The Norfolk Virginian. [volume] (Norfolk, Va.) 186?-189?, 1896-02-13
Jack SpcnIts For himself.
United States Receiving Ship Franklin
Maynard, Norfolk, Va,
February II, 1896.

February IL. 1896.
To the Editor of The Virginian:
Sir-We, the undersigned bonafide old
suits, beg to repudiatc In your columns
the statements made by one signing
himself "Old Salt In L communication
in the Pilot
while We old shell-backs. who have
no other home thun the ship that holds
us, some without ties or kindred, na t,r-
ally seek the doubtful recreat ion provid-
ed for US by those who cater to us on
shore, we still have s:me feeling left.
ana though not demanding unhounded
incense, we DO expect humane and len
lent treatment when we transEress.
That we have not received this treat
ment well known citizens OF Norfolk,
men of more standing in business and
social life than "Old Salt" will probably
ever achieve. are ready to testify and
so have done.
regulations and the desire of naval ofii-
GERS to have their men, who have looked
100 long upon the wine when 1t is rcd
locked UP and kept from their ship
UNTIL sSiber must have been derived from
Captain Marryatt. If such were the
truth, why do our commanding officers
issue rewards for us after twentv-rour
hours absence? Why do the lisintcr-
ested members OF the Norfolk force car
rv US over TO the ship and gather in
some Of our hard earned shckcIs?
10 uhe people ina CINE that when a
man comes ON board ship drunk no is
manhandled by three stalwart conser-
vators of the peace and playfulIy tossed
down a ladder or stood upon his head?
our saline friend would have people
peliefe we go ashore with the express
purpose of getting drunk and INDUCING
III ms so-called 'scrimniagcs" Clubbcd
neauS' ploody noses, and gentle hand
mig by the police are all we so ashore
ior, naturally. We revcl in them.
III the PARTICULAR case alluded to we
see nothing but the extraordinary Incl
dents TO which Jack is entirely unaccus-
toned, and to which he was not treat
ed In Norfolk under other than the "ho-
lier than thou set now in control of the
city.
old Salt quotes what he has been
toid OF the treatment Of the shipmat q
III question. licarsay evidence don't
go, and the identity of the writer for
brutality OF the police at the instigation
OF the powers that be, cannot be readily
ma under nautical signature
IN conclusion we beg to say to the
people CT Norfolk that if we misbchavr
on shore we invariably face the music
IKE men, pay the penalty Of outraged
law ana order and take the consequent
times humane and considerable treat
mcnt.
Are we asking too much? Are we
asking more than would be accorded TO
any citizen who transgresses the law?
our lives are at best not passed In n
bed of roses. The close confinement on
shippoard Err long periods are not CON
duciHe TO sobriety and moderation on
shore-Soing occasions. anu the very fact
| OF our practical social ostracism on
shore should at least plead for us upon
occasions like the one under discussion.
me press dispatches in The Virginian
IN reference to the New York having
gone to New York TO give liberty, effcc-
tually disposes of "Old Salts" contention
mat our treatment here has net had its
effect.
Very respectfully,
NlkOLAS OLSING,
y. O'SHEA.
j. 3. HILNA,
THOS BURNS