The Wasp, 1913 · page 344 of 364
The Wasp — 1913 — page 344: what you’re looking at
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This page presents a satirical narrative about naval recruitment, likely critiquing practices where positions could be purchased. James Burnham (alias Fitzwalter) offers fifty guineas to secure a master gunner's position aboard HMS *Breda*, a seventy-gun warship. The satire targets the corrupt system of buying military commissions and ranks. When Admiral Benbow questions why a man with fifty guineas would voluntarily enlist, James falsely claims it's his "last" fifty guineas and invokes recent widowhood—transparent lies that the admiral seemingly accepts anyway ("Enough"). The humor lies in the obvious dishonesty being tolerated, suggesting the Royal Navy accepted bribes without scrutiny during this period. The character's ready deception and the admiral's indifferent dismissal mock both naval recruitment standards and the financial desperation of would-be officers. The reference to a historical Admiral Benbow (real 17th-century naval figure) adds period authenticity to the satirical commentary.
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Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
THE WASP 337 miral. I know something of big guns; and if fifty guineas will buy me the rating and berth of a master gunner, then do I most freely volunteer my ser- vices to her majesty and Admiral Benbow.” “This is very handsome of you,” replied the young officer; “and, as we happen to be short of gunners as well as seamen, I’m firmly of the opin- ion that your services and your guineas will be ac- cepted.” Lieutenant Jenkyn was right. And so it came about that James Burnham, otherwise James Fitz- walter, went aboard the line-of-battle ship Breda, <E of seventy guns, to serve his queen and country. He was called before the admiral. “How is this?” cried John Benbow, glaring at the recruit. “You possess fifty guineas and a knowledge of great guns, and you volunteer to serve in this ship as a master gunner? Explain yourself, my good sir.” “My last fifty guineas, your honor,” lied James, bowing. “Again, sir, I have but recently become a widower.’ “Enough,” replied the admiral. “If you can Comichooks.com