New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1894-06-27
OTERLOIDEO Bolts.


TUG which cap.izcd OH Sandy Hook on Sunday
may never be precisely determined. but that 1t
/ considerably exceeded The number which the
vessel was licensed to carry is practically
proved In fact the youthful captain, who is
naturally enough endcavorlng to cXculpate him
self admits that there were at least sixty per-
sons on board and thereby establiShe, case
/ against somebody inasmuch rs fifty was me
lawful limit. But testimony which is stronger
than his seems 70 show beyond doubt that his
estimate is much too low. The probability is
that not fewer than eighty persons were ON the
lanes d. Nicol. and that about forty lost their
lives. The Inspector cf Steam Vessels will be-
gin an investigation to-day, and he ought -
make il thorough one.
II is impossible, perhaps. for the authorities
having jurisdiction in such cases 10 exercise Il
supervision over the great fleet Of pleasure boats
i'm New-Ycrk waters minute enough 10 prevent
frequent violation OF the law. Al any rate, the
law is frequently violated. and the penalty Is
seldom exactcd for the reason that serious dis
astcrs are few. But when wllfu disObedicncc
IS revealed. as in this instance by IT'S conse-
Quences II Is Just and necessary that an eX-
ample should be made Of the delinqucnts. There
is apparently no other way 10 inspire respect
for legal and proper regulations. The captain
Of the foundcrcd tug asserts that his passengers
were victims Of tn ir own carclessneSs; that
they crowded together on the port side under
the lee OF the dcckhouse to avoid the drenching
spray and paid no attention TO him when he
begged them TO trim the boat II Is altogether
probable that they were frightened and uncon-
trollabe They had good reason for fear, and
II is by no means certain that they could have
obeved him. even If they heard and compre-
hcrdcd his injuncons. Under such conditions
as prevailed Just before the accident Il small
tugboat. with her low deck awaSh and only
narrow passage along the rail. is not only an un-
comfortable but an extremely unsafe craft.
Her passengers. inevitably and without fault of
their own find themselves in an awkward and
alarming situation and in need Of more cool
ness and intelligence than they can reasonably
be expected 10 possess. Many OF them in this
case are alleged to have been intoxicated.
though survivors deny the charge; but II they
were. their condition Is not the most important
feature Of the case.
The point which needs to be most rigidly in
vcStigatcd after the question Of overlooking has
been settled is the captains conduct. II was
his business 10 protect the irresponsible persons
under his charge from tho possible consequences
Of folly and ignorance by keeping his boat In
safe water. He had ample warning 81 danger
and time enough 10 avoid H. II began 10 blow
hard on the New,Jerscy coast at about 1890
o'clock on Sunday morning The change OF at
mosphcrlc conditions was remarkably sudden
II is true but the violence OF the wind steadily
increased. and every man m 90 navigate boat
knew that n nasty sea would follow. Yet 1t was
not until two hours later. by his own testimony
that the captain weighed anchor and ran for
the Horseshoe II VS. his duty 10 know how
unstable his boat WAS and 10 avoid all risks, In
Guiding the risk which the condition Of his pas
scngers involved. II, as he says. many OF them
were fuddlcd with beer There are positive
charges Of neglect and something worse against
him. which should be proved ref'lted AZ the
Investigation But ms tho matter stands now. he
has made ont worse case against himself than
against those who depended upon his skill and
care.
First OF all, however. II Is essential Ia know
whether or not there were moro persons aboard
the tugboat than she was licensed 70 carry
II there were so many more rs 10 show n wilfu
and reckless violation Of the law. those rcspon
slble ought TO be severely punished All obsery
Ing persons are convinced that offences Of that
sort are exceedingly common and that nothing
but rigorous action against proved offenders
will stop them.