Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1895-12-12
BOILER INSPECTION.
To the Editor of the Register.


Sir:-SOme time since an article ap-
peared in an evening paper (Which, by
the way. would not publish fac-simile
of this article), signed by Inquirer"
asking for the meaning Of n. A. S. Z.
and a few other pertinent questions.
We will endeavOr to enlighten Mr..
Inquirer" and request first a perusal
of our preamble, which reads thus, as
adopted in national convention, at St.
Paul. Mimi, September Sd TO 9Th. 1895:
This association shall at no time be
used for the furtherance Of strikes, or
for the purpose Of interfering in any
way between its members and their
employers in regard to wages; TecOg-
nizing the identity OF interests between
employer and emplOye, and not cOun-
tenancing any project that will inter-
fere with perfect harmony between
them. Neither shall is be used for
political or religious purposes. It's
meetings shall be devoted 10 the bust
ness of the association, and at all times
preference shall be given to the educa-
ton of engineers and to securing the
enactment OF engineers license laws. in
order to prevent the destruction Of life
and property in the generation and
transmission Of steam as a motive
power"
The initials. n. A. S. E.. stand for
National Association Stationary En-
gineers, and represents the sentiments
of the majority Of engineers in the
United States.
Inquirer" asks: Would it pay to
make another Office namely, the il
spectors0. We say, Yes. most emphat-
ically and statistics show that it is
highly beneficial; why wait for an ex-
plOSiOn to demonstrate what the build
ing trades learned at Thirteenth and
Main streets last spring? In that
wreck you have an almost identical
disaster to the Detroit explosion, but
from different causes, but the loss would
pay an inspectors salary for fifteen
years or more, not to mention safety to
the public by having a law allowing
only competent men in charge of boil
ers, and drunkenness or other insubor-
dination to the inspection rules a cause
for revoking the license.
inquirer does not think it necer
sary for men to 90 through a mecnan-
ical school in order to operate steam
boilers safely. We admit the truth Of
this assertion: nor would men be re
Quired to, but to have sufficient knowl-
edge of steam apparatus to handle il
safely, and under the supervision Of
an inspector qualified to know what
safety demands
The inspectorship should not be
liable to the changes or whims of poll
tics. but be governed by strict at
tendance of duties, fair and IMPARTIAL
in all things pertaining to the Office.
When this is done and none but IL
censed men have charge of steam boil
ers carrying high pressure. will the
safety Of the public and the great losses
OF life and property cease.
The United States inspection service
stands as an example, and where it was
formerly a common occurrence on the
water, at present is an exception. and
could not have lived had it been in
adequate to the demand.
inquirer says these troubles
could be remedied by the employer"
we beg leave to differ with him.
suppose an engineer had been dis
charged for negligence, and among the
applicants was one selected who had
numerous letters showing his good be-
haYior and obedience, and yet was me-
chanlcally unable to handle the pOei-
tlon safely, and allowed to remain for
ms obedience. etc, sake: right there is
a menace to life and property. And
again, man no better in anv respect
than the first one may be selected and
cause an explosion before the EMPLOYER
Is able TO judge Of his Standing, where
as II engineers are required to pass an
examination as to their ability and de-
pertinent the license certificate will be
proof OF the man. and not like most
testimonials, manufactured for the oc,
casion.
II viii not only be a benefit to one
class, but TO all; the public in safety.
the employer in good service. and the
employees in acting as a stimulous. to
educate themselves and show their I'M
doubted ability, by a certificate from
the inspector.
Examination fees would nearly re-
munerate the inspector. making only 2
very small amount Of expense. depend
ent on the city
(Sisned)
WHEELING NO. I. ". A. s. e.
H,v,,,,st.--