MANNING THE NAVY. Until a recent date sailors only engaged themselves for the terrn a certain vessel should be in commission, which there was a tacit understanding would be about five years. When the captain hoisted his pendant, the men came down and volunteered, or the crimps in some manner made it their interest to produce them. When the captain was a popular officer or noted for his daring, his crew was soon com pleted; while, when his reputation was that of 'a martinet, or of a commander under whom prize-money would probably be scarce, a ship would often lie for weeks, or even months in harbor, while the authorities sought in vain to provide her complement of men. In the Napoleonic and former wars, when seamen were urgently needed and knew their value, the press-gang was resorted to, and vacancies filled by compulsion. &C IMP RESSM ENT.
At present seamen are encouraged by contingent advantages to enlist for a specified number of years, at the end of which they become entitled to permanent pension. On
the paying off of their ship, these men are granted liberal leave, after which they join a depot, and are thence drafted to some other vessel in which their services are required. As a reserve for times of emergency, there are the royal naval coast volunteers (see COAST VOLUNTEERS), and the royal naval reserve (q.v.), both very important auxiliaries, of which the value became instantly apparent when hostilities with the United States were anticipated in 1861.
The Dutch, Danish, and Swedish navies are mainly manned by volunteers, as is that of the United States. The navies of France, Russia, and Italy are manned by conscripts levied in the maritime provinces of the respective countries. The German ships of war depend on the law of compulsory service for their complement.