Washington sentinel. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1853-1855, 1854-08-31
From the Louisiana Courier.
Apprentices for the Sea.

We are rejoiced to observe the signal sue
cess which follows the attempts which have
lately been made to engage boys as apprentices
in merchantmen, and their enlistment for
term of years in the navy. The New York
Journal of Commerce observes that "a greater
number of lads have shipped in merchantmen
during the last six months than during the last
six years" The vast increase of the commerce
of the United States since the settlement of
California, and the unparalleled augmentation
of the number of our trading vessels in the
same period, have outstripped the supply of
seamen and compelled owners and masters Of
ships to engage any sort of men that could be
had. Able seamen are very scarce, compared
to the demand for them. Thousands Of old
tars, habituated to life on the ocean, are en-
ployed in steamboats, on the rivers and lakes.
Many are engaged as Triggers, stevadores and
all sorts of longshore work. Thus, we have
been told by persons well informed on this sub
ject, that at some seasons of the year, when
the upper rivers are navigable, and the usual
number of boats are moored at the Levee, FIVE
or six thousand frst-rate able seamen may be
mustered in New Orleans, all in full employ.
ment, receiving as wages from forty to ninety
dollars month, and not one Of them attached
to sailing vessel. We are informed on the
same authority, that in the winter months there
are three thousand able seamen, residing in New
Orleans, who do not 60 to sea, earning from
81 SO TO 80 a day on shore or in river steam
boats.
This is one Of the causes why masters of YES
sells find it SO difficult to get sailors in this port
and no doubt similar causes exist in ell the
other ports Of the Union. The number of Amer.
lean vessels, or rather the amount Of tonnage,
bao In,,blaI xvstb,,, l. 49,. L..
Der Of seamen has not diminished, as some per-
sons supposes-but II has not increased at any.
thing like the rate with which the tonnage has
increased. The demand has exceeded the sup
ply-wages have nearly or quite doubled, and
hence the eagerness of young men and bows 70
engage in going TO sea as a profession. There
are crowds Of boys from twelve to twenty years
ofage, loafng about in all the cities and towns
Of this country, spending the precious years Of
their youth in idleness, and fruitful parent Of
! dissipation and vice, who would become useful
to themselves, and many ofthem, without doubt,
ornaments Of their country, ifthey we're subjected
to three or four years wholesome discipline either
| in the merchant ornavalservice. InStLouis for
instance, it Is evident from what took place in the
late riots that there are vast numbers Of boys
growing up without employment who might
be rendered serviceable TO their country as
searnen, If proper encouragement were offered
them TO ship; and if the happiness OF sailors
life were depicted 70 them in its true colors
The most active and troublesome actors in
those riots, as we are informed by one who
witnessed them, we're lads under twenty year:
Of age. The zeal and spirit Of those lads
tanned, but not suppressed, would be directed
To useful and reputable purposes on shipboard
These remarks are as applicable TO the youth
full population Of all the other cities of the
Union, and particularly to that Of New York
In this last named place, we are sure there are
| boys in sufficient number, if the right appli
ances we're used, in the lapse Of three years tc
man half dozen ships of the line with bang
up crews. At present we hear Of them as ring
leaders in riots and all kinds of disorder--toC
many Of them, unfortunately, in the jails and
warehouses;, and promising candidates for the
penitentiary, or for more disgraceful fate.
Wise and cautious legislation might find {
remedy for these evils, and, bringing reform Il
the hearts and conduct Of the rising genera
ton of men, add strength and efficiency TO th,
defences of the country. The Journal of Com
mcrce observes, Merchants are feeling th,
necessity for having young men in the course o
training for positions OF command on ship
board, more especially to provide men suitabl,
for mates, etc., who are now procured with dit
fculty. The prospect that some system Of ap
premiership may be adopted by the Unitet
States government is also said to have ex
erted wholesome influence. The new turf
which matters have taken, is very hopefin
circumstance"
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