The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1852-04-18

Congress at this moment has the subject OF naval dis
cpline under consideration IL proper and oppor
tune 70 ask the notice and serious attention OF the public
and particularly membes OF Congress. TO the import
subject OF useful code OF laws for national and
commercial marine. The citzens OF the United States
have hundreds OF millions OF property on the We
have thousands of seamen OF various nations OF the
earth serving on board magnificent and unequalled
chips. To szy that wholesome and stringent laws are
only necessary but absolutely proper to regulate and
govern this great branch Of and prosperity of
country. would be preposlerous.
To understand the deporabe state OF things in the
navy and commercial marine. brought about by the act
OF September. 1850, have only TO read the reports
Of many officers Of the navy in command abroad and to
examine the accounts of nutnies and riots, often end
ing IN murder and death, daily enacted on board our
merchantmen. L have only 10 cite the late muny on
board the Queen OF the West" at Liverpool, and the
case oil Baltimore ship, the coast oil South America,
where the mate shot down and killed Of the in
self defence Concealed weapons. fatal to society,
now carried by every seafang mantle sailor prepares
himself Tor a conest~with authority.
To establish humane and proper laws for extensive
an arm OF government as the national marine is a
matter oil grave import and our Lawmakers should, each
and every one inform themselves thoroughly and be
full TO avoid hasy legislation The opinions OF naval officers
Of practical experience and distinction, this subject and
the views OF commercial men, TO be found file al
The Navy Department among the Congressional docu-
ments II judge from the want Of knowledge this
and other topics which exhibited in the debates
these opinions and recommendations have never been
looked at by members Of Congress--hey have never
been examined and studied.
Among many other official letters seriously recon
mend invoke attention TO, and consideration Of the ad
mirable advice and experience Of Commodore Stewart
the veteran and gallant officer OF sixty years service
tanned in bis letter TO the Secretary Of the Navy also
TO the excellent letter OF another discreet, wse and
perienced officer. Commodore Morris. These two let
ters emana,ing from tried and gallant men, imbody all
that need be said the subject of discipline. TbeiI
opinions based rpened judgment they are known
10 be humane and brave and the true friends OF the
sailor. with whom they have fought in bloody contests
| and victorious over once nvincibe and proud foe.
II is due, and emineny proper to grave subject
wholesome laUs for The naval and commercial services
that members should well inform themselves of the par.
culas OF sealfe OF the habits Of the sailor and the
mode by which the crews are formed. They should con-
suit and advise with practical and experienced men, who
have devoted their lives to the sea. and the and
management of Before any further hasty legis
iaon occurs let Congressman pause lest they may in
their would be philanhrophc schemes, nct upon poo
Jack for his government laws thousand fold
than the lash, under stringent regulations There is
| seafarng man OF any prudence and experience who
will say the friend and protector Of the sailor
that far as humanity and mercy are TO be consulted
tue Pfuueh use VI CoiPoIcd punishment 10 Tue iedst ikc
ly 10 offend The majority and better portion of seamer
will say so. and insist that it is the only consisen
with the life and system OF duty at sea.
Our best positively refuse 10 enter ships
disorder riots and sometimes deaths, occurring every
day. both on board OF public and private ships
would seem incumbent on Congress to apply remedy
As the border States but lately scafarnp
men and officers will be Obliged, in obedience, gc
well armed-a practice fraught with evil
| Let Congress look 10 the subject
ANTI.HASTY LEGISLATION.