New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1891-09-06
SCHOOLS FOR SAIL OBS.
TO FURNISH OFFICERS FOR FRENCH SAIL
ING VESSELS.

Paris, August %.
The French Parliament hos voted 10 establish
training-school for officers OF sailing vessels long
voyage merchantmen, etc. 1t appears that apph-
cants for such places coming to Dc extremely
rare, and of those who do apply very small pro-
portion are found competent While twenty years
ago no less then 500 young men were expected to
take the annual examinations it is remarkable
nowadays if the number reaches 100. AT a recent
examination exactly seven candidates appeared
and of the seven not one passed The Chamber
of Commerce as well as the larger navigation com.
panies became seriously alarmed at the situation.
At their urgent request Parliament appointed
special commission TO confer about the matter,
and the result of their report is the proposed e.
tablishment of the training school
The question of the utility of such school Is.
however, regarded as a doubtful one. In the 6rs'
place, it is said, steamships are being substituted
for sailing vessels so rapidly that in few years
time there will scarcely be sailing vessel in eX
istence steamer is larger, roomier, much more
rapid. It follows that ship-owner who formerly
equipped thirty sailing vessels can do the same
amount of business with five six steamers.
Again, steamer requires fewer officers than a
sailing vessel, consequently the number Of such
places has become fewer. If the supply is failing
it. is not much in advance OF the demand which
grows smaller every day. The post OF captain OF
a sailing vessel is no longer regarded as desirable
1t is old style, ont of date. Does the French Par
lament expect its new school to Offset state o.
things resulting directly from the progress OF
science and the march of civilization?
There is, TO be sure, another reason for the
aversion shown toward the profession Of marine
captain In France it is required that in order TO
attain such place the candidate must have served
he Soilor
Such service comes at the very time when the
young man ought to be preparing for his examina.
lions sailors life is a hard one, he has a great
many mental duties to perform, and while tie
training is eminently practical, it is really less
valuable as a preparation for his future place
than theoretical course in mathematics and navl-
CATION would be. sailor has little time and stl
less privacy for study, and the career is not bnl
liant OF profitable enough to tempt many TO undergo
the necessary hardship and discipline Nearly all
sons Of sea captains and shipOwners or less
incliIed naturally toward the paternal profession,
and 1t is wise thing perhaps TO give them al
opportunity for a nautical training. Certainly
any country gains much by encouraging the mari
time profession. Graduates OF such school as
France proposes will be better prepared 10
strengthen commercial relations with Other coun-
tries and to increase the national influence abroad.
From this point of view the school is an 'eNceens
thing.
Furthermore, while the profession is private
one it is to the interest OF the state to assure the
safety of navigators to say nothing or valuable
cargoes The desirabilty in case of war OF
goodly list OF reserve naval officers is apparent
On account of the increasing scientific character
of the art of navigation, of the wider knoMItdee
required Of marine and artillery oficcrs-knOw-
edge OF astronomy steam engineering, electriclty,
etc.-it is doubtful if the old-time sailor would
he found OF much account IN an emergency VI
war II is therefore not unnatural th9t tue
Government, which may one day require the SCI.
vices of marine officers, shoGlu take an interest,"
in directing and assisting their education.
The proposed system OF tire French SCHOOLS
there will probably he twO-iS an extremely S'neL
bic and practical one IL includes preparatory
course FOR the nrst year, AMI superior courS, III
which, after n competitive examination, MY
students are sent on a voyage of one year uiolo'
The expenses Of the new venture do not ttl ca,
tirely upon the Government. The Chamoef oi
Commerce. the navigation Companies ynd Wy
marine insurance companies are all enthuSFs'io
over the scheme and have contributed toward J.
generously. \ number of scholarships nav aisu
been founded. and the opening of the SCHOOLS
looked forward 20 with much interest.