The New York herald., 1877-07-06
oVERCROWDED EXCURSION STEAMERS.

THE LAW ON THE SUBJECT TO BE ENFonCED-
A CIRCULAR FROM THE TREASURY DEPART
MENr-sTRINGENr INSTRUCTIONS TO INspEc-
TORS.
The discussion by the HERALD OF the subject OF the
overcrowding Of excursion steamers has borne good
fruit little while ago the attention Of tho steam
boat inspectors directed the prevalent abuse
OF the privileges which were conceded to
steamboat owners In lhe shape OF special
permits But these special permits grew to
be honored in the breach than in the observance
II was evident that more stringent regulations wore
necessary the safety Of the public. This OBJ
jec 1t is believed, will pc quite nearly If not wholly
attained by the promulgaton TO steamboat men OF the
following Treasury circular copy OF which has boon
already received by Mr. Straton, the supervising in
specor Of this district II is signed ty R. Mccormick
acting Secretary OF tho Treasury, and is issued
from tho bureau Of the United States Supervising
Inspector General at washington. General James A.
Dumont
CHARACTER OF THE CIRCULAR.
The regulations it imposes arc synopsis or codinca-
ton Of the laws governing passenger steamooas 50 a'
as they affect the and owners thereof VINO arc
nolined in pcrtGent and significant terins OF The
duties they owe the public and the government and
OF the penalties they incur Tor neglect OF such ooga
tions Up to this time it would appear as If the public
had only the inspectors 10 rely upon Tor tne'r
safo keeping but by tho regulations in
question every steamboat and captain is aroused
to the knowledge the law requires OF him faith
rul and jealous cooperation and activity in looking
after tho welfare OF his passengers. The energetic
measures adopted recently guard steamboat ravei
against preveutibe accident are complimentary 10 the
ability and efficiency OF the Washington officials with
whom they originate
TREASURY CIRCULAR.
slR-In view OF the numerous complaints made
about the overcrowding OF excursion steamers ana
the departments desire 10 enforce the original pur-
pose OF the United States steamboat iaws-nnmeiy;
projection TO the lives OF persons travelling on board
vessels propelled in whole or in part by sleam-you
arc informed that II Is tho determination oil tne ue
partment prevent II possible, the nraction OF sa'd
laws
1t IS the duty of the local inspectors to decide how
many passengers steamer .can carry with prudence
aud safety and state that number IN the certin-
cato OF inspection This number, added to that
allowed by the special pcrmit, II IT Is an excursion
steamer indicates the lawful number OF passengers
that may be carried in that boat. Any excess would
bc unlawful aud the owner and master would become
penalty liable. The master in addition, would DC SUP,
ect to revocation OF his license lie being recognized
legally the person having supreme controi o Inc
boat, and being also under oath while holding his
license prevent such infraction Of the steamboat
You are therefore instructed, upon receiving authen
tic Information that OF passenger or excur-
sion steamer is carrying an unlawful number Of
passengers, TO immediately direct the local
inspectors OF the district 10 invesugate Inc
charge and II they find IL sustained 10 revoke the
mastcr's license In every where the license is
revoked The local inspectors shall furnish the United
States District Attorney with COPY OF all the evidence
taken that he may prosecute the owner and master
Tor the penalties attaching to such violation Of law
You are also instructed, II you find your Inspectors
through Judgment or for other reasons, are
issuing permits to carry greater number oi pas
scngers than be done with safety to report the
facts IN writing the department for investigation
II is doomed advisable that the local and assistant
inspectors your district notify masters OF all cxcur-
sion steamers that hencelorth they will be required to
Keep record OF the number OF passengers carried on
each trip Inspectors Will demand copies OF such rec
ords at least week and place them on their OF.
fetal lilies for tho Information OF the department II
desired. The department expects You to execute the
previous instruction faithfully and discreety, remem
berng you and your suDordinaes must decide i'm
partially between the interests OF the owners and
OF steamboats, and the safety OF the travelling
public.