Union County courier. [volume] (Elk Point, Union County, D.T. [S.D.]) 187?-1913, 1885-12-16
THE MARINE SERVICE.
STEAMBOAT INSPECTIONS,


The steamboat inspection service on the soth
day OF June, 1885, was composed OF no persons,
including officers. clerks and messengers. The
expenses of the service over the receipts were
SIS, ss2, 227 during the fscal year. The special
inspection of foreign steam vessels organized un-
der the law of 1889 was maintained during the
year at an Expense of Ss6, 6lI, $40. Since the close
Of the fiscal year reductions have been made in
the force employed, which will result in a saving
during the current year of 81, 900 without affect
ing The efficiency of the service.
during the fiscal year Al, ia patients have received
relief Through the marine hospital service. OF
whom l2,ss were treated in hospitals and 2s,9ll
at dispensaries. Active and effective efforts have
been made through the medium of this service to
protect the country against an invasion Of chol-
era. which has prevailed in Spain and France,
and the smallpox which recently broke ont in
Canada.
The most gratifying results have attended the
operations OF
THE LEE. SAVING SERVICE
during the past fiscal year. Tbs observance Of
the provision of law requiring the appointments
OF the force employed in the service to be made
solely with reference to their fitness, and with
out reference to their political or party a~fiilis-
tons, " has secured the result which may conf
IDENTITY be expected in any branch OF public en-
ployment where such. a rule is applied. As q
consequence THE service is composed of men well
qualihed for the performance of their dangerous
and exceptionally important duties. The number
of stations in commission at the close Of the
s ssaT e wsf s 81 al h lRin nS% %ifhi 1' t d,ssst ssld to OF y .et;on
was 81. The number OF persons endangered IN
such disasters was :. 80, Of whom 2,42s were saved
lied. though not by disasters TO shipping. were
also rescued and q large amount Of property was
saved through the aid OF this service. The cost
Of its maintenance during the year was $685.
47i.4s.
TIE woR OF THE COAST " GgoDrTIc
SURVEY
was, during the last hscal year. carried on
within the boundaries and of the coast of thirty.
two states. two territories and the District Of
Columbia. In July last certain IRREGULARITIES
bureau; WHICH led TO prompt Investigation Of its
methods. The abuses which were brought to
OF duty and the interests Of the government de-
yeloped On the part OF some Of those connected
with the service, made y change Of superinten-
Since the bureau has been in new handle the in
PRODUCTION of economies and the application Of
business methods have produced an important
useful results. This service has never been
regulated by anything but the most indefinite
legal enactments and the most unsa,isfactory
rules. ii was many years ago sanctioned
for a purpose regarded as temporary and related
to a survey Of oar coasts. Having gained u place
gradually taken to itself powers and objects not
contemplated in its creation. and extended its
operation until 1t sadly needs legislative attsn-
ton.
So far a. . further survey Of our coast IL
concerned. there seems to be no propriety In
transferring that work to the navy department..
The cther duties now in charge Of this estab-
lishment, IL they cannot be prohtshly attached
to some existing department or other bureau.
should be- prosecuted under a law exactly detn-
ing their scope and purpose, and with q careful
discrimination between the scientific impurities
which may properly be assumed by the govern
ment and those which should be undertaken BY
the etate authorities OF by individual enterprise.
II is hoped that the report OF the congressional
cosamittee heretofore appointed to investigate
this AMI other like matters will aid in the &C.
complishment of proper legislation on this sub
ject,