New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1878-06-05
SIS cox ON THE COAST SERVICE.
A SPEECH IN THE HOUSE WHICH WAS REGARDED
lBY TELEGRAPH TO THE TRIBUNE.I

lBY TELEGRAPH TO THE TRIBUNE.l
WASHINGTON, June 4.-Mr. S. S. COxs bill for the
organization of the LfeSavng Service and the pro-
motion Of its greater efficiency Uas passed by the
House this afternoon without dissenting voice.
Before the vote was taken Mr.. Cox made speech
in defence Of the BILL which will probably be ac-
cepted as one of the very best he has ever deliv-
cred during his long Congressional career.
The speech is not an easy one to report Opening
with some historical references to the triumph OF
commerce and to the dangers of the ocean, he first
reviewed the LIfe-Saving Service of Great Britain,
giving some interesting sketches oil its great
achievements "The English National Life-Boat
Association he said. has saved within fifty years
since It's establishment, $4,000 lives and fabu
Ions values in property. This has been
done almost entirely by voluntary contributions.
Two millions Of dollars have been spent in these
efforts. These deeds. moro golden than ever
historic OF epic pen recorded, are all done around
the little sea-bOund coast Of Britain Who shall
complain that we spend the same per annum
upon our 10000 miles of sea and lake coast 2"
Air Cox called attention 10 tho fact that the
percentage of total loss in the American mercantile
feet is to our credit only about one-haf of that Of
The British marine After showing that more legis-
lation for the Life Saving Service is necessary and
after giving history of that service with its great
posed organization, showing that the object of his
bin il 10 erect the system into distinct establish
ment, as has been recommended by the Secretary of
the Treasury. He then reviewed some Of the obiec-
lions that have been made to his BILL and showed
that they were in every case without force.
Aeonsiderable portion Of Mr. COx's speech was
devoted to the efforts recently made the part of
ihe United States Navy to get control of the Life
Saving Service. He showed the propriety of con-
tnlng the service under the control the Treasury
Department, and explained why officers of the rev.
ege marine are better qualified to per
lsin its duties than officers of the reg
aaf Navy. He also demonstrated that it
soud be more economical If administered
N Tie Treasury Department than by the Navy, and
VA the officers and men OF the latter lack that pc
tanar training and experience which would qualify
secin 10 make tho Life-Saving Service successful.
mItox showed the difference between the duties
u asaii0r and a eurfman. He called atteptiOn 70
he iaet that while officers of the revenue marine
~ Of necessity eOastwise sailors those of the Navy
hesW more Of the open sea and foreign waters. He
~ showed that every important Improvement and
Isenton having for is purpose the saving OF NE
~ Decn made by private citizens and IN no single
SSetence By officers Of the Navy. Some passages Of
az Sox speech describing a shipwreck were re-
Ate.Nabe specimens Of vivid descriptive writing.
men Mr. Cox closed, Representatives from both
49, Of the House crowded about him TO congTatu-
~ hil9 On the bfilliancy Of ms speech and the
i1 1ss showed It's appreciation OF IL Dy passing ms