Items related to An Essay on Flogging in the Navy; Containing Strictures...
An Essay on Flogging in the Navy; Containing Strictures Upon Existing Naval Laws, and Suggesting Substitutes for the Discipline of the Lash - Softcover
Synopsis
This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1849. Excerpt: ... Part II.--Objections To Its Abolition Answered. We will now endeavor to show the insufficiency of the objections urged against the repeal of the laws which sanction flogging in the navy. All injurious imputations upon those officers of the naval service who entertain different opinions, will be avoided with sedulous care. Should any harshness of judgment be expressed, it will be understood to apply to the acts of legislation, and not to the agents who have been designated to execute those acts. Opposition may come from some, who, instead of replying to arguments and to facts, will assail the motives of the writer. In fair combat and with lawful weapons, we do not mistrust the issue of the conflict; but where a feeling of personality exists, the advocates of the relics of barbarous times may resort to the mode of warfare of barbarous nations, and trust rather "to the venom of the shaft than the vigor of the bow." At all events, we will discuss the question without passion or violence. In the language of an eloquent friend of the cause, Mr. Brown, of Philadelphia, we will advocate this thing temperately, but firmly. Virtue never accomplishes her object by storm; vice always resorts to it. We are not for breaking down the system in spite of the law; but we are for reforming the law, and abolishing the soul-sickening and degrading sight of a man tortured by the application of the lash. In the discussions which have taken place upon this subject in the halls of Congress, and in the public prints, it is presumed that all the arguments have been elicited which the advocates of the law can adduce in its support. These will be examined severally. It is contended, in the first place, that the antiquity of the practice of flogging sailors affords a proper ground for...
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