The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1892-04-28
THENAVALAPPRENTICES
Much Trouble Among the Little
Sailors at Newport.
ARE THEY MEWED TOO CLoSELY2
Runswsys and Melee with . Policeman
Who Had Arrested One Of the Culprits
Attest the What IN
Oniccr Says.

NEWPORT, r.. l.. April cs-In these
times Of peace and liberty, 1t is not often
that scenes of disorder, tumult, mutiny,
or cruelty are recorded as happening in
the American navy, but during the past
twelve months there have certainly been
one or two scenes of disorder at the naval
training station here that would seem to
demand more than passing notice Close
inquiry shows that among the large num-
Der of apprentices now attached to the re-
cruiting ship Richmond and on Coasters
Harbor Island there is very evident feel
ing OF unrest. The cause of IL Is said to
he the close imprisonment or confinement
OF all the boys to the limits Of the govern
ment reservation.
nucleus OF our new navy, wherever they
may enlist, are transferred to Newport
for preliminary training in the duties of
American seamen. Many Of these boys
come from good homes and are of respect
able parentage while on the other hand,
there are many scallawags among them;
still collectively and as a body, all serve
under the American fag, the emblem of
liberty and freedom.
OF course no man Of common sense but
knows that during their term of enlist
ment each and all are at the order of
OuClc sam ulkub Vi Qdy, DuJ III is SAFE 10
say that nowhere in the world is a ships
company. or the make up of naval
depot or yard-except they are convicts or
slaves-kept for year within the con-
fines OF ship or yard or whatever the
station may be without a single days
leave to visit the outer world, but such
condition OF affairs exists here to-day.
IL used to be q common sight to see
Naval apprentices strolling around the
city, attending churches aud taking part
in amusements in aid of the several
societies, both religious and fraternai.
The whole number of apprentices were
divided into four divisions and on Mon
day, Tuesday, Thursday and Fridays, one
of these divisions were always, every
week, allowed a half day holiday ashore.
1t was a familiar sight TO see a body of
apprentices for good conduct attending
shows at the opera house.
Now this is all changed and It Is a full
year almost since any of the apprentices
were given a single days leave. To make
the matter plain, here are some two or
three hundred boys, all sons of American
citizens confined on an Island of few
acres. within gunshot Of one of the most
beautiful cities in the world, and for
nearly twelve long months are kept pent
up, confined within its limits, and not
single days leave to see or mix with the
rest of these United States. As an officer
truly says: You can't find a school in the
country, ship, a yard, or station that
will keep enlisted men within its confines
except they are convicts or prisoners"
and 1t Is therefore no wonder that reports
come of apprentices deserving in groups
as had been the case during the last six
months.
-Four of the boys got away last Sun
day and one was soon after captured and
returned to tbs station. Another was
taken In Fall River and brought to the
training station yesterday by police Off
Ger from that city. AS is customary the
policeman and his prisoner were shown to
the Office of the first lieutenant up to
which time, all was we'll On leaving
mandants Office in the old war college on
the hill, they were compelled to pass a
large coal bin on the east side of the |
gymnasium, and while rounding here the
police officer was assaulted by a large |
number Of naval apprentices with stones |
and brickbats.
One of these struck the constable on the |
head, infiicting so serious a wound that |
be had to go TO the naval hospital on the |
island where his head was dressed by the |
surgeon In charge. This outbreak may |
seem simple thing in itself, but when a
proper idea Of naval discipline is consid- |
cred 1t showed very evident feeling |
among the young lads OF insu subordination. |
1t is claimed by the commandant that |
this depreciation Of liberty is for the good |
of the service and for the best moral well |
fare of the boys themselves. but recent |
would seem to disprove |
this. Even though the boys are |
enlisted as servants of the gov
ernment they ibid voluntarily enter |
a state Of semi-slavery. II the boys |
were trusted more and allowed pro- |
per freedom which is their birthright, |
there would be better feeling all around |
and while there would undoubtedly be in |
6qSarfiOftg uc fhara in oil 1
armies and navies, such scenes as these |
would be impossible of occurrence