The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1875-05-14
APPRENTICES FOR THE NAVY.

TIE FRIGATE MINNESOTA DESIGNATED AS RE-
CKTvINo sHIP-THE TERMS UPON WHICH TIE
BoYs ARR ENLISTED
The steam frigAte Minnesota. now stationed in
this harbor. has been designated as receiving ship
for boys between the ages or sixteen and eighteen,
to be trained for the naval service under certain
specified regulations. Already number OF lads,
with the consent OF their parents, have joined the
vessel, where they are 70 remain under inslruc-
tion until they reach the age OF twenty-one, when
they Will be enlisted IN the ssrvlce OF the United
States. This experiment, for IL can be called
hardly anything else, Judging by past experience,
II Is thought viii be productive OF considerable
good, both in respect to opening an honorable ana
useful TO the boys and also IN respect to I'M
proving the character OF seamen employed on
American ships-ofwar. on former occasions
youths were taken as naval apprentices with the
prospect, II exhibiting proficiency in studies ana
correct department., OF being sent to the Academy
at Annapolis for further instruction., so as 10
qualify them to become mldshipmen and thus
commence the road that leads to the highest
rank in the naval service. But the plan aiV not
work well and 1T had TO be abandoned.
The Secretary OF the Navy now proposes 10 rake
bust frame, intelligent, healthy constitutions ana
nve feet one incn without shoes, on board ma
ttonal vessels. the education Will ohly COMPRISE
plain English branches alternating wlth practleAt
seamanship and other professional occupations
designed 70 prepare them To be sailors IN the navy
Inc boys are enlisted at the rate OF $40 90 per
month and one ration. While serving on the MN
nesota In this narpor they may, II deserving, ne
promoted 10 the rating OF nrst class boys, and on
seagotng vessels viii be entitled 10 higher ratings
at the discretion OF sheir commanding officers, AS
o reward for proficiency and good canduct. Boys
on being enlisted are furnished an Outht OF cloth
/ ing for which they are TO pay themselves. They
! cannot allot any portion of their pay To their
1 parents, but are allowed 70 draw monthly 81 Tor
pocket money, and are also allowed TO go on shore
1 at the discretion OF the commanding officer
\ UnNQ W IN
i discharge uEon the expiration oil their enlistment
are TO receive continuous service tickets emitting
them 10 three mon ths' extra pay and the addition
or ST. per mouth to ther pay, provided they re-en-
/ list Tor three wears within three months. Boys
injured In the service, or having contracted
/ disease in the line OF duty, are entitled TO ana
i win receive pensions In some cases an lmperlecs
| knowledge " read ng and writing viii not be re
\ garded as a barrier aud preference Will be gwen
\ to tue OF old sailors and soldiers.
/ These terms appear TO be quite liberal, ana 90
/ far there n good prospect OF obtaining largo
number OF youths. The Minnesota is nne vessel,
and tue officers in charge nave been selected IA
view Of their illness Tor taxing CHARGE VI boys VINO
are destined 10 MI valuable ana useful POSITIONS
IN the service OF fheir country The "a Inc -
stationed al Portsmouth, y. H., !or similar pur-
pose.