New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1896-03-18
TO ABOLISH COMPULSORY PILoTAGE

TO ABOLISH COMPULSORY PiLoIApc
A BILL FAvORABLY REPORTED FROM THE MER-
CHANT MARINE AND FISHERIES COMMITTEE.
Washington. March II tspeciaD.-The Committee
on Merchant Marine and Fisheries of the House or
Representatives to-day agreed to report with
favorable recommend alton Chairman Payne's bill
10 remove determinations against American sailing
vessels engaged In the coastwise trade or the
United States. The design OF the bill Is to exempt
sailing vessels from the payment OF fees for SER
Vices not rendered by local pilots or required from
them in cases where the masters or mates OF said
vessels hold licenses as pilots from the United States
local inspectors The payment OF compulsory pilot
fees has long been matter or fierce contention on
the par; OF owners and masters OF sailing vessels
engaged In the coistwse trade on the one mana
and local pilots associations and pilots on the other
hand. and several bills have been brought forward
In previous Congresses TO put end to the con-
troversy, but action has been taken. Inc COM
mittee on Merchant Marine and Fisheries took the
subject up early in January and the advocates ana
opponents OF the proposed legislation were invited
to appear and submit their views Both sides were
well and ably represented, and received ample time
and opportunity to present the facts and argu-
ments which they relied.
The bill provides that whenever the master or
mate OF a sailing vessel Of the United States EN-
ployed in the coastwlse trade shall apply for and
receive from the United States inspectors license
as pilot which Is to be for the term OF one year to
pilot any such vessel within the limits prescribed
license.
State other license In addition to that Issued by
the United States be subject TO any other reg
uaton which will impede him in the performance
OF his duties pilot; nor shall any pilot charges
be levied by State municipal authority on any
vessel piloted by him. nor upon any vessel or
the United States employed in the coastwise
trade being towed into or out OF any port OF
the United States by steam vessel under COM
mand of pilot licensed for such port under the
laws OF the United States: and In no case shall the
fees charged for the piloage Of any vessel exceed
the customary or legally established rates In the
State where the same Is performed; Nothing in
this title shall be construed annu or AFFECT any
regulation established by the laws OF any State re-
quirng vessels entering leaving port in any
such State other than coastwise vessels TO take a
plo, duly licensed authorized by the laws OF
such State OF a State situate upon the waters OF
such State" -
Section 3 of the bill provides that: mo regula-
lions provisions shall be adopted by any Stale
which shall make any discrimination In the rate
OF pilotage or half piloIage between vessels sailing
between the ports OF different States. or any dis
elimination against vessels propelled In whole or
In part by steam sail. or against National yes
sells of the United States ana all existing regulations
provisions making any such discrimination are
annulied and abrogated
The act is 10 take effect six months after its
passage The measure will encounter obstinate
resistance In the House, and the prospect OF Its
passage Is somewhat uncertain