The Colfax chronicle. [volume] (Colfax, Grant Parish, La.) 1877-1981, 1911-09-30
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service were to apprehend smuggers and pirates.
but 1t is not the less suitable in this age when in
addition to the quest for such enemies Of the law
the revenue cutter organization is obligated to
lend aid to every form of life saving at sea-for
1t IL recognized that the ideal policeman is
charged not only with the duty Of protecting life
and property but also with responsibility for aid
Ing humanity In distress under any circumstances.
The United States revenue cutter service has
had most interesting history. After the freedom
of the American colonies had been won through
the Revolutionary war. the country returned to
peace basis and the continental navy was dis
banded From that time forward there no
force available for the protection of the coasts
and the maritime interests Of the new republic
until there came response to long-felt want
the organization of the revenue cutter service.
This was one of the acts of our first congress.
President George Washington signed the act in
August, $780, and within little more than year
ten vessels were ready for duty. Thereafter for
. period Of nearly years the little feet
formed the only armed force afoat flying the
stars and stripes. and the ships were constantly
engaged In patroling the coastline Of the country
and enforcing its maritime laws. The first op-
pointments of officers in the revenue cutter serv-
ice were made from among those who had served
in the continental navy, and since that time many
mon who prepared themselves for our naval serv-
ice have amended their life plans to the extent
OF taking commissions In tho maritime police
force.
The work Of the revenue cutter service. as de-
fined by the various laws which have been en-
acted on the subject consists in the enforcement
of almost every statute bearing upon the maritime
interests of the nation At the head OF the cate
CORY comes of course. the protection of the Gus
toms revenue and II smuggling In any form is
suspected the revenue cutter officers have the
right of search OF all merchant vessels arriving
within or near the United States or bound for an
American port The suppression of piracy is not
= heavy responsibility any more. but the search
for wrecked and missing vessels is a response
bility which has expanded the other has con-
tracted The enforcement Of the neutrality laws
Is always something of a chore, thanks to the
South and Central American revolutions that are
patched in the United States Another important
task IL found In the enforcement of law and the
protection of property In Alaska. including the
protection Of the seal and other fisheries in Alas
kan water--a form of oceanic patroling which has
been productive Of many exciting episodes in re-
cent years.
The suppression Of mutiny Is another duty dele
eated to Uncle Sans police of the sea, but mu-
tineers alike to pirates have become rather scarce
IN the neighborhood Of Uncle Sans domains In
late years. On the other hand there has been
tremendous increase In the volume Of work re-
uuired In connection with the destruction OF de-
relicts and other menaces to navigation and In
the rendering Of assistance to vessels In distress.