Morning herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1837-1840, 1840-01-24

are as well adapted though not possessing quite so
better Proportoned to do its duty; the reason for
that, that here we are oblige to make little iron
go great ways Our engineers will take the same
weight OF metal, and make a stronger engine; with
regard to protection against fire, there are more
precautions taken in the very poorest OF the boats
saw in Europe, than there are in the very best
boats lever saw in the United States. The btu
minous coal is generally used They generally have
bat one steeri place, which is aft; they have a
tler rugged like packet ship, and keep a look
ont forward | believe that if proper chain
was used, it would answer as well or be ter
than rope, especially If made OF the best metal:
| think it would act with more certainty, and
with more convenience. j think in going through
Hurl Gate, chain might be rugged so as to work
as well as rope; ! made up this opinion from
what have seen Of the mechanical operation Of
chains; frest affects iron, and might destroy chain
here quicker than in England, but it weuld not have
sgreater effect on chain than il would on an iron
rod. have always thought that our steamers ere
badly protected against fire; the European steamers
have cast iron plates for the floors, and the
lined with metal throughout; in many Of them the
are room is complete box of iron; lhave also seen
wire uiler ropes, they appear TO answer very well;
II Is recent invention, but we have it here; the
standing rigging of the Liverpool is made of that
material; have heard that the North River boats
nave wire tilier ropes i was on board of steamer
IN Europe that caught fire in the forward thew
had force pump or two board but no fire engine;
II was smothered fire ard they had to cut away
the deck before they could get 20 il: when that was
done the hose was carried to the spot having cock
10 IT, by winch means we had the command Of the
wafer ana could carry it where we pleased without
calling to the men at the pump, through which the
hose was supplied; II was perhaps, three quarters
OF an hour before the fire got IT. but the captain
was pretty resoutc fellow and KIN cked down tive
or three that would not mind his orders; when
found, 1T was inundated in a minutes it had covered
space OF three feet square in the cabin ceiling.
Here the Coroner read TO the jury the law of the
United States, passed July 1885, as it afe cts the
licensing, etc, OF vessels propelled in whole part
81 tai he bad Il shx l.
said the evidence to be adduced m eht 60 to show
the the owners of the Lexington had evaded the law
John Clark, examined Il was machinist, bat i
now an inspector of steamboats, under he net of
Congress; l reside at So Essex street; was ac-
quainted with the steamboat Lexns ton and inspect
cd her the first of October last; she was all correct
and we gave certificate. The whole top of he boiler
was removed down to the flue last fall The bottom
also repaired; do not believe the steering de-
partmert OF the beat belongs to duty we do not
examine the steering gear, we have nothing 10 do
with that, only the engine and boiler did examine
the steering apparatus-It was two rods under the
promenade deck, with hide ropes round the wheel
These ropes within 10 feet fore and aft of the
stsrh post and the tiller Wheel Here the Coroner
read the law to the witness but the latter persisted
that he had nothing 10 do with the ring
BY the Jury-l only consider myself bound to
inspect the hull, boiler and machinery; go first on
deck, then below, and look about when INSPECT .
YES Gl-nOthng more than look a, the wood an ,rop
Coroner-l1avc you ever condemned boat!
Witness-We never condemned any boat We
have restricted them to q certain amount Of steam
Juror-Well, when Y, u inspect boat, YOU look at
the wood and do nothing else?
Witness-Yes, we take cur fees.
Coroner" hat boats have you ever restricted to
certain amount Of steaml
Witness-Why, some of the ferry boats on the
North River year ago last TALL, we restricted the
Rhode Island, because the boiler vas rather weak
We have al'o restricted the VIM. Young, and the
Superior.
Juror-Was the restriction complied with?
WItness-I suppose so.
Coroner-Did you ever restrict the Nimrodl
Witness-Yes; because she wanted new boiler
Juror-Was any restric ion ever put on the Lex
ngton!
Witness-No sir.
.Iuror-How do you examine the hull of a res,elr
Witness-Why examine it.
JurcE-How9
Witness-Wnh nv eyes.
Juror-Do you mean Ia say that you every ves-
sci that is hauled out Of the wserl
Witness-Ies.
Juror-well, we want to know your mode Of pro-
ceediag.
witness-well. 60 and enquire the boats age
How much do you suppose Fam to do for Eve dol
larsl
Juror-No matter, sir, abont the fee; we want TO
know your mode Of proceeding.
Witness-wby Iexanine the hull, and look at
Of engine for the last SO years.
Juror-Mr: Coroner, am l in order in asking this
question: How he found the hull Of the steamer
William Yovngl
Coroner-Yes sir.
Witness-WellI think he is not, sir
Juror-oh, I've several other boats 10 question
him on, sir.
Wi,ness-Wel, sir, this juror may be steambc at
ow ner, and may wish TO get up prejudice against
particular boa.
Coroncr-About the William Young, sirl
Wuness-Why, We gave hera certificate that she
was OF such age and was suitable TO run the river
with certain amount Of steam. The boiler WIS an
old one. We gave her certificate last October.
Juror-Ha you examined the Providence Of
Newburgl
Wiiness-Not this year.
Juror-Why, then, do you allow her TO runl
Witness-Why, IL is the duty Of the master to
apply, or run the risk Of being informed against.
Here the Coroner stated that he had ssme doubts
about the prcprieiy Of examining the witness as TO
particular steamboats, except they referred TO tho
case Of the Lexington.
Juror-ln due Difference TO your better judgment,
SIR think he is bound 10 say how he proceeds in
the examining Of steamboats,. Ii is the opinion Of
the jury that the inspectors have passed steam boats
safe, and given them certfca es. when they were
not worthy of IL. If we are travelling out Of the
road, why, We submit To your correction.
Coroner-I do not think this is on his trial;
and ali that we have 20 do TO inquire about the
Lexington
Juror-Why, sir, suppose IL could he proved that
ha has examined and passed boats unworthy Of IL,
would Il not be fair presumption that he may have
done the same in the case OF the Lexingtonl
The answer Of the Corcrer escaped the reporter.
QUESTIONABLE you interested in the Lexinstonl
Answer have not 2 cent invested in any steam
boat whatsyer. think the Lexington was not 50
though she was siroBr enough 10 carry any thing.
We gave the p" w m. Young" different certificate
TO that given tothe l., xington.
Juror-Do you think you have a right TO give such
q ccrtIncatcl
Coroner-I don't think he is bound 10 answer.
h. "A .rfh hats M