It is absolutely necessary
that there should be one head and one voice, to control everything,
and be responsible for everything. There are emergencies which require
the instant exercise of extreme power. These emergencies do not
allow of consultation; and they who would be the captain's constituted
advisers might be the very men over whom he would be called upon to
exert his authority. It has been found necessary to vest in every
government, even the most democratic, some extraordinary, and, at
first sight, alarming powers; trusting in public opinion, and
subsequent accountability to modify the exercise of them. These are
provided to meet exigencies, which an hope may never occur, but
which yet by possibility may occur, and if they should, and there were
no power to meet them instantly, there would be an end put to the
government at once. So it is with the authority of the shipmaster.
It will not answer to say that he shall never do this and that
thing, because it does not seem always necessary and advisable that it
should be done. He has great cares and responsibilities; is answerable
for everything; and is subject to emergencies which perhaps no other
man exercising authority among civilized people is subject to.
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