The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1857-08-17

ACCIDENTS ON OUR FERREs- CUIPZyny NE01i-
aENCE AND BREACH OF LAw.-N is no ca aggern-
ton to cay that the lives of thousandsof persons
whose business or pleasure calls them to k'rosk-
lyn, Williamsburg. Staten Island, jersey CA<y or
Hoboken, are daily In peril from the gross a Gil
gence of the ferry companies in not provid ing
adequate means of rescue in case of accidak
1t is mosstrous grievance that there should be
absolutely NO provision Of this kind on the ferry
boats, where thousands are continually travelling,
and where misbaps from variousca are hourly
imminent. On Saturday one Of the boats On the
Peck slip and williamsburg ferry-the Niagara
ran down small boat containing FIVE boys, wts
would unquestionably have been drowned he'd
they not, fortunately for them, been good grim
mers. Had 1t been otherwise no exertion or the
part of those in the ferry boat could have saved
them, for there was not single boat on the
steamers deck to be used in such an emer sency;
and the boys had actually to be drawn on board
by means of coats which the passengers extended
to them.
There are times when, on all the East river
ferries, any collision would inevitably result in a
fearful loss of life; for as many as five hundred
people are often crowded into the boats; yet in
none of them are there the necessary appliances
for rescuing any one from the water. In some,
indeed, an old boat may be found on the hura-
cane deck, but in such a position that, even
If she was seaworthy, which is doubtful, she
could not be made available in time. How is
this? The law requires that every ferry boat
shall be provided with row boat attached in
such manner that it can be launched instantl1 in
case Of need; yet we will venture to say that OH
not single ferry boat on the two rivers is this
rule observed. On the 23d Of July the Super;n-
tendent of Police Mr.. Tallmadge, issued an or
der on this matter, which was published in the
herald of that date in the following terms
TO STEAMBOAT OWNERS AND CAPTAINS.
Is now ne ssasou when there Is increased travel upon
the water, and Increased reascns for protecting
ge and the Gepers Superintendent Of Police takes he
opportunity Of presen ting to Steamboat owners and cap
ton, which prepared u his request BY the DiSr0 A.
ncy The General superintendent, in days suoceod-
ing THIS notice, VIII detail pat-olmon to rcpor al deatn-
Steamboats, having the same course are not 70 spprc.cs
zach S.hs. viSn tssny yards Pona $780, 10 sot By
Every ferry boat must have boat is feet long ~
annsd to the :erry toaa In Such manner that csn be
or 10 Gaze of accident his viii be strictly enforced
Penalty $3.50 for each omssion. CIR ,Q5)
All steamboats, over 500 tons must carry frs, csss
he coat one row boat % feet By y 70 carry 80 pAsa
gers; other boat
AL steamboats under 500 tons csrry two row boas
! OF ordinary GEe Same PENALTY. OR s., e6)
Steamboats, racing misdemeanor OR s., 96)
By the Law Of 1855, chapter $685. the master d cvWy
steamb on an excursion muf take the and
or residence OF every male passenger and Ole the Hst
with the County Clerk In I've days me under penalty Of
slco II tho psssopger refuses bis tho master muss
refuse him paSage
BY the rare aci, every passenger oxourriou
tesescs upon the grounds bord erpg river, or sound
without leave, may be indicted
These provisions are 10 check rovdyism, arr tho Ayst
enc parucolsry 10 furnish evidence sganm pasrcngevs
The General Superintendent trusts thai thus particularly
waned OF pr0vsons thai great extent have been nut
hhed, steamboat owners viii Immediately and oheecuIy
obey. y. A. TALLuAD9E,
General Superintendent Of Police, IS white ss.ess.
JCLy, 1867.
The District Attorney has now an opportunity
OF enforcing that law; and we insist upon IL that
it is his duty to prosecute the ferry boat Nisgarn
and hold her owners responsible for the fragrant
violation. Let q wholesome example be made in
this instance, and we may hope to see some no
form established and some security to human Life
guaranteed by the ferry companies