Delaware gazette and state journal., 1897-07-15
The Passing Of the old rilotponts.

A remarkable instance of the SUR
render of old conditions to make room
for the new order of things, is recalled
by the following editorial from Fridays
issue Of the Philadelphia Ledger:
The pilots of the bay and river Della
ware are to be congratulated upon the
success with which thay have solved
the problem of adapting modern steam
service to the needs of the port of
Philadelphia. They have built at cost
of about $50, 600 the new steam pilot
boat Philadelphia, which Is the latest
construction OF the Neatie a. Levy Co.,
and was yesterday taken out on her
trial trip. She is complete sea. going
steamer, with all the latest improve
ments, of about 300 tonnage and 140 feet
length. She is fitted up to accommo-
date sixteen pilots, ana with her sailing
vessel tenders will begin service next
week of Capes May and Henlopeu, on
the watch to supply pilots to all incom-
ing vessels, With the advantage of her
steam service she Gao quickly move TO
meet an inbound ship, and, at the
same time, is available to take of
pilots from outbound vessels without
delaying voyages. A better and more
enterprising service is expected as soon
as she gets into commission. and this
steam pilotboat meets the wishes not
only OF the pilots but of The shipping
merchants who are gratitied at the
practical solution of the suggestions res
peatedly made to adopt the valuable aid
OF steam In this service at the capes OF
the Delaware The Philadelphia is also
fitted up with powerful pumps and
hoisting engines, so that she can render
aid to disabled vessels, and can, be-
sides. make good speed il necessary,
having yesterday achieved speed Of
sixteen miles an hour ON her trial. All
the pilots OF Pennsylvania, New Jersey
and Delaware who ply their vocation al
our harhor entrance are united in this
enterprise, which 1t is Thought will be
sf great advantage to our commerce, anC
they have the support of the authorities
in their new movement. Their steam
pilotboat is the finest of her class yet
put into service in any part OF tht
world, and reflects great credit on hei
Philadelphia designers and builders.
Steam navigation is no new thing
but it is only within the past year O.
two that the pilots Of the Atlantic
coast have applied it to their purposes
For years after the steamship haC
supplanted the sailing packets, thes
hardy pilots cruised around in thei
staunch little sailing boats, waiting 10
the great ocean liners, which they con
voyed into port. The suhie of atean
pilotboat was discussed frequently o
late years, but, more from sentimen
than anything else, the pilots resolutel,
held on to their sailing craft until th
practical advantages of change coull
no longer be disregarded.
Staunch craft were those old pilot
boats OF mast and sail, and many fon,
memories attach to them. They faith
fully served their time, and more tha
outliyed their usefulness. Now the
are TO be laid aside, and steam drive
boats of ample proportions and pos
sessed of all the modern convenience
are taking their places. There will b
many SINCERE regrets at their displace
ment, but the change was imperativel
noeded and there is not doubt that i
has come to stay.