The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1871-08-02

some neglect OF duty, criminaIiy responsible for
this heartreuding catastrophe.

some neglect Of duty, criminally responsible for
this heartrending catastrophe.
Accordingly q HERALD correspondent visited the
Steamboat Inspectors ONCE No. % Pine street. TO
ascertain what steps had been taken toward
thorough investigation OF the West1eld affair; what
action the inspectors proposed to take in the matter
OF Secretary BOutwelrs letter requesting an lmme-
diate and proper investigation OF boilers used on the
ferrybOats plying around New York. and, lastly TO
gain particulars from Mr.. John X. Matthews. the
Inspector, who had certified the West1eld boiler as
to some statements which had appeared in the
morning Journals as emanating from HIM respecting
the present uncertihcateo state Of the Union and
other ferryboats
Entering the ONCE (Mr. Matthe ws was absenp the
reporter was received by the Inspector present most
courte0usly. ~ assure your said one ''we believe
that much unmerited odlum has been heaped upon
us by the public press. The fullest investigation
is courted, especially by Mr.. Matthew'S and all we
desire is that the public may suspend their judy
ment until after the investigation has taken place."
On inquiring as to when this investiga-
ton would take place the reporter vas re-
ferred to Mr.. Addison Low. the Superinten.
dent Inspector for the district, who was
at that time in consultation with Mr. Joseph Bel
KNAPP, Superintendent Inspector General, arranging
prellminaries. Mr.. Addison Low informed the re.
porter that he had that day issued summonses for
witnesses In the case to attend this "wednesday
morning, ar ten O'Clock, in the Local Inspectors
once, % Pine street, where thorough lnvestga-
ton into the which led to the explosion would
take place.
Returning to the Local Inspectors Department.
Mr.. Matthews, having returned, expressed his
WILLINGNESS TO AFFORD ALL THE INFORMATION
1t Lay In his power to give. In reply to the inquiry
as to whether II was true stated in the morning
journals, that the Union Ierryboats were not certi.
ned at the present time, owing TO an agreement
made with the inspectors for the convenience Of the
company, 1.-The inspectors have no power" he re-
Piled "to extend the certificates OF any steamboats,
beyond the period for which they are granted, and
If any company engineer an engine AFTER the
certificate has expired it Is done at their own risk
Under the old law 1t was not necessary for steam
boat to be licensed when plying in waters Of one
State, only those engaged in foreign commerce and
between different States Thus the Jersey City boats
were Obliged to be licensed. while the Brooklyn
boats needed none. The new law, passed last ses-
sion and not YET promulgated, Will provide for this
At this moment another inspector entered the
room and received Instructions to commence the
inspection Of
THE BROOKLYN BOATS
this "wednesday morning, at ten O'Clock, at South
Brooklyn, application having been made that alter
noon by the company for inspection.
not policemen" said he ''Tney cannot chase boats
to hnd whether they are running without license
customs oficers. Moreover the law provides that
all owners and captains Of steamboats, shall make
application In writing for inspection and be subject
10 line in case OF neglect 80 that
NO BLAME CAN ATTACH TO INSPECTORS
II boats are plying uncertifcated."
With regard TO the Westdeld affair, Mr. Matthews
stated that many absurd AMI prepOsterOus state
ments had been made by The press. He was hardly
voyages across the Atlantic, served years IN
the naval service. through the Mexican war.
besides being in the Pacific mail service over six
years. having to do with engines and boilers all that
time 81 can assure you,'' added Mr.. Matthews.
children, desired to pass to Staten Island on
that sunday afternoon should not have hesltated,
all by the Westfeid.p Here some conversation en-
sued as to boiler explosions In general, and Mr.
the boiler been working at Its
. Il PROPER CERTIFIED PRESSURE
OF twenty-five pounds the explosion would nave
been an impossbiity. The steam gauge indicated
two pounds more than was allowed, the custom Of
opening the furnace doors while at rest In the slip
had been neglected. and the engineer in charge had
gone ashore The boiler was evidently well charged
with water. which, when agtated by the motion Of
the vessel leaving the slip. generated steam, owing
to the extreme heat attained when quiet with great
rapidity, which the valves were incapable Of carry
ing away, hence the explosion A little more know
ledge and attention on the part or those having the
vessel IN charge would most certainly have pre-
vented the accident.
field are not licensed, but under the law re.
specting such matters which viii doubt lmme-
dlately come into force,
PROPER EXAMINATION
and certificate for such persons will become neces-
sary, and very properly so, for while single life
here and there Is sacrificed through the ignorance
and Incompetence OF an apothecarys clerk, hun
dreds OF lives are placed at the mercy OF those VINO
are still more ignorant and INCOMPETENT having
charge OF the machinery OF such vessels as the
Nestneld.
Mr.. Matthews moreover stated that he had occu.
pied the position as Inspector OF Steamboats, over
i've years, and during that period not one accident
had occurred in boilers he had Inspected The par-
tculars mad already been privately investigated and
reported 10 the government, and ne was not afraid
OF the result All he desired was fair play at the
hands OF the public, hoping they would reserve
thelr verdict untii the public investigation had
taken place before the Inspector General
mus matters are In fair way TO receive search.
ing investigation at the hands Of the authorities
show who is really to blame besides elicitng such
facts as, IN the hands OF scientific and practical
calamity in the future.