New-York tribune., 1905-01-24
FOR BETTER STEAMBOAT INSPECTION
Eight Bills Based on Slocum Commissions
Recommendations introduced in House.

washington Jan. 23-Representative Grosvenor,
chairman OF the House Committee Merchant
Marine and Fisheries. to-day introduced eight bills
submitted by Secretary etcalf in accordance with
the recommendations in the report Of the Slocum
investigating commission for the improvement Of
the steamboat inspection service by amending ex-
listing laws
The first bill proposes an amendment establish
ing an executive committee of the board Of super
1isng inspectors with power TO amend the rules of
the steamboat inspection service, TO be approved
by the Secretary of Commerce and Labor IN the
interim between meetings Of the full board.
The second provides for permanent salaries of
inspectors defines the authority Of assistant in
spectors and authorizes the Secretary Of Commerce
and Labor TO detail assistant inspectors from one
port to another. as the service may require
The third includes assistant inspectors among
those prohibited from having pecuniary interests in
vessels or patented articles brings motor boats Of
over fifteen tons under the general penal provi-
sions ana provides alternative OF suspension OF
license instead OF revocation, in case licensed
officer shall unreasonably refuse TO serve. The use
of a system for introducing carbonic acid gas or
other fire extinguishing gases or Vapor into the
holds of vessels an alternative Tor steam Is al
lowed Details as to coverings required lor paled
cotton hemp are left TO be determined Dy Iesu-
latfons. The collector OF customs IS required 70
see that the certificate OF Inspection rs on on poatG ,
before granting papers 70 a NesSe % Iid -IY -, fb
are brought under the collision rues apPea 70 ne
led River of the North and the tributaries OF the
T;fa fourth provides amendments making inspec
4ions al least once year compulsory, whether or
not application for inspection is made: exeInpts @
vessels from inspection while out OF coInnnSslol'
makes effective inspectors condemnation OF de-
fective equipment gives inspectors power 10 stop a
zesseI violating provisions of law by revoklng her
certificate and requires one life preserYer or noat
Tor each person on board. This bill aims 10 pro
15se an ADEQUATE penalty for any one wlltuly
rnsnufa acturng or selling defective nfe-preserVlng
sI,pliances Term charters made liable, as well
As owners ana the DILL makes crlmlnally respon-
eihe such officers and directors of corporation as
sra r-iIfi,lly and knowingly guilty of misconduct in
The TnanageInent OF vessel whereby lives are dkl-
oangered. -.., g.. .o.,,.os
10 regulations.
and propelled by machinery shall be deemed steam
vessels.
The seventh gives local inspectors power. under
direction of the Board of Supervising Inspectors
end the Secretary of Commerce and Labor, TO de-
terrnne the number Of licensed officers and crew 10
be carried any passenger vessel, subject 10 the
inspection law. and allows appeal TO the Secre-
tary.
The eighth provides for a committee on marine
construction, TO be composed OF experts, ana 10
consider the general subject of construction or
steam vessels. with view 10 the relation OF that
construction TO the safety OF life.