New-York tribune., 1884-02-03
MRS. MILLER NOT DEBARRED BY SEX.

AN IMPARTIAL EXAMINATION OF HER QCALIFICA-
TIoNs As MASTER OF VESSEL ORDERED.
WAsHrNGroN, Feb. 2.-Secretary Folger to-day
wrote to the supervising nspectOr-General of Steam
Vessels as follows in regard to the application OF
Mrs Mary A. Miller of New Orleans for license
as the master of steamboat plying on the Ouachl-
ia River: "A woman, Mary A.. Miller by name,
seeks to be licensed as master Of steam vessel
on the inland waters of the United States know
of nothing imperative in the reason OF things, in
natural law, In public policy, or in good morals,
why woman, if she is skilled, honest, intelligent,
hardy and prudent enough, may not have command
of steam vessel, and navigate it, and manage and
conduct the business carried on with it. 10 do
that is TO be q master of steam vessel. There is,
however, statute law upon the subject
4" The United States Revised Statutes, SectionNo.
443S says That the Board of Local Inspectors
of Steam Vessels shall license and classify the
masters of all steam vessels; and that it is unlaw-
full for any person to serve as muster on any
steamer who is not thus licensed Section No.
T. 439 says That whenever any person applies to
be licensed as master of steam vessel the Inspector
shall diligently inquire as to his character, and ex-
anime the proofs which he presents and ii they are
satisfied as to his character, etc. ETC., shall grant
him license to serve as MASTER Doubtless these
sections speak in the masculine gender. III II Dc
Sald that, therefore,, 90 hob contemplate luo
licensing of person feminine, it is no more techni-
cal and close to reply that they are statutes in
derogation of the common law, by which,
or not in cOntravention of which,
any person, whether female or male,
NAV paddle her or his cauOe, or steer or con-
duct her or his own vessel under sail or driven by
steam. Being in derOgation of the common law,
these statues to be strictly construed. If then.
the power to license being couched in the masculine
gender they do not permit the licensing of person
of the feminine gender, SO the prohibition against
serving as master, being couched in the masculine
gender does not inhibit person of the feminine
gender.
"But am not crowded close to the wall as that.
1t has been held by courts that statutes which speak
of males as of pes and confer personal privileges,
include females las peeressesl though only
males are mentioned; but still nearer to the
heart of the matter:-The United States Revised
Statues Section No l, gives definitions, and
says: That words mputing the masculine
gender may be applied TO females;
so that Section No. 49, when il speaks that it Is
unlawful for any person To serve as master on any
steamer who is not licensed, means and says That 10
is az unlawful for q woman as man 10 serve WIN"
ont license, but Inasmuch as Its language Is
negative pregnant, it is quick with the implication
mav naF thus MS1 serve. e. and Section No. 435 when il
speaks, that whenever any person applies to be
licensed the Inspectors shaH diligently inquire as
10 his character etc, ETC., means any person, fe-
male or male, and her as well as his character, etc.,
etc.
TIE sECRETARY's CONCLUSIONS.
81 see no reason then, in unwrtten or in written
law why Mistress Miller may not lawfully demand
an examination, and if she prove herself duly quail
fed have license to serve as a master of steam
vessel Nor is there need of talk pro or con- on So
cial status, or Woman's Rights so called. Having
heen mt on Gods footstOOl by Him, she
has therght to win her bread, in any moral decent
way which is open to any of His toilmg creatures
She chooses To do so as the master ofa steam vessel
III is an honest calling If she is fitted for IT though
clothed in skirts rather than breeches, she mas q
right TO follow it, end no man should say her nay;
6Let the locallnspectOrs. putting behind the mall
Thought of her sex, without antagonism and with
ont nartiaity make dIligent inquiry to her char
Scfer carefully examine her and the proofs she Of
fers and if they satisfied that her capacity her
experience her habits of life and character, war
rant belief that she can be safely intrusted with
theduties aud responsibilities Of master of steam
vessel, let them grant her license, according TO
Section No. 4,430.p