Washington sentinel. [volume] (City of Washington [D.C.]) 1853-1856, 1856-01-10

confidence aud courage and energy from the re-
lection that he belongs TO government recog
missed by all as able promptly 10 avenge his wrongs
and TO vindcate his rights.
In building the frigates directed by the last |
Congress, much of the seasoned material which |
had been providenty collected in the yards was
used in preference TO purchasing, thus Fastening
their completion with choice timber. In order 10
replace, much as the fund would allow the Blu
reau Of Construction, &c, has made contracts
for the delivery OF a new supply, 10 be applied TO
the construction of firstclass soops-of war when
ever Congress shall so order. The Merrimack at
Boston, The Wabash al Philadelphia, and the
Minnesota at Washington, have been launched.
The Nm sara at New York, and the Roanoke and
Colorado at Portsmouth, Virginia, will be launch
ed in few weeks. The officers, constructors
and mechanics have evinced praiseworthy zeal In
striving 10 advance the completion of the six
steamers, and have thus far won the admiration
of all VINO have examined these model specimens
of naval architecture. The machinery is equally
in a state of readiness, and the country may soon
expect a formidable addition TO the navy with the
most approved batteries.
sEAMEN.
Recent legislation and The adoption Of a naval
apprentice system are exercising sautary in
huence in regard TO the enlistment Of expert
enced seamen and the proper training of Ameri-
can youth, apprenticed 10 the government until
they attain the age of maturity.
Encouraging evidence has reached the depart
ment from both officers and crew of the high
appreciation of The honorable discharges au-
thorlzed by an act OF the last Congress- The
toi-worn tar prizes not merely title TO extra
pay Tor early re-enllstment but cherishes the
parchment as signal testimonial from his coun-
try OF fidelity and character worthy to be pre-
served IN the modest archives of his family and
home, and the surest passport TO certain employ
ment and the highest wages. Although at the
present date the demand for seamen is so great in
the merchant service that enlistments are not as
numerous as desired yet il is a remarkable fact
for the SIX months preceding the passage of this
act there were but 500 men enlisted and for the
six months Immediately after its passage there
were 2Sl6 men enlisted making a difference in
favor of the service of 1920 men. | have no
doubt, however, that other favorable circum-
stances may have combined, yet the fact is worthy
of note.
BY this large accession 10 the list of seamen
the department has been able within few
months, 10 man two frigates, several sloops of
war, and smaller vessels for the home and distant
stations, besides those destined for the expedition
to the Arctic. And his has been accomplished
too, at period when the largest naval powers in
Europe are exercising unusual energy TO procure
sailors, and when our merchant marine present
with much zeal the controlling attractions OF
higher wages and shorter cruises
The hope is INDUCED with much confidence by
many experienced observers and officers not
wlthstanding painful apprehensons and gloomy
| forebodings of disastrous consequences from the
abolition of punishment by fogging. that by this
humane act, together with the recent discipline
bill of rewards and punishments the character of
the seamen, as class. will be improved by the
increased willingness of the laboring Young men
OF our own country TO serve under the flag.
II is with much satisfaction inform YOU OF the
thus far successful operation Of The naval appren
tce system, which l have ventured 10 adopt since
the adjournment of Congress. The object in
view was the proper moral and nautical training
OF a number of the youth of our country, who
exhibit evidences Of fitness and inclination for
seaiarlng life, and thus gradually incorporate into
the service body of men calculated TO elevate
the standard of character, give it new vigor, Sc
cure still greater liability, and inspire still greater
confidence
Five hundred boys between the ages of Ia and
lS) very promptly became apprentced with the
consent OF their parents or guardians. The num-
Der of pressing applications show conclusivey
that more than twice this number could have
been received had not the department. considered
II prudent to move cautiously in the expermen Mt
and not hazard all by rashly accommodating in the
recelvlng-shps large crowds OF youth unused TO
the restraint of wholesome discipline. II is con-
templaied, as soon as practicable to put the barque
Release in proper condition for the reception and
training OF as many boys she can accommo-
date, as her size and general arrangements can be
rendered peculiarly fit for this use.
Some suitable person each ship TO which
they are assigned has been selected 10 instruct
them IN the simple but useful branches of educa-
ton when they are not more actively employed
on the various duties which famiiarize them
with the peculiar life Of sailor, and Undue their
youthful minds with proper conceptions of obedi-
ence and discipline. They constitute about one
twelfth OF the crew of each sea going vessel
Commodore Paudlng, of the home squadron,
IN relation TO the practical operation ofthe appren-
tlce system, writes thus: " In reply to your YER
bal inquiries in respect to the apprentice and
other boys serving on board the flag ship Potomac
II affords me more than ordinary satisfaction TO
bear testimony to their excellent conduct. They
seem 10 have been well selected for their physical
and mental qualities. and in all respects TO possess
the attributes necessary for raising the standard
OF our national marine in a manner corresponding
with the character Of our people-an object of the
highest importance TO our future greatness.
trust II may be but a beginning of new order of
things IN the navy, and that the system will be
extended until our ships oEwar are manned with
class Of seamen that shall be conspicuous for
their energy and cheerful subordination as well
as Tor their devotion TO the flag which in their
domestic as well as naval training, they will have
learned 10 love. The boys had all had some educa-
ton, and man has been selected from amongst
the crew who teaches them daily. and who is SUI
pervsed by Mr.. Chase, the chaplain Of the Polo.
mac, 10 whose commendable zeal / am most
happy 10 make my Acknowledgements
Lieutenant Commanding Porter, Of the Supply
IN the Mediterranean, thus addresses the depart
ment: The apprentice boys you allowed me are
doing well they work all the sails on the mzzen-
mast, and compete favorably with the other sta
lions throughout the ship. In one year they will
make good ordinary seamen." Lieutenant Porter
further writes, in relation to the effect ofthe Act
TO promote a more efficient discipline of the
navy :" "As you will most likely wish TO be in
formed relative to the working of the discipline
bill passed by the last Congress- beg leave 10 lay
before you the result Of my limited experience.
! am OF opinion that nothing more is wanted
10 place our navy in the most perfect state of
discipline as regards the men. What with the
prospect Of punishment before them ifthey violate
the regulations, and the hope of reward by an
honorable discharge, the best feeling seems 10
exist. The duty is performed with alacrity
Whatever offences ara committed are not of a
serious character; and only in three instances
have been obliged 10 resort to a summary court
martial The crew are allowed 10 go on shore in
every port, and have always, with one or two ex-
ceptions. returned perfectly sober and Clearly,
showing vast improvement in the moral charac-
ter of seamen"
again renew the recommendation, heretofore
often repeated, Of allowing the department 10
employ as many as ten thousand seame instead OF
seven thousand five hundred, the number now
allowed, and inconveniently small particularly at
this time, when so many will be needed 10 man |
the new frigates nearly completed, the machinery
of which, in accordance with the contracts must
be tested nj rlv 1ay 4