The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1838-09-26

lei CT or discharged from steamer when landing at
OF near The wharf Of city or village, inofder to
prevent the future firing Of the buildings on the
wharfs by the innumerable sparks or fakes Of fire
emitted at the time lotbe great dread and annoyance of
the inhabitants, and The immense amount Of property
which has been destroyed BY those means not unfre
quently in every potion and section of the United
States so exposed. From the number Of unfortunate
occurrences which have, and appear sill 70 continue
ms frequently eyertothe immediate and iIrerieva-
bic loss Of life and properly those OF steamboats,
coming in contact with each other during the night
Hundreds Of lives, and property 10 an immense
amount, have been sacrificed and lost within the
Limits OF The United States from this cause. II APP
pears to me, thar some provision might be made by
the proper and competent authorities, either by the
general government, or The states within whose Ju-
risdietion steamboats, are used 10 enact law which
would render such disasters less Frequent and which
would render such disaster scarcely possible, nm
less by the eulpable neglect wiful Intention the
officers Of one of the boats To effect such desi
rabe object is of such easy attainment, as 70 require
the suggestion Of scarcely an outline or plan. will
however, remark that, boats passing each other
ought to take 10 the right Of the channel according
to their respective positions, and 10 be supplied with
lights located the centre Of such steamers
be permitted 10 run more than half her usual speed
and continue ringing bell 10 give notice Of her
OF their approach in order to prevent collision
When we contemplate for moment the numerous
and heart-rending steamboat disasters which have
occurred during The last twelve months on our waters
by the bursting collapsing of boilers We aresiruck
with establishment at the GOODNESS, unaccountabe
apathy and indifference which has pervaded every
portion, and section Of The country appears, really,
that public opinion and sentiment have adopted the,
principle, that such disasters proceed from causes
which are beyond the power and control Of The en-
larged and cultivated mind of ingenious and inven-
tive man. Even from the pen Of the literary and
scientific; from the ingenious, intelligent and prac-
teal mechanic; from the cool, rejecting and cacu-
latng philosopher and chemist, little nothing has
appeared in the public journals suggesting some plan
or system as a preventive by which such numerous,
awful and heart-rendins ealanities might be avert
ed. The most we hear after the destruction OF 80 or
more by the bursting orcoiiapsng of single boiler
like that of the Pulaski on our coast the Mosele,
near Cincinnati, Ohio, in which $50 were supposed
to have persisted; the Washington on Lake Erie, and
dozens of others the western and southern streams;
for scarcely weekly paper comes to hand, which
does not record one disasters of the kind, is
the Turning out Of the cltizcns masse in solemn
procession TO testify their grief and sorrow as well
as to pay the last debt Of homage, respect and ial
affection, for the nntimey and premature loss OF re-
aiiyes and friends not unfrequenay eyincng by
appropriate manifestations their gratitude for the
services and their respect and esteem in honor Of the
talents, Lie virtues and patriotism OF the lamented
dead '"'.~
There are two other circumstances connected with
steamboats, not less to be dreaded-hundreds of lives
and property to an immense amount have been an
nualy sacrificed and lost by the wood work in juxa
position or to the boiler taking fire, for the want
of sufficient intervening space The other
source from which not less injury has been sustained
and equally deporable has been produced by The
sparks emitted from the lue or pipe leading from the
boiler; cotton and other combustble articles taking
fire for want Of safe and sufficient covering These
disasters have generally been confined to our south
ern and south western waters. The two sources Of
evil just mentioned, require the close and scrutiniz-
ing attention Of inspectors. II appears astonishing
TO me that liquid preparation, a couple Of hogs
heads in quantity of the muriate of soda, common
salt is not kept board Of every steam vessel to
extinguish the fire when coming in contact with tar
II. .,, JOHN G. GERHARD.