The Honolulu republican. [volume] (Honolulu, T.H.) 1900-1902, 1901-09-29
A steeraue Autocrat.

The recent arrest OF Ernesto Sapelli. a
steerage steward OF the French steamship
Ia GascOgne, on the charge OF attempting
10 bribe boarding officer Of the immi-
grafton bureau FOR the purpose of land
ing a half hundred undesirable immi-
grants has led 10 a searching investiga-
ton Of the records of the steerage stew
ards Of other transatlantic lines. 1t Is
believed that the frauds practiced by
some of these men are widespread and
that thousands Of deformed and diseased
foreigners have been put ashore who have
eventually become charges on public char
ity. There are probably few readers who
realize the power Of the steerage steward.
IL Is almost impossible for one who has
not made an ocean trip as a third class
passenger to know the full scope Of this
officers duties. and what opportunities
he has FOR exercising almost absolute
dominion over the crowds in the steerage
A college graduate who recently went to
Europe in the steerage because of slel-
DER purse, and also 10 study the class Of
people who travel between the decks.
told a reporter yesterday of his expert
ence with the steerage steward. as fol-
lows:
More than half an hour before the
ship started from her pier in North
river the sieerage passengers were or
dered down in their compartments. There
was n grand rush FOR hunks Each tried
To secure one near a port hole and rs
there were % hunks in sleeping
room. ventilated by only one port hole. il
stretched on four shelves. six hunks to a
shelf and four shelves TO room. was
behind time in fighting for bed and con-
seQuently found myself with a bunk on
the under row, more than ten feet from
the port hole. The steerage steward saw
nay disappointment and said
You're too slow but Il you want a
better bunk I might get You one
The word might was hint enough,
accordingly I slipped quarter into his
hand. The steward then promptly evict-
I'd a huge Finlander who had pre-emnted
a port hole bunk. with the words. Get
out this is taken He then moti0ned me
20 take possession. which I did.
''On the royage nay appetite frequently
regelted against the diurnal sunny OF
oatmeal and black coffee. which was called
breakfast. One day I noticed upon com
ing into the mess room an hour after
the meal there were several Of the pas
sengers eating steak and eggs. I noticed
that the steward had taken from each a
coin In return. After that l had steak
every morning. for which I paid twenty
tive cents or more eech time. The steward
said be paid half Of L to the cook When
ready % land at the European port the
steward came % me and ssids
Are yop going back on this hoatF
Don't know. said hat why Dc
you ask
He then told me that II would cone
ahOsrd the ship the day before she
sailed he would stow me away and keep
ne out Of sight until the ship WAS well
cut % sea. lie would pat me nnier
cover when the ship was near port and
let me ont the day after the shin landed.
- one Of his friends who had come
aboard to SEE him. Ee said that h4
looked our Tor half aosen men like that
on each voyage. and chat most Of the
Passengers with whom I had had break-
fast Were 'sFnuEeierS as he called theni
it is said that 6y such means many
sharp -gittea stetrags steward has ~
tired from bis niace o. q coranetoncy af-
Ter Ten years q seryice. .s-N. y. Sun.