The Washington times., 1894-06-18
WRONGS OF POOR JACK.
DR.. Kent Writes of the Evils Under the
chinpir,g Act nf QQ0

| DR.. Kent Writes of the Evils Under the
Shipping Act of 1890.
To THE EDITOR: The seamen OF the world have
| always been a much-abused class Government
| on board ship must, in the nature Of the case
be despotic, and despotism will be kind or cruel,
according to the character of the despot.
Formerly the master of a vessel had almost
| unlimited and irresponsible power over the
lives of those under him, but the growth of the
humanities during the last century has brought
even TO the sailor considerable degree OF relief
and protection.
Unfortunately, however, owing In part prob
ably TO the small number of our citizens who
now lead seafaring life, the United States has
not kept pace with other countries in this kind
of protective legislation. AT least, as late as
1890. 1t took step backward in this matter,
passing an act entailng upon the American
seamen hardships and cruelties unknown in
modern times among those of other nations. 1t
is quite probable that our Congressman were
entirely innocent OF any intention TO wrong poor
Jack, though certain that those who asked this
legislation saw clearly the injury to him as we'll
as the benefit TO themselves involved in their
scheme
From 1874 to August Ie 1890 seamen engaged
in the coast trade were free 10 contract with
shipowners under the ordinary conditions OF
civil contracts established by general laws.
But in 1890 an act was passed at the instance of
certain shipowners putting the coast trade under
the jurisdiction of the United States Shipping
Commissioners Now, the act of 1872 providing
for these commissioners, applied originally TO
all American merchant vessels. II determined
the rights and privileges of seamen shipping
under that act, as well as the penalties they were
TO suffer for violation of contracts made under
its provisions 1t guarded the rights both of the
shipowners and the seamen.
But, for some reason. IL was not satisfactory to
those owners engaged in the coast trade, and
they induced Congress, in 1874, to exempt this
trade from its provisions.
Subsequently, as We have seen, these same
owners came to Congress TO have the Jurisdiction
of the Shipping Commissioners extended again
to this coast carrying trade, and Congress- al
At1 1fsvr,n tRNf.
and ready to trust to their honor and good faith
did Just what they wanted.
What they wanted, and what Congress did,
was TO put all seamen shipping through the
commissioners under the penalties of this gen.
eral act bI-t to leave them outside OF all pro-
visions guarding their rights ana privileges.
The owners got all the advantages of the act
and the seameu all the disadvantages Still. as
ii was optional with the seaman to ship under
the general law, as before, or through the COM
missoners, Congress saw no danger to Jacks
liberties in the new bill But as soon as these
sharp owners got the legislation they wanted.
they proceeded at once TO combine, agreeing TO
employ no seamen except under the provisions
of this act.
This left the poor sailors the option in rather
dilapidated condition. lie was at liberty, of
course-provided he wasn't kidnaped-to refuse
to ship, and TO starve if he wanted to: but If he
shipped at all, he must ship on their terms.
Under this law of 1880 he is subject TO a fine of
one days pay for every hour of tardincss in
boarding the ship after the time agreed upon in
the articles.
If the vessel in which he engages is wrecked
he has no claim under his contract against the
owner.
Desertion in domestic port is punishable with
three months imprisonment and forfeiture of
clothes and wages. That is for the violation of a
civil contract, which in any other department of
industry would only subject him 10 damages.
He may for three months be deprived of his lib
erty, and IL he combin with others of the crew
in this violation of contract his imprisonment
may be extended to twelve months
If he fails to report for duty at the time ap-
til the time fixed for the departure of the vessel.
when he shall be placed on board of the vessel
and compelled TO pay the cost of imprisonment
out Of his wages.
His master may arrest him without a warrant
simply by charging him with desertion, or being
absent from his vessel And. any person har-
boring or secreting seaman that has shipped
under this act, is liable TO fine of $40 for every
day he affords such harbor or protection.
This legislation passed in 1890 is ply re-
production in spirit of the old fugitive slave
law, and Is a running disgrace to the American
Congress. 1t has simply allowed itself TO be
made the tool, blindly and unwillngly l doubt
not, OF the most rascally and INSCRIPTIONS
crowd the country could produced. The cheek
and gall of these men may be further seen in
the fact that Under this act the whole burden of
enforcing all penalties and forfeitures imposed
upon seamrn by this act. must be borne by the
United StaSes government, while the burden of
enforcing the rights of the seamen must be borne
by themselves.
Is not this good subject for some keen and
searching editorial pen? And would not the
humane society do well to interest itself in the
matter?
The brutalities inflicted on the American sea-
men under this act simply appalling. They
are already of record in the of the country
in considerable numbers. though il is less than
four years since this law was passed.
1t Is high time that the humane element of
this country utter its vigorous protest against |
such vicious legislation and demand the passage |
of a bill guaranteeing to the seamen at least |
that degree of protection vouchsafed by other
nations. ALEX. KENT.