The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-07-26


 
 of steel throughout. Her run between Chicago and St. Joseph is approxi- mately 50 miles, which she will make or an average of three hours and 10 minutes. She is at no time in excess of one hour and 3S minutes from shore, and at all times on her run is within 10 to SO minutes of all steamers. As- sistance in case of trouble could read fly be secured from other steamers and the ports of Chicago, Michigan City, Milwaukee. St. Joseph and South> Ha- yen.
 q sincerely believe it will be impos- sible to operate this boat under the seamens law and make expenses. This will naturally affect the stock and the bonds and in the case of a great many companies will render their bond is- sues practically worthless.
 Duty to Observe Law
 T realize, as you state that it Is your duty merely to enforce the law. but I have taken the liberty of stating to you that we specifically object td that portion of this law relative to life equipment. able seamen and certifi- oated lfeboat men and give the req sons therefor in answer to your above questions.
 To this Secretary Redfeld replied July h, expressing appreciation of the frankness of Mir. Hull's letter in giving details of the operation of the East land. Secretary Redfield wrote
 'I note that this Is a steel. sum- mer service boat. running from June 12 to September s, during which pe- 1lod 1t is under present rules per- mitted to have lifeboats and rafts for 90 per cent of all on board (of which U per cent may be rafts) and life pre- servers for everyone carried.
 This has been permitted from May to october on the Great Lakes because CT the fine weather Under these con- ditions you are licensed to carry 2570 f25o0 passengers-70 crew) and have lfeboats and rafts for but I'll. with life preservers for all. You mention that your vessel is at times in excess of an hour from shore Cat mid-lake 1 hour and 35 minutes) and that she Is at times within half an hour or more away from other steamers. You say at all times is within 10 to 80 minutes of steamers
 our position is. therefore one in which the case of serious accident you might be at least a half hour from help, and over 20 miles from shore while possibly having on board as many as 1199 passengers for whom there are neither l1feboats nor l1ferafts. l do not criticize this. It is al present the per mitted thing.
 Must Have More Rafts
 'The seaman's bill will alter this in your summer service so that your ves- sel must have boats and rafts for 50 per cent of all on board, but only SO per cent may be rafts and 40 per cent must be boats. If it is true that you can carry no more boats and rafts, then certainly the seaman's act will oblige you to reduce the number of passengers carried.
 Speaking candidly. It seems to the writer personally and without criti- eism of your present course, which is permitted by the lawful authorities that the existing conditions permit greater risk of serious loss of life and less protection against same, either for you or for the public, and that re- quirements of the seaman's law. how ever temporarily difficult, are in the interests of public policy and of public safety.
 "I am interested to know how many trips during the season you carried In excess of 1542 persons, including pas sengers and crew and as to whether you think it practicable to increase the earning capacity by operating during a longer season"