SEAMEN (ante), as a class supposed to be especially subject to imposition while on shore and subject to cruel treatment while at,sea, arc protected by statutes regulating the method of their employment, their rights as to-pay, their treatment while at sea, and their return to this country after discharge. Sailors in the U. S. navy are of course gov erned by the rules of the service; mercantile seamen from their contract by signing a written agreement called the shipping articles, which every master of a vessel is required to have. This must describe clearly, the voyage with the ports at either end, the rate of wages and all other matters necessary to a full understanding of the contract. Such articles are not beyond impeachment by parol evidence. Penalties for the violation of the contract on either side are provided. The master is bound to furnish a seaworthy vessel, a survey being allowed on application of one mate and a majority of the crew. Not only is he bound to furnish provisions but the amount is fixed by statute; and if they fall short he forfeits it day's pay to each man while on short allowance. The master is boubd to pay the wages, but may deduct 40 cents a month for the marine hospital fund or declare all or part forfeited as punishment for insubordination. Other punishments
are extra work, inapriscument, confinement in irons, etc.; flogging was abolished by the act of 1850. but it is held that this does not include blows'struck in the heat of auger. If the. seaman desert before the voyage, he may be seized on a warrant and ,contined until the ship sails, forfeiting double his advance wages. If he desert on the voyage he forfeits his entire wages and all property on board. But if compelled to desert by cruelty, this does not hold. Sailors have a wages lieu on both ship and freight. Engineers, pilots, clerks, and stewards, are sailors as to their rights'of wages, etc. The piaster must present his papers to the U.S. consul in all ports visited and must explain absences. If he discharge a man abroad he is bound to pay three months' wages beyond what is due. Of this one-third goes to a fund for the maintenance of our seamen in foreign countries and for bringing them home. If a, sailor be discharged without cause and against his will in a foreign part, the master is liable to six months' imprison ment or a $500 fine.