The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1846-09-13

ringing on our ears, we think the present an ap :
propriate time to enquire whether or not greater
safeguards cannot be thrown around the lives OF
our citizens in this respect, than what already
exist Within few years a number of boiler ex-
plosions have occurred in our immediate vicinity,
which were attended with more or less destruc-
ton OF life, and the probability is that more will
occur which will be attended with the same dis
astrous consequences.
Owing to the frequent disasters on the western
waters, law was passed by Congress which
made it incumbent on the masters and owners of
all vessels. propelled wholly or in part by seam to
have the boilers and machinery of their boats ex-
amined at least once year by inspectors appoint.
ed by the general government, whose duty it is to
give certificate under their hands stating whe-
Their, IN their opinion, they safe and fit for use
as well as a description of the materials of which
the boilers are composed, as also as their age
There is no doubt that this law operated
very benefcially as long as its requirements
were faithfully carried out, and honest and capa-
BILE inspectors appointed. We are, however,
disposed to believe that the law is ut present vr.
tually nudity, although the certificates which are
hung up in the cabins of steamboats, would imply
that the form ofinspection is at least carried out,
but these certificates are looked upon as so much
blank paper, and inspire no more confidence in
the strength of the boilers than if no such cerufi-
cate was placed there. The inspectors are pro.
badly well enough, so far as they 60, but we be-
heve that they have not sufficient power
The general impression is that the law is not
sufficient to reach the end for which it was framed
and that the public must look to the owners of
steam vessels employing none but careful, expe-
rienced and temperate engineers and firemen, for
safety in travelling.
We do not mean to say that the firemen and
engineers of our steamboats, generally are not of
this description, but it cannot be disputed that
there are exceptions to this as well as other gene
raj rules. Neither do we mean to say that the
captains and officers of these vessels are not gene
rally all that can be desired But 1t is lamenta-
BILE fact that there are captains to whose rash con-
duct IN racing their respective boats, in order to
reach their point of destination ahead of competi-
tors, is much to be deprecated, and from which
explosions and loss of life are likely to occur.
We were on board North river boat last sum-
mer, where every expedient for raising steam
was put in requsition, in order secure the pas
sengers a. the several landing places before ano.
Their boat, about mile astern, should overtake
them.
Although the weather was chilly I'VE preferred re-
manning on deck all night to sleeping in the cabin,
where, in case of accident we were certain of
meeting death. Ifpublc opinion were brought to
bear on this, as it is on other matters, it would
soon suppress all racing, and inspire passengers
with degree of confidence and safety that thew
do not now have.
While on this subject, we may observe that we
think itwould be very judicious for our State LIE.
gislature to pass law compelling the owners of
locomotives, and steam boilers of every descrip-
ton, in printing offices, workshops and manufac.
tories, where steam power is used, to have them
inspected every few months, and located in such
places where, if they burst, no injury could hap
pen to any but persons in the building. There are
many steam boilers under the sidewalks of our
most frequented streets which would cause great
sacrifice of if an explosion took place.
AMERICAN YAcHTING.-We rejoice to find that
this fine sport is becoming more and more popu-
ular. During the past season there have been
some good matches made, and from present indi-
cations, it would seem that the sport is not over
Mr.. Perkins, Boston gentleman of fortune, has
challenged any boat, belonging to the New York
squadron, to sail against his yacht, the Coquete,
and the challenge has been accepted by Commo-
dore John c. Stevens, the owner of the Maria,
and Mr.. VIM. E. Miller, the owner of the Siren.
1t is probable that Col. Winchester, the owner of
the Northern Light, will Join in to the sport.
This will be fine lace, and well contested
Mr. Stevens has not yet had fair opportunity of
testing the sailing qualities of the Maria, but he
has unbounded confidence in her powers She
is boat of $50 tons burthen, built on a new prin-
ciple and although the Coquette has a formida-
BILE fame, still Mr.. Stevens is practced connos-
seur Of boats and there is no doubt that any craft
he sails against the Coquette, will give good ac-
count of herself.
Mr.. Stevens is the commodore of the New
York Yacht Squadron. He was the first, we be-
lieve, to introduce yachting in this country. He
has built several boats, with which he became
dissatisfied after time, and which he sold to the
government One of these, the On-ka-hy.e cost
him fifty thousand dollars, and was sold by him
at half what it cost him. The Gimcrack, he
now offers for sale, as will be seen by an adver-
tsement in another column. He has introduced
new principle in the construction of the Maria,
which he believes to be the fastest boat ever vet
put upon our waters. The Coquette is boat of
excellent sailing qualities, and the race between
these two, not to mention the Siren, and Northern
Light, will be of the most exciting character
The boats are to start from Sandy Hook, and to
sail twenty-five miles to sea, and back
After this race, there will be regatta open to
all boats of the yacht squadron, to be manned and
sailed by the owners, and not by hired hands.
This is a capital move, as the captains and own
ers will have an opportunity of exhibiting their
skill, tact, and seamanship.
The gentlemen of Boston, we understand, are
determined to organize squadron independent
of tie New York Squadron, which is the only one
at present in the country We learn that there
are already several sums subscribed for this pur-
pose
The fostering OF this interesting and exciting
sport will be OF great advantage to us in a ma
tional point of view. 1t tends to rear a race of
hardy skilful pilots and seamen, whose expe-