The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, 1894-04-08


formation asked. Letters that do not bear the
name and address of the writer will not be an
swered. The name Is not desired for publica-
tlOn, but TO enable the query Editor 10 corre-
spond with the writer liz case a question, as
often occurs, is NOT clearly stated.
NAUTICAL SCHooLs-Mariner, Alameda, Cal.
By an act OF Congress the Secretary OF the
Navy was authorized and empowered to fur
nish. upon the application in writing of a
Governor OF State, suitable vessel of the
navy, with all her apparel, charts books and
instruments of navigation, provided the same
can be spared without detrment TO the naval
service, TO be used for the benefit Of any nauti-
cal school. or school or college having nauli-
cal branch, established at each or any OF the
ports OF New York, Boston, Philadelphia
Baltimore and San Francisco, upon the condi-
lion that there shall be maintained at such
port school or branch OF a school for the IN
struction of youth in navigation, seamanship,
marine enginery, and all matters pertaining TO
the proper construction, equipment and sailing
of vessels. or any particular branch thereof.
Under this act, the first who made a demand
for a ship was Governor John A. Dix OF New
York, who asked for a suitable ship for the port
of New York. The Government extended the
use of the ST. Mary's. The main object of a
nautical school is to train Up aud educate
American boys TO be good seamen for the mer-
chant service. The boys are INSTRUCT ed In read
ing, spelling, writing, arithmetic, geography,
English grammar and history, and in all the
dulles of a seaman, such as boxing the compass,
knoting and splicing, the strapping OF
blocks. reefing and furiing, heaylng the lead.
nsng the palm and needle, the handling OF
boats under oars and sail, swimming and in
Everything that will maze perfect sailor.
BOYS who have enjoyed the advantages of a
good common school education and who are
otherwise sufficiently advanced VIII be In
sIrueted In practical navigation and In such
other branches erlainng 10 the higher duties
of a seaman as may b. found necessary and
convenient The general qualifications are
that an applicant for admission 10 a schooiship
must not be under 10 years OF age and have
the written consent OF his parents or guardians.
must be of sound constitution and free from all
physical defects and must eyince some apti-
Jude inclination for sea life. Ii the applicant
is accepted he must furnish an outnt prescribed
by the executive board that manages the affairs
of the school The course OF instruction is 10
cover period of not moro than two years. AT
The end of the term every boy who has passed
che course successfully receives certificate
showing his character and qualification, and
with such aid az the committee Will always
be pleased TO render the boy In The
majority of cases viii obtain suitable
position on board of merchant vessel. Since
the ST. Mary's was put In commission the Sara
toga has been put In commission as school
ship at Philadelphia, and the Enterprise at
Boston. The same class OF instruction Is
given on each vessel. Stewart MenZies OF
tins CITY, who has taken a deep interest in
the merchant marine, and who was instrnmen-
tai in having the jamestown placed In commits
sion as a schoOlshp some years ago. Is sui
anxious that thorough American seamen snould
man and be in charge OF American ships. To
that END lie had Senator Fay Introduce Dill al
the latest session Of the Legislature asking
that the State appropriate $loo,ooo Tor Two
years to maintain a schOolship at this port, i0r
The instruction of boys from any part OF the
state. The bill met with favorable conslo-
sraIion but 1t was not passed on the