Madison times. (Tallulah, Madison Parish, La.) 1884-1???, 1885-05-23
DISCIPLINE In THE NAVY.
ComOdOre HOIlins' Amusing Substi-
tute for Flogging.

| tute Tor FlOgglng.
"Veutas," in letter to the Sun, sup.
Plies the following interesting reminis-
cences of the late Commodore Hollins,
who was the first officer 20 put in fercC
the new system of furnishing insubordin
ate seamen after the abolition of fog
ging in the United States navy. The
etter, suggested by reading condensa-
tion of Commander Fdrquhar's prize
essay before the Naval institute, which
was published in the Sun of April 6, is
as follows:
On reading an article in bis. morn
ing's issue of the Sun discussing prise
essay by Commander Farquhar, l recall
ed an episode in the life of the late Com
modore Hollins that think will be of
interest to those who remember that
gallant officer and excellent seaman.
Some time between the years 1S4S and
1850 the navy department sent circulars
to all the senior officers of the navy, ask
ing their opinions and sentiments as to
aboiishing corporal punishment in the
navy, and suggestions as 10 the best
methods Of improving the condition of
the sailors in the government employ.
Three officers only advocated the
abolition of corporal punishment, or as
it used to be termed ''tlogging," in the
navy. They were Capt. McKeever, Capt.
Levy and (then) Commander Hollins.
Commander Hollins. than whom no
officer ever had better discipline when
in command of men, urged the aboE-
ton of fogging, and at the same time
Communication of the spirit ratisn, giving
the men money instead of grog. At
that time he was stationed at Pensacola
His suggestions caused him to be chaffed
by his brother officers, who thought the
service would go to the ID" if fog
ging and grog were done away with. He
bore their laughter and jokes with his
unvarying amiability and good humor,
but remained in a woful minority.
In 1852 he was detached from the
naval station in Florida. In the mean
time the law had been passed by con-
gress abolishing whipping in the navy
HOllins came North. A sloop-of war Il
think the Cyane) was at that time being
fitted out for sea. Although the law had
been passed, there was no substitute
enacted for the proper enforcement of
= nd Of I,ll b,ar
officers suggested to the secretary of the
avy that he should be sent ir command
of the sloop, on the ground that Hollins
advocated mo tlogging," and they were
curious to see how he would get on
without it. He received orders at once,
and with his usual promptitude pro-
ceeded to take command of the first
man-ofwar Il imagine) that ever went
to sea without rules and regulations
Shortly after the vessel sailed the officer
of the day appeared in the cabin with
she report that one of the seamen was
openly insubordinate, and refused posi-
lively to do his duty. TIE officer re-
tired, aud Capt Hollins remained in
thought as to what measures he should
adopt. His ready wit soon suggested
an experiment. He went on deck ard
ordered the delinquent to his presence
The man appeared, a healthy, hardy
looking fellow OF fine physique and in
full vigor.
"Well, my man." said Hollins. 81 hear
you do not want to. work; are you sick?"
"No, sir."
"What, well, and not want to do your
work."
"Oh, vou must be ill., Quartermaster,"
called Hollins-the quartermaster was
there. Take this man and carry him
below. Put him to bed carefully, tuck
him in, don't let him catch cold; put
screen around his cot and place a sentry
and see that he is not disturbed. He
does not like work nor exertion. Feed
hIm yourself; put napkin under his
chin, keep him warm and comfortable,
but by no means let him exert himself"
The whole ships crew were on the
alert to see what was to be the result of
this (no doubt test case. The man-W.,
] will call him-was escorted below, and
the captains orders were carried out to
the Letter. W. was put to bed, was
tucked in, fed by the quartermaster, his
meals served Oh a waiter and tended
with great care. He was also screened
from view, hut the men were seen get
ting on guu carriages or anything else,
peeping from distance to get a glimpse
of the invalid. Had severe measures
been adopted be would have had the
sympathy and support of the crew, but
his treatment excited ridicule and
amusement, not sympathy for sufferingr
or feeling that their meSsmate was
martyr to tyranny and oppression, Thus
matters reSleu TT YCIlinpS Inlrty SIX
hours. AT the experation Of that time,
when Hollins appeared on deck after
breakfast. ne observed group of sailors
at the mizzen mast. As he approached
they touched their hats, and he, know
ing by the position they occupied that
thew wanted parley, remarked to the
leader: "Well. do YOU want anything?"
"Yes, sir" said an old salt, eve come
to speak for W., sir"
Speak for W. said Capt. Hollius.
"Why, is he not comfortable and we'll
cared for?"
"Oh, yes, sir" was the reply, hes too
comfortable, and we've come to speak
for him, sir. / think he'll die, he's SO
ashmed, sir. and we"-with a wave Of
his hand towards bis cOmpanions-"we
oro WILLING IN stand for tim ond M he