The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1904-08-17
New York News Letter.

New York, Aug. l3.-By hls open
advocacy OF the model subway saloon.
which was opened and dedicated the
other day by the enthusiastic social
reformer, Bishop Potter has decidedly
8 put his foet in it. - Snch a storm
i OF Indignation as that aroused among
the ultra conservative and religious ele-
ments and the avocates OF prohibition
has never before been witnessed In
tthis city. Thousands of letters and
telegrams have been, sent to Bishop
Potter. scathingly criticizing his ac-
tion and utterly condemning his posi-
toin in the matter. He has been at
tackled In the newspapers and nearly
every minister seems to have consider
ed it his duty TO express his utter dis
approval of the refornatory metnods
of Bishop Potter. While some OF the
critics merely Iidicie the idea OF e!s-
yating the saloon, others see in the
I.plan Of the bishop a direct collision
with the evil powers and influences OF
the dramshop, which cannot out lead
TO the most desnoralizing results. In
the mean time she subway saloon IS
/ doing a land Office business and Bishop
Potter says nothing, but allows this
food of moral Indignation to break
loyer his head. Even among those who
recognize the excellent Intentions OF
Bishop Potter and give him credit for
his courage in undertaking what he
considered right, knowing that it
would arouse a food of opposition,
there are many, who believe that the
great reformer allowed himself to be
carried away by his enthusiasm and
that he made fatal mistake, which
would do a great deal more harm than
good.
The refusal Of the owners of the ex-
| cuysion steamer Grand Republic to
obey the orders Of the federal steam
| boat inspectors, who commanded that
/ the steamer should not be used for car
| r7ing passengers TO Dreamland until
the steamer had been reinspected and
found in proper condition, has reveal
eda peculiar state OF affairs. It has
/ practically demonstrated. that the fed
eral inspectors are powerless to
Eenforce their orders. Although
I the inspectors had sufficient evi-
dence that the equipment OF the
steamer as to fire apparatus, life
Ibelts, etc., was entirely inadequate
/ and not in conformance with che laws,
/ the owners Of the boat continue to en-
ploy the Grand Republic TO transport
passengers to and from Dreamland. Il
1 has been discovered, that, under the
laws the use Of the steamer for trans.
porting passengers cannot be stopped.
All that can bs done is, to bring
charges against the owners OF the
steamer and fine them $500 for each
trip for violating the inspection laws.
IF the owners of the steamer can afford
1 or are willing to pay the fines, they
can keep the boat in commission as
long as they choose.
The .eFidence which partial inspec
tion Of the steamer and Of its equip
4 ment has brought to light, proves sls
criminal carelessness Of the inspectors
who certified, that the Grand Repub
lie was safe and properly equipped
boat. 1t was found that nearly on'
half of the life belts were not filled
Il with cork, but with cotton batting ant
that the latter would not only notsup
4 port weight OF twenty four pounds
but would actually sink on their owl
taccord, after they had been Immersed
& in water fer a few minutes. It wa
i also shown, that the captain had neve
4 held FIRE drill Of his crew and dit
cot even know what signals to give t.
bring the crew on deck in case of fire
4 It was also discovered, that most 0
! the Grehose was SO old and rottel
q that it could not stand the pressuI