New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1904-06-17
NEED OF FIREPROOFING.
LeZc1s NirOn 4dC0cQtes General Use
Of asbestos on Boats.

Lewis Nixon yesterday gave out the following
/ statement IN relation TO Wednesdays catas-
/ trophe:
o, QTt5 SID Of the feelings Of spatay and horror
7 similar accidents future
such as occurred on the siocum. bur the effects
might be greatly minirnized
The great facilities Tor diversion or the waters Of
lew ork-and IN this include the Sound and the
insecurity and dread OF accident would work great
ot1ti- 10 . ne very people TO whom few hours
forward 10 for months
nF1a qieai reg9nstrueton while desirable in
S[1trEnents as 20 future building OF boats must be
question and the old feet this way perpetuated
spread 81 s9dIns striking every one is the rapid
go !. o. names through the great Interrupted
! Geek falcons and spaces.
III me most ordinary factories have metal
2uIKheads or partitions to restrict flames and in
b fe case or such vessels think il only feasible
g++@4uahg nlIed in with asbestos boards, should be
certain the structure in case Of Are They
ee so arranged that they need not obstruct
metal to the top deck or Course this is done in
Nv vessels except those Of the hims!est con-
FIreproof wood Will eventually be used or some
form Of artificial board that IS non-inhammable
ana aechs should be supported by metal framing
nature should be barred. STAFF and pressed steel
There are several ireproof paints and their use
should be obligatory and all hangings should he
The fire service in vogue on many vessels would
Tot receive the unqualified approval Of Chief C-o-
ker but so long as there is steam up 1t should be
poSslole, ana that without such expense as would
make the lack Of 1t appeal to the INSCRIPTIONS, 10
nave ample water at all parts of the vessel.
think gangpanks and ladders. and ladders rolled
UP or in sections. that will let passengers into the
water: instead of having TO jump from heights.
should be devised They might he overCrowded. but
many would be aided as once safely in the water
favor.
Fire mains should be led about the vessels. under
me SUPERVISION Of the city authorities and hre e-
unguishers fitted directed
NO realize till he has tried how little
the ordinary person knows about putting on life
preserver. The health authorities should to IL
t-ach passengers how 20 adjust them. For few
weeks before the summer excursion season opens
there should be men 10 show this same thing on the
recreation piers.
In a short time even women and children would
learn tho use OF such devices and with the know
edge or the use would come feeling Of confidence
that would minimize pancs and certainly
many lives in eUergCuCv.
Life pTeservers should be not only in good cOndi-
high decks. where tail cannot reach them.
Boats and RATS really mean but little in the ser
vice which consider.
The main dangers are fire and sinking due 70 col
lision. We greatly lessen the danger OF sink
SCI below by water tight buIkhends.
The pilots Of local fleet efficient, careful
the best Of their boats and passengers, while
the heroism OF the man who dies at his engines
Is OF the highest.
II that 10 have rounded 20 the vessel on the
shoals north Of the Sunkeu Meadows would have
been the best place or TO have backed the stern
into the shore and held Il there soon as the
fire discovered might have saved many lives.
but why this was not done viii probably be ex-
Were men like Captain Dumon, and Petril given
greater powers they would undoubtedly make life
at sea much safer but even with proper govern
Of local control IN matters affecting the safety and
happiness OF so many Of our citizens