"THE SEAMAN'S CATHECHIS."

Evening Star, Issue 3461, 26 March 1874, Page 3

"THE SEAMAN'S CATHECHIS."

The following is a copy of one of the 1 pamphlets published and circulated by Mr Plimsoll,-with ithe 'view of directing attention to' the alleged unsea worthy condition of the British mercantile marine : Question,, What are .you T , Answer.;A-British seaihan. -., ~ r v Q. How were you qualified for that profession? A. By hanging about docks and, ports, generally, sometimes by apprenticeship. Q. Then you learn your business as you go along ? ' , A. Yes, for the most part, except those who are regularly instructed, say about one in ten of ns. ■-’Q; What ? are your duties'? ■ A. To navigate ships, to give a reasonable obedience to our captains, and tojbe very respectful to our owners. Q. Good. Have,you any other duty ? . A. Yes, cheerfully to go on board any vessel whose owners may engage ns.. Q. Are the vessels you haVigate always in sound condition, well found and manned, and properly laden ? • • ’ A. It is not our business toipqnire. Q. Your answer does you much credit, but supposing you have by charice 1 shipped' - in a vessel that does not fulfil: these conditions,

what is your duty 2 . , A. It is difficult'ib 'suppose l such a case, but should it occur it is our duty to be drowned. , Q - again ; but is this the universal view of your obligations ? A. A few of us have, with a great want of consideration for the interests of our cmployers, objected to go to sea now and then. Q. What has been the result ? A. A Board of Trade examination of the vessel. Q. And with what result ? A. Well, once or twice the ship has been stopped for a little patching, or a few tons of goods are taken out of her, but generally she has been declared alb right./ , Q. And in the 'latter case, what happened? A. Those who ship, go, for ! the most part, on their last voyage, and lose their lives; to instead, and lose their character. Q. You would neve* act thus 2 >; A. Oh, no—never. . », father or mother? a wife oiT:children, or a sweetheart 2 ; or. brothers or

sisters? ■. A, Most of us have one or 'another, and some all. , ■ Q. If you arp lost,,do,they ; object ? A. Not it they are well-principled". They cry a bit, but .aye told it is all* right, and it Fpold be very bad. manners to, make a fuss about^it.. .. . , *, ,;;* , v - Q. Are there any other considerations of more importance than the loss of your life ? yesirdhere ia the ship, and, the goods, and the freight, to jtie considered. of the owners are very oarefid iof important intprests ? 4* uninsured, or don’t belong to a" club ; and we are* all pretty safe t^en. ‘ Q.'Bnt'sh'enld they be insured ? • A. Why, the underwriters pay for the loss, and ask no questions. Qi' A's yritfrtfelyes and families do not object to ; the course qf procedure, it is presumed that tW'6ri£%lae will interfere. ? ' 1 " R ve;a man who calls himself the SOataan’s Friend, who has made objections. •; . -■ ■ 4 -:j-. , • Q. This is very unreasonable. What is ms name 2. A. Samuel Plimsoll. 1 ' : ' Qiidn .what way have you been taught to consider his.unwarrantable interference ? A. .Ar id attempt to soiv.class dissensions, and a shameful interference with the liberty of British subjects; ;■ . , ' ; ; ■ . Q. Anything further ? troy trade, and to, throw, it into the bands of foreigners. ! ( Q. Who are British subjects ? A, Our masters the shipowners, whoso interests should be paramount. Q. If any misfortune should happen to your vessel, who Would you blame ? /winds, apd waves* ip fapt anything but ,the yossel or herowners/ . .Examiner. JiTon Jbave ; answered 'discreetly: ,to ,be Satisfied and contqnted or4^. of .?Wvidence. you have been placed, aqd you have' nob been born a hqathen land, but have the advantage . ( bf. belonging, a Christian country. You,may now proceed to fulfil your interand.delightful duties, always keeping in mind the principles'with which, by your answers, you have shown yourself so well instructed.