The Portland daily press., 1884-03-06
The Ravanue Marine.

Congressman Long of Massachusetts has
introduced bill, which it is much to be
hoped this Congress will Jake favorable ac-
ton upon, providing retiring list in the
revenue marine service. The committee on
commerce Of the Ia last s. CONGRESS reported
unanimously in favor of a similar bill; but
it was not reached on the caIandar before
the adjournment. The grounds upon which
this measure are favored are such as must
commend it to all who seriously consider the
subject. The revenue marine is distinctly
martial service. Its officers must be gradu-
ates of regular training school, which as
well as the service itself is under strict naval
discipline. Because it is part of the duty
OF this service to aid the Treasury Depart
ment in enforcing the laws against SNUG
ging, there is an idea that it is civil, rather
than naval service. This is mistake.
The officers, as We have said, must be gradu-
ates of a government training school under
naval discipline, they give their lives to Ike
service, and in time of war the service be-
comes part of the regular naval service of
the country, while in time of peace it is
vastly more industrious and servceable.
There is no good reason why It's faithful
officers should not have the benefit of re-
firing list and pension list, as well as the
officers cf the army and navy. But recently
the whole land was thrilled by the heroic, as
heroic as humane, action of Lieutenant
Rhodes. But what if he bad lost his life in
this great act of duty, as imperative dnty
as for an officer of the navy in time of battle
to encounter the peril of shot and torpedo?
There is no pension list for the relief of those
dependent on him. Suppose that, owing to
hardships endured and perils encountered
in the line of duty imposed on him BY the
government, he is permanently disabled and
forced to retire from active seryicep There is
no half pay for him, but he is left stranded
on the shores of life as if the nation were
ungrateful. Suppose he survives until old
age incapacitates him for further duty and
his resignation is asked for? He is turned
adriit 10 wear ont his days as he may. We
speak of him because just now his name Is
conspicuous and serves to illustrate forcibly
the injustice of present conditions.
There are other officers whose service of
their country and of humanity has been
equally fearless and faithful. The constant
and valuable service of this branch of the
nations marine is little appreciated by those
whose attention is not called to the matter
According to the hast report OF the chief of
the revenue marine, it is shown that the SO
vessels of the force cruised 300, 900 miles dur
the year, that more than % 900 vessels were
boarded aud examined, of which number
1900 were seized Dr. reported for violations
of law. pa vessels IN distress we're assisted
whose cargoes were worth nearly 5000, 900
and on board Of which were $500 people.
Sixty persons were actually picked up out of
the water and saved from drowning. Be-
sides being engaged in guarding the coast
against smuggling, in enforcing the neutral
ity laws, it has been efficient In maintaining
peace, suppressing lawlessness, aud protect
ing the fisheries in Alaska, In maintaining
quarantine regulations against yellow fever
aud the cholera, in preventing the over
crowding of passenger steamers and the car
rying of dangerous freight, and In the active
work OF the life-saving service. How does
the service Of the regular naval establish
ment compare with this in industry and
usefulness9 But in addition to these peaceful
duties the officers have rested under the
same military obligations, and been subject |
to the same hazard of war as the officers of |
the navy. All this without the stimulus of |
toshigh and honorable rank, and |
without the encouragement of confidence |
that, in case of disablement, or when for any !
cause they are no longer equal to their Sc
we're duties, they will not be left by a thank
less nation to suffer in poverty dependent on
those whom they ought to support, or upon
the uncertainty of private charity. This
ought not to be so; and we earnestly hope
the discreditable state of things will be rem
edied by the passage of Governor Longs
bill.