The Bismarck tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, N.D.) 1916-current, 1934-10-11
THE UNITED STATES COAST
GUARD

washington, p. G., Oct. l.-Almost
as soon as body Of law had been
provided for the United States, new
service was called into being to en-
force It. In the year after the Con-
stitution went into operation. Presi-
dent Washington signed an Act Of
Congress creating the Revenue Ma
rine. The young republic was de-
pendent on customs for q large por-
ton Of its revenue and 1t was the job
Of this sea-going police force to sup
press smuggling and thereby prevent
the loss Of much needed income.
Today IN peace times. the United
States Coast Guard, the twentieth
century development Of the gallant
Revenue Marine, acts as the arm OF
the law which reaches out over the
waterways, promotes safety at sea-
and, serves as q life-saving agency
During war times, it becomes q unit Of
the Navy. In spite Of its colorful
military record, the Coast Guard Is
probably best known for its human
itarian activities.
There were ten vessels in the little
fleet which was the sole protection Of
the maritime interests Of the young
nation until the Continental Navy
which was disbanded at the close Of
the Revolution, was re-established as
the United States Navy half a dozen
years later. It soon became the Unit
ed States Revenue Cutter Service un-
der the Treasury Department, with
augmented duties which have grown
with the years. In 1915 the Revenue
Cutter Service joined forces with the
Lfe-Saving Service which operated
stations on both coasts and the Grea:
Lakes, dedicated since l848 to saving
life and property, to become the Unit.
ed States Coast Guard.
Not only does the Coast Guard en-.
force all laws Of the United States or
the navigable waters thereof, anc
make every effort to prevent disaster.
at sea, but 1t Is always Ready" to rush
ut moments notice to assist those
In distress whether on the ocean o.
near the great inland waterways. Tit
rescue work done In 1927 when tn.
Mississippi was on the rampage addee
another glorious achievement to thu
records Of the service. Nearly 45,00(
persons were saved or taken from per.
ilous/ positions, and fourth as man,
head Of live stock were recovered
Since the amalgamation Of the Life.
Saving and Revenue Cutter Services
property valued at 500, 100000 ha.
been saved and approximately IS ,00(
persons have been rescued from peril
Semper Paratus-Always Ready
the motto Of the Coast Guard whose
deeds substantiate the words.
Success OF Ice Patrol
Boats. although they be of man,
sizes and types. constitute only on.
Of the methods Of operation Of thi'
combination maritime police and re.
lief force. There are 81 cruising cut.
tiers, 80 harbor craft, and 40 patro
boats ranging from IS feet in length
to les feet. In all, there are between
three and four hundred boats includ.
ing cabin and open picket boats, spec
ial craft, and the last word In safety
life-boats which are self-righting ane
self bailing. The cutters, which dis
place close to 1000 tons, have q cruis'
Ing range Of 5000 miles and are sta.
toned at strategic bases along tn.
coasts. Seventeen large amphibiar
planes are operated In patrol and res.
cue work from S base on the Atlanti.
Coast and one on the Pacific Glou.
cester. Cape May. Miami, st. Peters.
burg, Biloxi, and Port Angelic Wash.
inton. There are att lfe-saving sta.
tions, equipped with ufe- boats. surf.
boats, breeches buoy5. and other res.
CUE paraphernalia.
A day and night watch is kept from
the lookout towers Of the station,
which ere manned with crews Of eigh,
O. ten, and . never-ending patrol /:
carried on from station to station
Patrolmen, equipped with signals t
warn ships Of danger or to assure
them that aid is 1t hand in times Of
distress. walk the beats year in anc
year out. Radio, telephone, cable, anc
telegraph-every modern device-a-(
at the service Of these men who &C!
to protect life and property. Theil
activities are not limited to the coast.
Of the United States, including thk
Y>N~. ~..aA - -.