The morning call., 1893-03-05
ENGINEERS ANGRY.
They Condemn Secretary
Fosters Ruling.
AMERICA FOR AMERICANS.
Outspoker Denunciations of the Late
Decision That Engineers Are
Not Officers.

Judging from the universal expressions
Of disapproval of Secretary OF the Treasury
Fosters recent ruling that marine engineers
are not officers, aud that man has only to
Intimate his intention of becoming an
American citizen to be legally such, 1t
would seem that the dis tinguished gentle
man has ma de a serious blunder.
Steamboat captains and inspectors, as
well as the rank and file of marine engi-
neers in this port, are emphatic in their de-
nunciation of the Seeretary's position, and
declare that the matter should be carried to
the supreme Court, where Mr.. Fosters
position, 1t is believed, will be found un-
tenable.
captain Lubbock. who was Cor many years
experimenting inspector of steam vessels
on this coast. condemns the Secretary's ac-
ton as decidedly erroneous. he says the
decision Is against the interests OF the coun-
try and IN direct conflict with the law of the
land. 10 make such q ruling not only the
powers of the President but also those of
Congress itself are involved.
Ihe ex sting law that covers the questions
ID point was passed in August 1884, under
the caption of IAN act to remeye certain
burdens on the American merchant marine
and encourage the American foreign carry
ing trade" 1t distinctly provides that all of
the officers of vessels of the United States
should be citizens of the United States,
with the possible exception of where on a
voyage vessel Is deprived of the services
OF an ofileer below the grade of master. In
such an extremity an alien could serve until
the home port was made again.
But that foreign engineers should be per-
mltted to keep their places on steamers that
have come under the American flag is
thing unheard OF and uninterrupted in this
country before.
Captain John Birmingham, Supervising
Inspector. was equally pronounced. He
was IN rush when seen by a CALL reporter
yesterday. but found time to say: There
are no two ways about this. Marine en-
glneerS are officers and are always recog-
niZed as such, Secretary Foster to the con-
trsry. The honorable gentleman has made
a big mistake"
W. d. Nelson. financial secretary of the
San Francisco Association OF Marine En-
glneers and national vice-pres ident, said
The marine engineers of this port are very
much IN earnest in their opposition TO Sec
retary Foster. His late ruling is positively
without a parallel In this country.
III engineers are not officers why do we
have TO report to inspectors periodically,
and OF what possible use are their certif-
catesp We are held to the Governments
beck and call, and duty Is required of us
officers.
Again, what claim can the Government
have upon aliens in the service? In case of
trouble such people could readily bid de-
lance TO any attempt at dictation, and
serious International complications would
ensue.
SIT is clear violation of existing laws as
TO naturalization, 1t is not enough. accord
ing to the Interpretation of the Supreme
Court, that man indicates his intention of
becoming citizen. He must have natural
Kation papers or other proof Of his citizen
ship.
"A case in hand came under my observa-
ti0n when the act of 1884 was passed,
providing that officers must be American
citizens. Five engineers in this port were
discharged because they could not give
SUFFICIENT proof of their naturalization.
Il knew another instance of a prominent
engineer in Seattle who had only seven
months to go before bis five years would be
up. and yet his license was revoked.
"A man must be an American citizen and
There are GOO of us here and 10000 in the
country. The feeling among these men is
Intense on Mr.. Fosters action"
An old engineer spoke earnestly to a
CALL man last night lie said: 'How can
we be required to report il we are not off
GERS? Why do they oblge us TO take out
iicenses and be so careful about their correct
nsse? We grade exactly as warrant officers
and recognize the claim the Government has
on US. Secretary Foster has erred greatly
In rendering such decision.
And, then, how about the navy? There
all engineers arc ranked as officers. A
captain, commander. and lieutenant-com-
mander all rank with an engineer. The
first assistant engineer ranks with a master,
a second assistant with ensigns and a third
assistant with midshipmen. The Secretary
must have forgotten this"
George Uhler, the marine engineers
national president. is in Washington now
keeping a close watch on developments.
All of the Congressman and Senators of
the West and Northwest have had their
attention called to Mr.. Fosters ruling and
been asked to use their influence to have it
changed.
1t has been deemed wisest to let the mat
ter rest for few days, and instead of car
rying 1t before the Supreme Court look 10
the incoming Secretary of the Treasury for
relief from the present mscnnstructlon.