The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1871-12-22
NAVY REFORM.
UNITED STATES RECEIVING SHIP VERMONT, |
NAVY YARD, BROOKLYN.

Ia
NAVY YARD, BROOKLYN. I
TO THE EDITOR OF THE HERALD:-
Since the publication OF o previous article with
tns caption in your valuable paper, making public
announcement OF the fact that movement was on
foot having for ITS object the ameloration OF the
condition OF seamen, numberless inquiries have
been Instituted by parties interested the welfare
OF seamen generally as to the ways and means by
which this mucE-desred event can be accom-
piished. A reply to these inquiries and the pur-
pose OF celebrating my views to the naodsls
operandf OF procedure whereby may hope to
obtain nnal success are the objects OF this article.
IL has been asserted BY One-I know not whom
that t'sailors are queer fish," This doubtless
true; but does It necessarily follow that therefore
they are ourcastss Assuredly not. On the contrary
their susceptibiities keen, II unpublished, and,
though rough and uncutivated they may ouentimes
be found, they are nevertheless In many respects
natures true noblemen. Governed by wise and
benefcent laws, which they are not slow in signi-
flying their appreciation Of they are docile tract.
able and happy. Take from them these safeguards
to their happiness, substituting others In their stead
the result or less wise legislation and which they
are none the less slow In distinguishing by their
practical working they then become dsanected and
dispirited. evnciag no interest In the performance
OF their duties other than can be expected OF AN
auomaton until an opportunity presents Itself to rid
them OF their thraldOm.
mercantile marine Of our country are susceptbe Of
much Improvement, so far as Inc protection
" uc 20 81 n De
dcgenerated to state OF ineficlencv fearful to
template should IL become necessary to arm for a
conflict with foreign Power The men ct present
engaged In Its service are, IN consequence Of the
entire absence Of any thing like system the admin
isratlon OF It's affairs, last becoming, instead OF
amellorased, dcm0ralIzed. How can this state OF
things De Improved, as well for the men OF the navy
Tor those OF our merchant ships, In which latter
by the unprincpled harpies and soul and body
destroying scoundrels on Shore Answer:-Let
Congress, during the present session. pass such
laws a. will cfIectually prevent continuance OF
navy IS concerned by these laws and by its orders,
hold to stricler accountability than al present all
Win the admnsiraton Of ira duties on snore ~ az
sea- Let such other wise laws be enacted, with
reference 10 the merchant marine OF our country as
will cover seamen engaged IN Its service with the
@gis Of Denenccnt projection. Then, and not till
then, can we have any possible reason to hope
oe In fair way OF becoming ameliorated
A few OF the clauses having wise and benencent
which II Is intended shalt be laid before Congress
during the present session BY seamen generally, are
as fOll0ws:-
Ffa-To make States Prison offence shanrhae any
sailor or any person for either the naval or merchant
os h $ so os $50
sgnd That any man IN the navy shall be entitled TO re-
sSs
rate the 3. M any.d y; other ed 81
paymasers books he compelled to do but
Interest rs above.
F-That three cars cruise good conduct during
that Time shall ens e an 5 g
tinuous service discharge.
70 be shipped found upon examination 70 be physi
caliy qualified and that II shall also enttc him to three
months pay according TO HIS presenting himself
for enlistment within three III physically quaned
II he goes to the Naval Asylum to receive seventynve per
OF his he should not receive all hrs
disqualified but at all times be 1t the disposal OF
Cover for such light duties may be assigned
him.
Sen nTha all the Navy have their pay increased
thirty three and onethird per cent.
There are In addition to these twelve or fourteen
other clauses, which Will he treated OF q sunsc.
quent article. These, then, viii be few Of the
for at the hands Of Congress during the present
session. May we not reasonably hope That our re-
quest will be granted and, II SO, that will prove
TO be the harbinger or advancement toward anne
noration OF most worthy and down-trodden class
GEORGE TRAVERS.