The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1852-02-08

communicated
Memorial of Passed midsh,pmsn In III. Navy


Within the last few days our attention has been called
to memorial laid before Congress by the passed mid.
shpmen OF the navy-a representation clear and sens-
be setting forth in explicit terms their present state and
position, and praying for amelioraton OF that cond-
tion which. like the best bower of OF their own
fgaes, has eghed them down until the gentle Goddess,
who generally represented leaning upon OF those
iron instruments, seems TO have departed ito be
seen forever" Not being OF those who ego down TO
the in ships" pretended TO much practical
knowledge in maritime affairs; yet interested in
the subject and being pretty well posted up theoretically
IN naval matters, intend TO say few words in behalf OF
the paper Just mentioned
First, look at the midshpman when he gets the mighty
document-miehty, indeed, TO him-which entities him
10 gold lace, and draw sword in defence Of his
country Young. hopeful, and happy, he gores in the
and eagles his jacket and in his aspiring mind
is perpetually fighting mighty battles against tremendous
odds, from all OF which he comes out victorious and
renowned Nelson Perry A boy fresh from
school, and having greatness thrust upon him in bright
shape, be thinks only OF day. and leaves tomorrow
to take OF itself But three years cruise in gov
eminent vessel rubs of much Of the FURNISH from his
enthusiasm and his buttons He gray headed men
literally and truly gray.headed men, and with no
hair at a-ramping up and down the deck beside him
and doing the selfsame duty that performed by him
in the FIRST flush and freshness OF his sailor life Man
is reasoning, although not always a reasonable animal
and TO the general rule mldshpman exception
He looks to the other side OF the deck, and sees
gentleman still older-often very mach older-han the
one beside him "a gentleman who has oiled and
struggled, wasting years Of health and strength in
the service until he has reached the place OF lieu
tenant, and been rewarded by grateful country with
two epaulets, and permission 10 remain in that state
Of salvation for the rest OF his natural life, providing
he behaves himself. The cabin-door opens, and an
"aucient mariner appears-an officer whose hair is
whiened with the Of time, and than whom some
thirty years ago. better walked the planks OF ships
deck But now he has passed "nto the lean and alp.
pered pantaoon and is fast vergng TO the last scene Of
all which closes mans evenfu history. Our aspiran
for naval glory is no fool He may have come from the
West or he may have from the South; but STILL
from the samples before him, he can Calculate the
chances" and guess near enough the position he will
obtain should he live through years OF hardship and ex.
posure, TO make him inwardly exclam--
Even here will put of my hope, and keep II
No longer for my natterer"
SO much for the younger days OF our midsbipman
lie comes home goes and returns again and at twenty
one passes his examination A board OF officers finds
bin capable of taking charge OF ship in every way
and in any possible situation yet he is sent to sea
again cruise after cruise 10 live as he had lived and to
be as he had been, seven lay, often ten and seven)