PUNISHMENT IN THE NAVY. [TO THE EDITOR OF TEE "
spzarAToR."3 Sta,—No doubt "discipline must be maintained," but I have lately been struck with what seems to me an unnecessary severity in the sentences on troublesome boys in the Royal Navy. In the report of a Court-Martial held on "a first-class boy," charged with desertion and with striking a sentry and a sub-lieutenant recently, there is a case in point. The boy pleaded "Guilty," and said that "he lost his temper because he was in trouble." His conduct was shown to be good, nevertheless he was sentenced to receive twenty-four strokes with the birch, to be imprisoned for eighteen months, and then dismissed the service. He could hardly have had more if he bad been a regular garrotter. There may have been circumstances connected with the case which called for exemplary punishment, but on the face of it the sentence seems severe. Might not youth have been taken into account, and corporal chastisement have sufficed to expiate the offence, and be a sufficient deterrent to others who might be inclined to follow a foolish example? After all, these high-spirited and impulsive youths are not wholly bad. They have often in them the makings of fine men and gallant sailors. It seems a pity to ruin a career because of a boyish outbreak. One has known boys of a better class do worse things and receive far more lenient treatment. Would it not be possible for the authorities to remit at least the latter portions of this excessive sentence ?—I am, Sir, SLc.,
NEC &UTICA. DIGNIIM HORRIBILI SECTERE FLAGELLO.
[Those who agree with Lord Charles Beresford's opinions as to " scallywags " will, we feel sure, endorse our correspon- dent's plea.—En. Spectator.]
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