The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1878-04-08

mouse tomorrow notification from General Shields
that ne persmptorty declines the nomination.
THE LOSS or TIE NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS. or THE
INSPECTOR OF STEAMERS FOR THE DISTRICT
OF PHILADELPHIA CRITICISED AND RETURNED
AS UNSATISFACTORY.
Tho report Of the Inspector OF Steamers for the
district Of Philadelphia concerning the loss Of tho
Metropolis, based upon the investigation re-
Gently made into the matter, was received
At the Treasury Department but has been
returned for revision, as II was unsatisfactory II
not unwarrauted IN the conclusions reached Its main
point was nm uncalled for censuro Of tho captain OF
tho vessel, whereas thought by reviewing officials
hero that the primary responsibility rests with the
inspecting officers OF tho Board OF Underwriters and
the assistant supervising inspectors OF steam vessels
at New York. aud that they havo nothing to DO with
the captains culpabilty.
good deal OF blame 10 believed TO be- attached 10
the ship carpenters who made the repairs on The
Metropolis. which were done in such . why In soc.
lions Of tho vessel that the new part added 10 her
above the ~ater line WIS rccursly attached to the
hull OF tho vessel Besides .his The point OF juno
ton, the tmbcrs OF tho oder part were rotten and
hence easily parted when tho ship commenced TO
work In tho trough or tho with tho
crsnk and sn cargo OF railroad iron which
she had. and which, from It's very nature. did not
give with tho motion OF tho vessel whom she
roughly tossed by heavy II is thought that
had her cargo boon composed solely OF passengers
this would not havo been tho and she
might have safely weashsred ordinary storms.
To this extent tho inspection made at
Now YORK aud philadelphia 10 regarded
rs having been warranted giving the Metropolis
certificate OF seaworthincss The Board OF Under
writer's at Now York, who. of course were those
largely Interested In tho vessel had the fullest conf
dcnoo in her safety aud reliability Their inspector
is held Jointly accountable for imperfect inspection
Tho instructions to be given by tho Trcas-
ury Department will point to where the responsi.
bity rests for giving to what regarded now
an unseawor,hy vessel high rate Of Lloyds and
certificate Of thorough inspection whom she should
havo boon bored and closely overhaucd 10 test her
strength and durability The dual examination Of
this principal feature OF the will result, Il Is
thought, in the removal Of officials who RESPONSE
bio for the good rating Of the vessel The report made
by Captain Merriman, OF the Lie Saving Bureau, as
10 tho rottennes OF tho mbers from the wreck does
not meet with concurrence and the recent inspection
OF tho Supervising Inspector General Of tho Treasury
Departm shows that the breaking up Of The vessel
where tho old and newly repaired parts were
joined and tho fragments on tho beach show this
that she generally rotten and had Drokon up
into small pieces Tho sections added, large part
them. werc found. the contrary to be intact There
good deal Of difference Of opinion about the proper
regard In wh!ch to view the main responsibility Tor
the loss Of tho steamer and II s expected that there
will be considerable feeling this point before the
final result WIN DO made known.
A remarkable delay has attended the forwarding
tho report from thu inspector OF steam vessels to
whom tho subjecs OF inquiry has bosn referred.
Secretary Sherman has gone to New York to be
absent until the lat,er part OF the weok. He will
probably give this subject attention while there
and It is rumored will oonsplt freely what
selections will be mado for tho Custom House appoint
ments which, u 10 said 30 be sent In agaio to tho
Senate.