The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1909-04-14
REGULATIONS
 PROPOSED FOR
 TILYOU'S BRIDGE
Major Taylor Submits Draft to Yacht Clubs and Others
 Interested.

Harbor Master Charles H. Morris ha S received from Major Harry Taylor major of engineer corps, a copy of the proposed regulations to govern the opening and closing of the draw in the bridge between Steeplechase Island and the mainland. Major Taylor recom- mends that the parties in interest get together. and agree to dispense with regulations.
 the passage of vessels through them is set out below, from drafts furnished by Major Taylor.
 The essence of the proposed regula- tions is that all ''vessels of the United States" are to be allowed to pass inn mediately. All other vessels may pass through in the first ten minutes of every hour, from sunrise until an hour smaller vessels are waiting to pass the draw must be opened for them during the last ten minutes of the hours in the same period.
 Among the parties whom Major Tay- Tor regards as at interest, are the Bridgeport Yacht Club. Park City Yacht Club. Mohawk Yacht Club. Pequonnock Yacht Club, East End Works. Lake Torpedo Boat Co.,. Val voline Oil Company. Hitchcock Gas Engine Company, Miamogue Company c. H. Morris, harbor master; Paul Boy ton, manager SteeplecnaSe 1SldnO, George c. Tilyou, lessee of Steeplechase Island. Capt. J. w. Ferritt, Bridgeport Towing Line.
 Major Taylor says that he has re- the Island that demands have been made upon them to. open the bridge unnecessarily. In some case boats of small size. they claim, have caused the bridge to be opened. and have inmed- lately turned about and come back causing it to be opened again. Ves- sels that have masts which might be easily pnstepped have also compelled the bridge to be opened
 Complaints, on the other hand, Major Taylor states, have been made that the opening of the draw has been unneces- sarily delayed.
 Major Taylor asserts that no penalty will lie against the owners of the bridge until regulations are made. He also defines the law. and says that none can prosecute under the United States laws except the proper officials, although anybody may complain. He indicates. however. that the city may make proper ordinances, to regulate the matter. enforceable by it's officers. govern the opening of the drawbridge connecting Steeplechase Island with the main land, Bridgeport, Conn.,:
 1. The draw shall be immediately opened for the passage of foreign yes sels and "vessels of the United States as defined by Sections 4131 and 4311 of the Revised Statutes at any time between sunrise and one hour after sunset (almanac time) upon a signal given by three short blasts of whis- tie or horn, and at any time between one hour after sunset and runrfse (al- manac time) upon notice to the draw tender given one hour or more in ad- vance of the time the vessel desires to pass through the draw.
 2. For all other vessels which can- not pass the closed bridge, the draw shall. when the above described signal is given, be opened once in the first period of ten minutes in each hour be- tween sunrise and one hour after sum- set (almanac time): Provided that, if three or more vessels of this class are waiting to pass through, the draw shall also be opened once in the fourth period of ten minutes in each hour be tween sunrise and sunset (almanac time) on all days except Sundays.
 3. In case the bridge cannot be inn given, a red flag or ball by day, or a red light by night. shall be conspic- uously displayed.
 Extra from U. s. Revised Statutes, Title l.. Regulations of Vessels in Domestic Commerce:
 Section 4131. Vessels registered pur- suant to law, and no others, except such as shall be duly qualified, accord ing trade and fisheries, or one of them, shall be deemed vessels of the United States, and entitled to the benefits and privileges appertaining to such vessels; but they shall not enjoy the same longer than they shall con- tinue to be wholly owned by citizens and to be commanded by a. citizen of the United States. And officers of vessels of the United States shall in all cases be citizens of the United States.
 Section 4311. Vessels of 20 tons and upwards, enrolled. in pursuance of this title, and having a license in force, or vessels of less than 20 tons, which, al- though not enrolled, have a. license in force, as required by this title, and no others, shall be deemed vessels of the United States.
 U. s. Engineer Office,
 New London, Conn.