New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1904-06-24
rLREpRoOF STEAMBOATS,.

When go intelligent and conservative period
zeal as Engineering News makes the com
bustibIity Of the General SlOCum the chief fac
tor In last weeks disaster, The Tribune reels
that its own recent demand for a radical I'M
provement In the construction of excursion boats
is fully justified. Indeed, II is hard TO see why
most of the precautions which are observed in
the best theatres should not also be taken In the
building OF vessels IN which thousands or per
sons seek pleasure in company. If there is any
difference in the two sets OF conditions, those
surrounding the excursion are the more perilOus.
When the patron of a burning playhouse mas
once got outside of it his safety Is practically
assured. The patron of burning steamboat
though escaping from element may yet
perish in another. The vast majority of the
Slocum's twelve hundred victims lost their lives
by drowning, not by fire.
Those who read the extract made by The
Tribune from Engineering News or have ex-
amined the article from which it was taken,
will have noted with satisfaction that our con
temporary prOnounces fire resisting conStruc-
ton thoroughly practicable. The marine archi-
tect must solve slightly different problems
from those which have been happily disposed
Of by designers of theatres, office buildings and
hotels. Limitations upon the weight of the ma
terials employed are imposed upon him which
can be ignored upon land. The difficulties thus
presented. however, are not regarded as INSURER
able by experts. Engineering News is not
the only authority which can be cited in sup
port of that belief. Lewis Nixon, who Is GER
tainly practical shipbuilder, advocates fire
resisting construction with even greater ear
nestness. No one has yet worked out the de
tails OF the innovation, because the owners of
excursion boats have been content 10 follow
precedent. They must now begin TO realize. II
they have never done before that they
far behind the times. A better type OF archi-
lecture is not only sadly needed. but it is per
fectly feasible. Nothing but brains and push
is needed TO supply it,
To some extent the change may be effected
spontaneously, but the spur OF compulsiOn may
also be required If new boats IN which these
ideas had been embodied were TO be put into
service in competition with any OF the vessels
now doing business in the vicinity OF New York
the effect would quickly be felt. No great
wisdom foresight is necessary TO predict
what that effect would be- The ability 10 ad-
vertise "hreproof steamboats," would prove q
trump card. There is money in the idea for
those who have the courage and sagacity TO
adopt it promptly. Nevertheless. If nobody i'm
proves the opportunity Immediately there would
be great proprlety in the adoption OF official
measures TO hasten the reform. Hitherto the
regulation Of steamboats, has rested with the
national government. 1t is possible that the De
partment of Commerce and Labor will not only
nnd way TO enforce It's rules more vigorously
than hitherto. hut before another season opens
will also impose new requirements. These may
we'll be framed as TO relate TO the materials
and methods employed in the construction OF
the upper works OF a steamboat particularly if
the latter be engaged in the excursion business
No doubt II has occurred to a good many peo-
pie in the last few days that 1t might be desir-
| able to supplement federal supervision with
! local control. lnasnuch ms the former applies
| to the whole country, perhaps the standards
| adnDtAd might not satisfy every locality. New