Macon beacon. [volume] (Macon, Miss.) 1859-1995, 1911-09-15

service were to apprehend smugglers and pirates.
but it 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
it Is recognized that the ideal policeman Is
charged not only with the duty of protecting lie
and property, but also with responsibility for aid
Ing humanity in distress under any circumstances.
The United States revenue cutter service has
had a most interesting history. After the freedom
of the American colonies had been won through
the Revolutionary war, the country returned TO a
peace basis and the continental navy was dis
banded. From that time forward there was no
sea force available for the protection OF the coasts
and the maritime interests OF the new republic
until there came as a response to a 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, 1890, and within little more than a year
ten vessels were ready for duty. Thereafter for
n. period Of nearly seven years the little Meet
formed the only armed force afoat flying the
stars and stripes, and the ships were constantly
engaged in patroling the c~oastline 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
men who prepared themselves for our naval serv-
Ice have amended their life plans to the extent
of taking commissions in the 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
-rory 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
a heavy responsibility any more, but the search
for wrecked and missing vessels Is a RESPONSE
biHty which has expanded as the other mas con-
rracted The enforcement of the neutrality laws
IA always something of a chore, thanks to the
South and Central American revolutions tnat are
matched In the United States. Another important
task ia found in the enforcement OF law and the
nrotection of property In Alaska, including the
detection Of the seal and other fisheries In Alas
Van water-a form Of oceanic patrol1ng winch mas
been productive Of many exciting episodes IN TO
The suppression of mutiny is another dnty dele
~atsd tn Uncle Sans police OF the sea, out mu-
tipeers alike to pirates have become rather scarce
A the neighborhood of Uncle Sans domains III
80 wars On the other hand there has been q
tremendous increase in the volume OF Work TO
ar,red in connection with the destrucuon Oh ue-
4u,..s and other menaces to navigation and In
~. rendering of assistance to vessels In distress