HOW CRUEL ORDERS KILLED A SAILOR BOY.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XII, Issue 28, 1 February 1877, Page 4

HOW CRUEL ORDERS KILLED A SAILOR BOY.

The Melbourne Argus of Jan. 6 thus describes a very harrowing affair on ship-board:—" John Howard Southern, 17 years of age, late an apprentice on the ship Antiope, at present lying at the Sandridge Pier, died in the Melbourne Hospital on tbe 2nd instant from from fracture of the spine. According to the evidence adduced at the inquest he was sent several times during tbe morning of that day by tbe first or second mate to the mast head, and by way of recruiting his strength after this light and exhiliarating exercise, he was permitted to spend his dinner-hour in the foretop. This was done, no doubt in order that he might learn to restrain his carnal appetite, and support a young and growing organisation on a supply of air. When his superiors had duly refreshed themselves and recruited tbeir exhausted strength with the viands which sailors affect, this favored boy was once more ordered to indulge in a little gymnastic exercise. It was not sufficient that he had been up and down repeatedly in the forenoon, and kept without any dinner more solid than we have described. This not enough to chasten his spirit, and subdue any of the old Adam tbat might be in him. To the work he must go again, ( " On the last occasion," aaid John Williams, a seaman on board the vessel, "He complained that his arms were tired, and that he could not then go up again." According to the came witness he urged, I cannot do it to-day, but I will try and do it tomorrow." The mate, however, insisted upon his going up at once, and the dedeceased did so, crying. However his tears were soon dried. In a few minutes he was seen tumbling from aloft, and before the chief mate could have time to conclude one of those nautical blessing on his eyes and limbs whioh are very common afloat, John H. Southern, aged 17, was lying senseless on tbe Antiope with his back broken. It is evident that he was a very unaccommodating lad. Here were Messrs Hewiey and Bisson conducting most interesting experiments on bis powers of endurance,when he must seeds go and kill himself simply because his natural powers would not bear the strain put upon them. What do you think of this case, reader? What, we wonder, will his mother think of the case? The jury consider that the mates — gallant seamen — were " highly blameabie" but the idea of mates being blameable for merely killing a boy is palpably absurd. Last of ail we Bhould like to know what Mr Hewiey thinks of the case, wbat name does his conscience give to tbis act ? If it is silent now, perhaps it will answer some day Tfhen a ship ia sinking under him."