquiries Of the committee
must be directed 10 other sources Of the existence
OF the evil and IL would be both impoliuc and
cruel 10 rob the scamen Of a comfort, simply be-
cause others use the same comfort improperly, and
by the improperly Of their conduct make that
hurtiul which, IN its own nature, lie purely innoc
uous. In the course OF this inquiry, IL will be
ccrtaincd, as we have before stated that much Of
the drunkenness now known 10 exist may be
found 10 have been caused by the prevalent habit
of smuggling spirits on board and much also ma "
be put 10 the account Of the sale Of sprits
the crew; tho practice also Of slowing il away Tor
accumulation, and enjoying II at forbidden hours
10 which may be added the practice OF extra allow
ancc upon certain occasions; are all more or less
which will be found 10 contribute their share
Of the evil.
Now the position which we would wish TO sustain
v this, that II would be most unfair and improper
course Of the Government, unless with the consent
Of the individuals sought 10 be dealt with, 70 dmin
ish the allowance Of all, though il be not excessive,
simply because a part have, by some means or
other, been enabled 10 fall into immoral excess.
The subject we deem one Of the highest import
ance, and one which IL behoves 10 deal with with
the most extreme care and circumspection; and we
hope that the committee, in arriving At a conclu-
sion, will not too hastily confound the various
causes Of drunkenness which known TO exist,
with the fair use and regular consumption Of the
regulated allowance.