Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1877-04-09

time TO time, a few cheap houses were built. few
boats purchased and few men employed, but inef-
fciency throughout the service, II 1t might be
called such, was the rule. But the terribly fatal
disasters along the in the winter of 1870 and
1871 thoroughly aroused the country. Congress
voted large amount, and thorough re-orgsniza-
ton of the service called for. That re-orgsni-
ration happily, Is believe, for its success
trusted to Sumner |. Kimball native of Sanford in
this State, at that time and at present the efficient
chief of the bureau marine service. Mr.. Kimbs
brought to the task fine talents with great execu-
tive ability, united to ardent love Of and sympa-
thy with the work fully realizing that the saving
of thousands Of lives and millions of property
every year, was involved in the failure or success
of his exertions.
He at once proceeded to the herculean task be-
fore him. Incompetents were removed, no matter
who stood behind them, and faithful, suitable men
took their places. The duty of keeping Journals
O nd records and making regular reports was es-
tablished. The duties of superintendents, keep
srs and surfmen were distinctly defined. new and
improved apparatus obtained, and soon every man
employed IN the service realized that at last the
institution had head, and that thorough organi
zation was doing its work. The result of Mr.
kimballs efficiency was that in the five years from
1871, with lis wrecks on the coast OF Long Island
and New Jersey, only sixteen lives were lost, an
average Of 81 per snnum, 10 strong contrast win
the slaughter of the preceding years.
In making honorable mention Of Mr.. Kimball in
connection with the reorganization of the life
saving service, we do not Of course wish to ignore
or undervaue the services Of his assistants. Lake
skillful general in organizing his forces for a
campaign, Mr.. kimball as the chief and RESPONSE
Bile head scrutinzed with care the qualitca-
tons of his subordinates go that he might
select and bring into action the best talent
available. Thorough sympathy with his plans pro-
duced harmony and cooperation, and success was
the natural result Captains Otnger, Merry man,
McGowan and Lieut.. Walton, who have been Mr..
kimballs principal assistants deserve much credit
for their intelligent and untlring efforts In carry
ing out plans matured by the chief of the service.
In this connection we must refer to the CORDIAL
support given to the Life Saving Service by our
disllngu ished citizen, Hon. Lot NJ. Morrill,, the
late Secretary Of the Treasury. Under his direc-
tons all appropriations for the service are expend-
ed, and he has at all times, whether as Senator or
Secretary contributed fully of his labors and in
fuence to its development. Our other honorable
Senators and representatives have always mani
tested their sympathy with this benefcent institu-
ton, and given i, their hearty support by voice
and vote.
MIR. Kimball is constantly on the watch, ready
TO correct any errors or check any nethciebcv,
also eager to examine and adopt any worthy plan
or continuance by which the service may be bene-
fitted. He is now arranging TO have the life saw
ing stations connected with the storm signal sta
tons, so far as NAV be practicable. Nine stations
are thus already connected. The great benefit to
be derived from connection Of the two systems
10 very apparent. In cases where the telegraph
cannot be Immediately connected with the stations
continuing storm signals are displayed on the
nearest available points in the neighborhood
Such signals have AREA proved of great value
in diminishing the number Of disasters. ,265
cautionary signals were raised during the last
year. In Mr.. kimballs report to congress last
December we have his work and plans in very in-
teresting and valuable detail. There seems TO be
hardly any room for gain in efficiency. We may
Of course anticipate improvements in apparatus
from the fertile brains of our tireless inventors.
Congress is now thoroughly in earnest and hearty
sympathy with the Service. We may be confident
that it will not hesitate to authorize any JudIclo
expediture in the right direction so that our light
house system, our storm signal system and our
life saving system, as great national Humanitarian
developments will soon place our country IN the
front rank of the nations in the great service Of
saving human life.
In the discussion in the House OF Repre-
sentatives in 1854 on an "Act for the bet
ter preservation of life and property from
vessels wrecked on the coasts of the
United States the statement was repeatedly
made by Mr.. SHELTON of New Jersey, and Mr.
Chandler Of Pennsylvania that the loss of life on
the Long Island and New Jersey coasts was more
than one thousand annually, and the statement
was not questioned by any one. As we have seen,
the loss of life those coasts for the first five
years of the present reorganization averaged but
three and two-tenths per annum, most wonder
full and encouraging result. Surely the perils of
lee shore arc rapidly disappearing under such
vigorous and intelligent efforts, and the Storm
King is being shorn of his power. The bowling
tempest is losing its terrors, and they who sit
watching for the return of him who has gone down
upon the great deep, may do so with confidence,
knowing that the strong arm Of the Government
is ready with every appliance Of science under the
best directed human effort to protect and save life
and property which may be found exposed to the
perils Of shipwreck upon every dangerous point OF
our long extended coast. j. r.