Polynesian. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu], Hawaii) 1844-1864, 1858-09-25
Shipping Inrerest--Mnrine Losses.

This important branch of commerce remains in de-
pressed condition. For several weeks past the ship
mens Of breadstufs to Great Britain have been large,
but the tonnage being excessive, the ruling rates
not considered remuneratve, and consequently, very
few transient vessels at present called into requis
ton.
1t is difficult to conjecture when there will be any
substantial improvement in the carrying trade but
the comparatively small quantity Of tonnage construct
ed during the last years. the large number Of yes
sells destroyed by fire the wrath Of the tempest, and
the new fields Of enterprise constantly being developed
in remote sections Of the world, would seem to augur
that it cannot long continue thus depressed.
The immense amount Of capital annually lost to the
country by marine disasters is far in excess Of what
would be generally supposed by those whose attention
is not turned by their occupations to this subject, and
Ii ought to receive the careful consideration of the leg
islaure of the National Councils In other species Of
mercantile disaster there is always the consolation that
what is lost by individuals still remains in the hands
Of communities but in losses by and hre the dam
age is general, and though it may be supplied TO ndl-
vduas by insurers the loss is nevertheless distributed
the nation at large The foOngs of the losses by
marine disasters, during the past twelve months,
shows the absolute blotng out of nearly $50 200
capital, which has been made good by the merchants
OF the Atlantic cities, through their insurance c'mpa-
MES, who act merely directors and distributors of
the funds. This great sinking of capital is directly
traced to three causes, all of which form proper sub
jects OF Congressional legislation The first C these IS
the want of seamanshp the part Of many Of the Of
ncerS anu crews OF vessels. EOrtS uaue
ais to elevate the character of sailors seem to be power
less and many heavy losses annually incurred for
want Of system for examination into the qualIhca-
tiOns of Captains Congress, year or two ago. passed
law requiring that the machinery of steamboats, shall
be inspected in order that their deficiencies shall not
be the of destruction to human lite and It GER
tanly should take step further, and require that
captains of vessels should be competent for the duties
they assume, that the lives of passengers and sailors
should not be sacrificed to their ineOmpeteney.
g tho
sufficient manner in which vessels built in modern
tines constructed Seagoing craft should not be
allowed TO depart from ports unless they are sut-
ciently well built to pass government inspection.
The remaining cause of so many marine disasters Is
to be found IN the small number OF men oitentimes
carried in proportion to the size Of vessels. The tom
mage has been increased in ratio out Of all proper
ton TO the increase Of sailors The mode Of measure
aids in reducing the effective force required by
the existing laws and this is proved inadequate to
sells of large registers More work Is, too frequently,
expected Of sailors than they perform, and the Of
cers too apt to resort to brutality to obtain extra
ordinary exeTtons.
Every of these Deficiencies is properly within the
scope OF Congressional action and every Of them
calls for its interference. 1t is in the merchant service
that the country is to find its right of defense
strengthened in time of need, and it behooyes leg
sators it, that when its aid may be wanted it
be not found withered and parayzed by long neglect
and cruel treatment
One very serious result fthe increasing disasters at
sea- is the heavy losses which the Marine Insurance
Companies are subjected. 1t is becoming subject Of
very serious consideration with the merchants Of the
large cities, what they do for insurance If these
matters not checked. Capital will not be readily
invested in business which proves itself so hazardous,
and the business of merchant vessels cannot afford to
pay increased rates ofpremiums. Under these ercum
stances trust that the attention Of Congress, at its
session, will be turned TO this subject, and that
some may be devised not only for the saving of
So many millions of dollars the country, but for the
lives of the thousands "Who 90 down to the sea in
ships.''-N. Y. Ship. Coui List.