New-York tribune., 1871-10-23
HASHINGTON.
THE STEAMBOAT INsPECToRs-IMPoRTANT DEcI-
aION OF SOLICITOR BANFIELD-IMPoRTANr
CASE BEFORE THE UNITED STATES SUPREME



IBY TELEGRAPH TO THE TRIBUNKl
WASHINGTON, Oct. n
The Board Of Supervising Inspectors OF Steamboats,
yesterday were st engaged investigating the dnerent
appliances for steamboats,. It has some few minor In
yentions yet to act upon and has also to dispose OF the
question of cotton transportation on steamooats aler
which IL will submit It's whole business to the Secretary
of tue Treasury, and be ready for adjournment The
Board has received the following letter from the soc-
ior Of the Treasury respecting the renspecon OF YES
sells under the Steamboat laws and other matters
action on which will be taken by the Board early this
week: - ,.. o,-r,o, op -,,,
soLICIToR OF THE TREASURY,
srR Your letter Of the IIth inst requesting oPn
ION as obligation Of steam vessels TO be
tSse od Ias hs: been received reply
have to say that section Of this act provides that no
nsSigateS Without complying with the terms Of the se
and for each oaense the owner OF owners sna1 snM
ssrfG si , to The the act sSo1e cited
all former statutes relating to u tns ss subject s a. Tas
must Oe in such form the Board Of Supervising Ia
R cS With the required
the in force prior TO February 49, 1871 steamer not
would incur the penalty provided for in section 81 OF the
Again, the certificate provided for in this act must
the number OF passengers that any steamer except
ferry boats has for and made unaw
70 ass On IN s tSsis For Of
vison fine owner and master becomes liable provided
in section &C. Subject these exceptions, am OF tne
opinion that certificate Of Inspection. granted under
the statute In force prior 70 the 2sh OF February ISL
may allowed TO remain In force for az east one year
from the date it was issued TO the extent 70 Wh1ch
meets the requirements OF the present law ana OF Tue
Board Of Supervising Inspectors Ins allowance Is,
however matter or faVor Wnlcn, tnlnk, may oo CA
tended under the law. ,rA
II win be found however by comparing the act OF Feb
a. 1871 with those in force the subject OF lnuncton
prior to It's passage, that the present Jaw mas mace
humber Of important changes In the cslcu
lated to provide for the better security OF re and tnee
fore while the old inspection and certhcste would De
valid to the extent above indicated would not excuse
tns Of present aw and Of the Board Of
inspectors Taking this view OF the question presented
your letter. would suggest that you cauee as repoy IS
the conyenerde Of the officers will permit new lnepec
ton to be made OF all steamers subject TO the provision
OF this act order that the owners thereof may be cor
rectly advised Of the additional requirements OF the
| present law. Very respectfully, n
| Z. c. BANPIBLD, Solicitor OF the Treasury.
Gen. JOSEPH BELKNAP, Supervising inspectorGeneral'
Washington, ID. G.
An important decision will delivered at the present
adjourned term Of the o. 8. Supreme Court The opinion
of the court to be announced in case In which Is In
voyed the question OF the constutonality Of what Is
known as the Drake amendment 1t VIII be remembered
that Senator Drake Missouri before taking his seat as
Of the Court Of Claims drew up bill pro
vidng that pardon Of the President did not ente dis
loyal persons bring suits against the United States
and prosecute them in the Court Of Claims This pro-
vision inserted In the Miscellaneous Appropriation
BILL approved July H. 1870 Several cases coming under
this law are pending In the u 8. Supreme Court on an
appeal from the u Court Of Claims and the forthcom
ing opinion is looked for with great interest.