Necessity of proper education for merchant seamen—Practice in
Denmark—In Norway and Sweden—Russia and Prussia—France—Remarkable
care of seamen in Venice, Scuola di San Nicolo—Character of
this institution, and general working—Variously modified since
first creation—State since 1814—Qualifications of Venetian
shipmasters—Present regulations of Austria—Great Britain—Need of
a public institution for merchant seamen—The “Belvidere” or Royal
Alfred Aged Seaman’s Institution, _note_—Mr. Williams, observations
by, on the advantage of a general Seaman’s Fund, _note_—Institution
in Norway—Foreign Office circular of July 1, 1843—Its value, though
unfair and one-sided—Replies to circular—Mr. Consul Booker—Mr. Consul
Baker—Mr. Consul Yeames—The Consul at Dantzig—The Consuls of Genoa,
Ancona, and Naples—Mr. Consul Sherrard—Mr. Consul MacTavish—Mr. Consul
Hesketh—Reports from the Consuls in South America—General conclusions
of Mr. Murray, Nov. 22, 1847, and suggestions for remedies—Board of
Trade Commission, May 17, 1847—Its results—Shipowners condemned for the
character of their ships and officers—Views of Government—Necessity of
a competent Marine Department.