New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1857-06-23
iii would be worth more than its cost and woald
soon clear the ocean Of these outlawed wretcheh
We are very glad to see that the appeals made BY

We are very glad to see that the appeals made BY
The TRIBUNE and other journals to the justice,
humanity and self interest of our merchants and
shipowners, in the matter Of the scandaous cruel
ties and expressions to which the crews Of Ameri-
can merchant vessels have been and are subjected,
have not been without their effect The steps init
a,ed in this city for the abolition of the system of
advance pay, recognized as one of the principal
causes Of existing evils, have been followed up in
Boston, and there is reason to hope that the new
experiment may be fairly tried
Our merchants and shipowners must not, how
ever fatter themselves that they have discharged
their whole duty, or anything like it, in merely get
ting together and passing resolutions, or in merely
signing an agreement not to pay advance wages,
and to adopt instead the system which has been
agreed upon, of encouragement for the faithful
performance of duty, and to provide for the COM
Portable clothing of the sailors 1t is very we'll TO
pass resolutions and to sign agreements, but there
is something else Of much more importance and
value too apt in such eases to be neglected namely,
the seeing that the obligations thus voluntarily en-
tered into are faithfully carried into effect. Every
shipowner and every shipping merchant is bound to
give his personal attention to the matter; other.
wise there is very little reason to expect that these
resolutions and agreements will result in anything.
Unless those who adopted them make it a matter of
personal attention and personal interest to see them
enforced, they may be pretty sure that they will
remain only dead letter. The present slack de-
mand for sailors affords excellent opportunity for
the exertion Of an authority in the matter and in
PRODUCTION of reforms which perhaps might not
have been feasible two or three years sgO without
a sacrifice Of pecuniary interest such AS could
hardly be expected. We trust so valuable al op-
pOrtunity will be improved TO the utmost.
In this connection comes up the question of pro-
,diDg future supply Of sailors; as to which no
other resource seems to present itself but 20 imi-
tate the custom of Observation-Disclosures we have Dor
rowed almost oil our sea laws and sea usages-by
the introduction Of the apprenticeship system. AS
il seems in vain to expect from planter Congress
and planter Administration any attention to sub
jects involving merely the interests of Commerce
and Navigation, Why not invoke the aid of the Leg
islatures of the States, say N9w-YOrk, Massachu-
setts and Maine, chiefly interested in nautical mat
tersi Apprenticeship under State laws might
answer, for aught' we see all the purposes Of 81
a It Of Congress. We hope the Chambers of Com
msree which have already done themselves so much
credit by their proiapt and efficient action on tie
preston Of wages end treatment, will also take
this matter of apprenticeship in hand, and VIII
take TIE necessary steps for bringing it ia an ef.
aal manner TO the attention CT he State Legi;.
latuses.