Delaware gazette and state journal. (Wilmington, Del.) 1883-1902, 1891-04-16
scARcr1F OF AmER1oAv sEAmEs

| otahIi1f UT ]IMfSitICdN SEAMEN
Out OF aTotal of Less Than 5000 En-
listed Seamen But 3,66S Are Ameri-
cans by Birth.
In an article upon the subject of the
scarcity of American seamen the New
Orleans Ptcayune says: For very long
time past there has been a serious COM
plant as to the difficulty experienced in
inducing able-bodied men of American
bDth or naturalization to enlist in the
navy. Not only do comparatively few
enlist, but the unpopularity of the SER
vice is such that it is difficult to induce
the enlisted men to remain after the ex-
plratlon OF the first term of service. The
consequences of this aversion on the part
OF our people to service in the navy is
That the government is compelled to de-
pend upon foreigners for large pro-
portion OF tho force required to man the
war vessels in commission. Thus out
OF total of trifle less than 5000
enlisted men there are but 1868 who
are Americans by birth or naturaliza-
ton. In this number also are included
the apprentices. This condition of
things which, according to all accounts,
is steadily increasing in gravity, is GER
tainly humiliating to the national pride.
With sixty millions of people, and with
plethoric treasury, we are unable to
secure the small number of men needed
to support the national flag upon the
seas, and are forced to depend upon
foreigners for that service. This condi-
ton OF affairs argues the existence of
abnormal influences either in the meth
dds in vogue in the naval service itself.
or in our national life, which render
military service distasteful. The army
experiences considerable difficulty in
securing the number of men needed to
keep its ranks full, as small as the force
is, but the difficulty is not nearly SO
great as II is reported to be in the navy.
II Is probably that the regulations in
vogue IN our naval service differ little
from those enforced in the leading
foreign navies, but there is nevertheless
very strong distaste apparent
among Americans to enter the
naval service. This dependence
upon foreign material for sailors is both
serious and humiliating condition of
things, the more particularly as serious
efforts are now being made to build a
truly powerful fleet. That such fleet
may be made to accomplish all that is
expected of it, il is essential that it
should be manned by seamen who are
not mere mercenaries, but who have the
honor of the nation and the nations
flag at heart. How to popularize the
naval service with the people in way
that will bring to its ranks recruits Of
American birth is, therefore, an import
ant problem, which, we are sorry to saw.
has not been given the attention by the
law-makers of the country that It de-
serves If the discipline in the the navy
is unduly severe in times of peace, It
should be sufficiently modified. If the
pay is sufficient it might be increased,
and, finally, if the prospect of promo.
ton is too remote, ONE provision
should be made to make continued ser
vice an object. A more careful study of
the subject by the authorities than has
yet been given it might develop the
needed remedies, and as the difficults is
a pressing one its consideration should
no longer be delayed.