The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1913-10-24
'SEAMAN'S BILL"
PASSED BY SENATE
Favorable Action Follows Debate
characterized by Unusual
Proceedings.

Washington, October 23-The Ia
foiletto substitute for the "seaincn's
servituda BILL" amended SO that &c VIII
not affect the treaty relations of tho
United States until the President has
been given an opportunity to rcadjust
them. to-day passed the senate at the
end OF 4 debate that was characterized
by unusual proceedings
In tho end, tho debate became an
eulogy or Andrew Fcruseth president
OF the Sdamcn's Union, lauded as the
man chiefly responsible for the pas
sage OF tho bill. Mr.. Feruseth. who
had sat In 4 Senate gallery throughout
me debate. was declared by Senator
ltafollette Republican), and Senator
williams (DemocraD. to have worked
IN Washington for many years, ut a
seaman 8 pay to get legislation
through Congress Improving the work
ing conditions OF his fellow sailors.
senator Fletcher. chairman OF the
subcommittee that had charge OF the
preparation Of the seamans bill. de-
cared the measure. as passed by tho
senate to-day. would accomplish thrce
important shipping reforms:
me giving OF greater freedom TO
seainen' the promotion OF greater
SAFETY Tor passengers ana crews at
sea. and the equalizing Of the wage
costs in operating vessels and foreign
Differs From Original Bill
The LaFollette substitute dInercd ~
many respects from the original bill.
"hich passed both houses OF Conpress
'"st winter, but which did not meet
win the approval OF President raft.
us chief provisions would REQUIRE
improved working quarters and work
.ns co'oi,iohs on ships; increase the
reforms FOR safety appliances and CT
hciency Of sailors; release sailors fron,
some OF the present stringent rcrula-
tiohs that compel them to remain With
SHIPS when in foreign ports: and would
, s,cuFc the abroga'ion of any treaties
.nat prohibit the enforcement OF the
provisions against foreign sh,ps
coming TO American ports
Efforts By Senator Burton and Sena-
( tof Sacon TO amend the bin to-day
failed.
Senator La Toilette closed the dcba.e
on the measure with an attack on =
!. Chamberlain United States Com
missioner of Navigation. who, he said.
| ought 10 be removed. He declared Mr.
Chamberlain has held office since
PRESIDENT Cleveland's administration
by trimming and turning and twist
I ing but that all of his reports showed
mat his recommendations mt into the
| interests OF the ship owners" Sena-
tor La Toilette also charged that Con-
sress and the legislative department OF
NC Eo'r' HH'eHt ilau Tor years shown
Il subsurviency to the shipping inter
ests"
The act is TO take effect as to all
vessels OF the United States ninety
| days after It's passage aud TO all for
cign vessels twelve months after it's
passage with an amendment agreed TO
at the suggestion OF Mr. La Toilette:
Except that such parts hereof AS are
In conflict with articles OF any treaty
or convention with any foreign nation
shall take effect as regards the vessels
of such foreign nation on the cxpira-
ton or the period fixed in the notice
OF abrogation of said articles. az pro-
Nidcd in section Il of the act
1t is believed the bill will be agreed
/ to by the House.