The Washington times., 1904-06-19
SUNDAY. JUNE 10. 1904.
Steamboats, and Fines

AS indicating the sort of pressure
that is brought to bear on public Off
Gals to warp them from the straight
path of duty, the following letter is of
much interest, especially at this time,
when the public mind is occupied
with charges and cOuntercharges fol-
lowing the General Slocum disaster.
The letter was written on May %,
1903, by r. B. Armstrong, Assistant
Secretary of the Treasury, TO a
United States Senator who had asked
for the reduction or remittance of the
fine imposed upon a steamboat for
violating the law
Il may be noted that during the
four months. from March 4 to July l,
1903. when the business of fining
steamboat companies was under Mr..
Armstrong; charge, twelve fines were
imposed. or nearly one a week. The
fine was usually $3.50
Besides showing the diligence of the
official. the figures also show the ex-
tent to which the laws were being
violated. The bureau is now a part of
the Department of Commerce and
Labor
Mr.. Armstrong; letter is as fol-
lows:
think that you viii agree with me that the
only way 20 enforce the law and make it re-
srccied IS 70 do II impartially. and IN way
that viii be altogether deterrent in other cases.
II were 10 further reduce the fine, or remit IL
altogeth = knowledge Of that fact would in ,he
very nature % things be brought to the attcn-
tion Of n ? p in men. The particular circum-
stanc n this case would ,c lost sight Of. and
the eStenuating circumstances could not well
lie explained 10 everyone and the assumption
would Immediately be that the department at
Washington was not fairly and squarely en-
forcing the law against all offenders
have in the past few weeks declined TO remit
fines similarly imposed upon a number Of YES
sells on the Atlantic seaboard. although impor-
tuned 10 do SO by some Of your colleagues
While recognize that in some cases an appar-
en-; injustice may be done, believe that n,
greatest good TO the greatest number will be Sc
cured by the vigorous enforcement Of the law
and the ezaction Of penalties FOR each infrac
ton.
The Steamboat Inspection Service, while Il is
sues certificate. practically issues an insuranc,
policy to people who boats II an iusur
srce policy on a mans house expires and calam
fly follows. he pays the penalty Of entire loss
And So with the vessel owner whose certificate
is allowed TO lapse. he should be required 70 OBJ
serve the law.
0Fersonally. should like very much TO compl,
with your request. and have no doubt that tn
facts, so far as the character and standing o
the company and its previous record arc con
cerned, exactly as represented. The YER
fact that you take interest ursought 10 writ
50 earnestly in his behalf is a sufficient guaran
tee Of the merits Of his plea.
But in view OF the several thousand vessel
whose inspection certificates are the only guar
antee Of safety that the travelling public has,
find il Necessary TO insist upon a vigorous On
forcenent Of the law, that may not som
day waken TO realize that directly or indirectl
have been responsible through laxity in IN
enforcement Of penalties for some terrible los
OF life.
This remarkable letter not only set
forth a worthy example of public dut,
cOnscientiously performed when i
took courage not to give ground be
fore arrogant influence. but it ais
proves the existence of a most la
mentable lack of ethical principle an
sense Of responsibility in some me-
who stand as representatives of tn
people.
If a company is unjustly fined
there are ways of legitimate appeal
ing from that fine and of securin
Justice through the courts Of justice
To attempt 70 secure the remittanc
OF a fine through the meretriciou
avenue of private pull is tacitly TO &C
knowledge that the fine is deserved.