really were interested. For example, I find on the first page of the bill that it provides That theseveral circuit courts of the United States, in which circuits there is a sea-port or sea-ports for which there is a collector of customs or in which there is a port of entry, shall appoint a commissioner or commissioners for the sea-port or ports within their respective circuits, such commissioners to be termed "shipping commissioners," &c. The bill, in section four, page 3, commences to define their duties as follows: And the general business of a shipping commissioner shall be, first, to afford facilities for engaging seamen by keeping a register of their names and characters; secondly, to superintend their engagement and discharge in manner hereinafter mentioned; thirdly, to provide means for securing the presence on board at the proper times of men who are so engaged; fourthly, to facilitate the making of apprenticeships to the sea service, and to perform such other duties relating to merchant seamen and merchant ships as are hereby or may hereafter, under the powers herein contained, be committed to him. Then it specifies that they are to receive certain fees. They are to keep a record of the character of the seamen. They are to make engagements for them. It is taking the business of hiring the crew of a ship out of the hands where it always has been and putting it into the hands of officers appointed by the United States, who are to have a fee. This may be right. It may be right that a record of the character of seamen shall be there kept by an officer appointed by the Government. It is possible, I think, that a great deal of injustice might be done in that way. To register a man as an unfit man might do him a great deal of injury, and might be very unjust. It is possible, it seems to me, that such a power, which appears to be the main power of the bill, might work unjustly. If the subject has been carefully considered, of course I shall make no objection to it. I turn again to page 6, section nine and read as follows: That every shipping commissioner appointed under this act shall, if applied to for the purpose of apprenticing boys to the sea service by any masters or owners of ships, or by any person or persons legally qualified, give such assistance as is in their power for facilitating the making of such apprenticeships; but the shipping commissioner shall ascertain that the boy has voluntarily consented to be bound, and that the parents or guardian of said boy have consented to said apprenticeship, and has attained the age of twelve years, and is of sufficient health and strength, and that the master to whom the boy is to be bound is a proper person for the purpose. The power of apprenticing is given to these commissioners until the apprentice arrives at the age of eighteen years. I turn again-I simply noticed these matters as the bill was read-to page 26, section forty-two, beginning in the eighth line of that section, as follows: And every vessel bound on any foreign port shall also be provided with at least one suit of woolen clothing for each seaman for use during the winter months, and every such vessel shall be provided with fuel and a safe and suitable room in which a fire can be kept for the use of seamen. A landsman might have added to that, that whenever the night shall be dark there shall be a lantern on the deck of the vessel. My impression is that a lantern on the deck of a vessel would be just about as injurious to the seamen as the fire provided for them in some safe place in the ship. The exposure to cold weather that seamen have to bear as a general thing, if they have good clothing, protects them against the necessity of fire to some extent, and making a fire may be angerous to the ship, may be dangerous to them, and in all human probability will be very injurious to their health, just as a light would make them blind. They learn to know where the ropes are, and to find them in the dark, and one single light on the deck of a vessel would make every member of the crew perfectly helpless. I simply ask if this provision has been carefully considered. Here is an abso lute obligation on every ship going to sea that it must have a fire for the use of seamen. This is an absolute change. It is taking the command of the ship away from the captain and obliging him to do all these things. If it has been well considered, if it will be for the benefit of seamen, if seamen have examined the bill and approve it, or if the committee have sufficient information from seamen in regard to it, I certainly do not object, for I do not know much about it. I only suggest that we are changing the whole code; we are preventing crews from being hired by the captains or owners of ships; we are appointing agents to hire them for them; we are changing the admiralty laws which control the contracts and which put the responsibilities on the seamen for their contract, and on those who hire them for theirs; and a code of this kind, changing the whole laws of the mercantile marine, a code of fifty pages read quickly by the Clerk, and put through in a night session without a quorum, may be a serious matter. Now here is a clause in section fifty-one, a very long clause in reference to the discipline of seamen Mr. CHANDLER. If my honorable friend from New Jersey desires more time to consider this bill, of course I will consent that it may lie over, and let us take up some other bill. He evidently has not examined the bill. My friend from Connecticut can answer his questions and assure him that the bill has been very thoroughly considered; but I should prefer to let it go over this evening and enable my friend from New Jersey to have an opportunity to give it a more thorough examination and allow us to take up some other bill. Mr. STOCKTON. I shall occupy but a moment more of the time of the Senate. I appreciate entirely that it is not delicate or proper when a gentleman is here at the head of a committee, putting through his business, for others to make any objection that is un necessary. Mr. CHANDLER. I beg the Senator's pardon. I did not mean to intimate anything of that sort. I simply said that if he desired time to examine the bill I was perfectly willing to give it to him and let the bill go over. Mr. STOCKTON. I stated when I rose that I did not rise to object; and if some other Senator does not object, I shall not. I desire to call attention to one other clause, which will be found on page 49, at the end of the bill: Substitutes: One ounce of coffee, or cocoa, or chocolate, may be substituted for one quarter ounce of tea; molasses for sugar, the quantity to be one half more; one pound of potatoes or yams; one half pound flour or rice; one third pint of pease or one quarter pint of barley may be substituted for each other. When fresh meat is issued, the proportion to be two pounds per man per day, in lieu of salt meat. Flour, rice, and pease, beef, and pork, may be substituted for each other, and for potatoes onions may be substituted. That is of course in the interest of the seamen. It is put in there for that purpose; but it is quite likely that it will be a very hard task to supply the particular things mentioned in this schedule in all parts of the world; and then penalties are imposed upon the officers if they do not supply them in that way. Now, sir, I make no motion in regard to the bill. I have simply felt it proper to suggest that it was too important a bill to be hurried through. Mr. BUCKINGHAM. I am very glad that the Senator from New Jersey has made the suggestions which he has. Many of them I think could be answered in such a manner as would be perfectly satisfactory to him. But I should be very sorry to have a vote taken in the Senate to-night if there is any doubt about the passage of the bill. I will simply say that it has been well considered by men better qualified to judge of its merits than I am. is a bill that passed the Senate during the last Congress substantially, and has also been well considered by the House. But I would prefer to have it go over that Senators may have more time to consider it. It The PRESIDING OFFICER. If there be no objection, the bill will be considered as postponed until to-morrow. BRIDGE AT MOUNT VERNON, INDIANA. Mr. CHANDLER. I now move that the Senate proceed to the consideration of Senate bill No. 662, authorizing the construction of a railroad bridge across the Ohio river at Mount Vernon, in the State of Indiana. The CHIEF CLERK. This bill was amended and passed on the 25th March, and on the same day a motion was entered by Mr. SCOTT to reconsider the vote on the passage of the bill. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The question is on the motion to reconsider. Mr. SCOTT. The reason I entered the motion to reconsider was that that bill, and I think another one referring to another bridge in Indiana, had omitted one of the provisions contained in the general law recommended by the engineer department for the regulation of bridges across the Ohio river, and also omit ted those portions of that general bill which related to bridges above the mouth of the Big Sandy. I desired to secure the passage of the general law before any special laws were passed which omitted the provisions of that general law, as I deemed them essential for the protection of the navigation of the Ohio river. I presume that that general law, if not taken up to-night, will be taken up very soon. It was only for that reason that I entered the motion to reconsider in this case and another one. Mr. CHANDLER. If the Senator objects to the Mr. PRATT. I do not understand that the Senator from Pennsylvania objects to the consideration of this bill. I will state that the Committee on Commerce have agreed to amend the bill since this motion to reconsider was entered so as to confine the provisions of the bill to a single bridge across the Ohio river at Mount Vernon. Mr. SCOTT. If the chairman of the committee will say that they have added such amendments as to make this bridge conform to the proposed provisions of the general law, I shall withdraw my motion to reconsider. I Mr. CHANDLER. That is the case. only ask the Senate to pass this one bridge bill to-night for my honorable friend from Indiana; but this bill, as amended, conforms exactly to the provisions of the general law. Mr. SCOTT. Then let those amendments be put on the bill, and I am willing it shall pass. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The motion to reconsider, the Chair understands, is withdrawn. Mr. SCOTT. No, sir; it will be necessary to put on the amendments. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Chair is informed that no amendments have been made to the bill since it passed. It has been pending on the motion to reconsider. Mr. SCOTT. That is why I state that if the amendments which will make this bill conform to the general bill are now made, as I understand the chairman of the Committee on Commerce to say are here proposed, I will withdraw the objection. But I desire those amendments to be added to the bill before it passes. I will not withdraw the motion to reconsider unless that is the understanding. Mr. PRATT. If my friend from Pennsylvania will attend to the amendments as they are reported, he will see that they conform exactly to the provisions of the general bill. Mr. SCOTT. I suggest that we had better let the motion to reconsider prevail, and then the bill can be taken up and the amendments acted upon. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The question is on the motion of the Senator from Pennsylvania to reconsider the vote on the passage of the bill. The motion was agreed to. The PRESIDING OFFICER. If there be no objection, the vote ordering the bill to be engrossed for a third reading will also be reconsidered. The bill is now before the Senate and open to amendment. Mr. CHANDLER. Let the bill be read as the committee propose to amend it. The CHIEF CLERK. It is proposed to amend the bill so as to make it read: That the Cincinnati, Rockport, and Southwestern Railroad Company, the Chicago and Illinois Railroad Company, and the St. Louis and Southeastern Railway Company, or any one or more of them, and such other corporation or corporations, if any, as may hereafter associate for that purpose with said railroad corporations, or any one or more of them, be, and are hereby, authorized to construct a railroad bridge across the Ohio river, from some point on the Indiana shore, within the city of Mount Vernon, in the State of Indiana, or within two miles of the corporate limits of said city, to the opposite side of said river, within the State of Kentucky: Provided, That said bridge shall have at least one span of a height of not less than one hundred feet above low water, and of not less than forty feet above highest water, measured to the bottom chord of the bridge; that this high span shall give a clear opening of at least four hundred feet between the piers, measured at right angles to the current at every stage, and that it shall be placed over the main channel of the river used by boats during ordinary stages of water: Provided, further, That in case this high span is not over the lowwater channel, suitable arrangements bemade elsewhere to permit the passage of single boats under the bridge at low water; that said bridge shall have, in addition to the high span prescribed above, a pivot draw, giving two clear openings of one hundred and sixty feet each, measured at right angles to the current at the average stage of water in the river, and located in a part of the bridge that can be safely and conveniently reached at that stage; and that said draw shall be opened promptly, upon reasonable signal, for the passage of boats whose construction shall not be such as to admit of their passage under the permanent spans of said bridge, except when trains are passing over the same; but in no case shall unnecessary delay occur in opening the said draw before or after the passage of trains. SEC. 2. That the piers of the high span and the piers of the draw shall be built parallel with the current at that stage of the river which is most important for navigation; and that no ripraps or other outside protection for imperfect foundations will be permitted in the channel-way of the high span, or of the draw openings. That the said companies or corporations shall submit to the Secretary of War, for his examination, a design and drawings of the bridge and piers, and a map of the location, giving, for the space of at least one mile above and one mile below the proposed location, the topography of the banks of the river, the shore-lines at high and low water, the direction of the current at all stages, and the soundings accurately showing the bed of the stream, and shall furnish such other information as may be required for a full and satisfactory understanding of the subject by the Secretary of War; and if the Secretary of War is satisfied that the provisions of the law have been complied with in regard to location, the building of the piers may be at once commenced; but if it shall appear that the conditions prescribed by this act cannot be complied with at the location where it is desired to construct the bridge, the Secretary of War shall detail a board, composed of three experienced officers of the corps of engineers, to examine the case, and may, on their recommendation, authorize such modifications in the requirements of this act as will permit the construction of the bridge, not, however, diminishing the width of the spans contemplated by this act: Provided, That the free navigation of the river be not materially injured thereby. SEC. 4. That all parties owning, occupying or operating the said bridge shall maintain, at their own expense, from sunset to sunrise throughout the year, such lights on their bridges as may berequired by the Light-House Board for the security of navigation; and all persons owning, occupying, or operating the said bridges shall, in any event, maintain all lights on the said bridges that may be necessary for the security of navigation. SEC. 5. That any bridge constructed under this act, and according to its limitations, shall be a lawful structure, and shall be recognized and known as a post route.upon which, also, no higherchargeshall be made for the transmission over the same of the mails, the troops, and the munitions of war of the United States, than the rate per mile paid for the transportation over the railroads or public highways leading to said bridge, and the United States shall have the right of way for postal telegraphic purposes across said bridge; and in case of any litigation arising from obstruction or alleged obstruction to the navigation of said river created by the construction of said bridge, the cause or question arising may be tried before the district court of the United States in or opposite to which any portion of said obstruction or bridge touches; and that all railway companies desiring to use the said bridges, or any of them, shall have and be entitled to equal rights and privileges in the passage of the same, and in the use of the machinery and fixtures thereof, and of all the approaches thereto, under and upon such terms and conditions as shall be prescribed by the Secretary of War, upon hearing the allegations and proofs of the parties, in case they shall not agree. SEC. 6. That the right to alter or amend this act so as to prevent or remove all material obstructions to the navigation of said river by the construction of said bridge, is hereby expressly reserved without any liability of the Government for damages on account of the alteration or amendment of this act; and the said bridge shall be built under, and subject to, such regulations for the security of the navigation of said river as the Secretary of War shall prescribe; and if any change be made in the plan of construction of said bridge during the progress of the work thereon, or before the completion thereof, such change shall be subject to the approval of the Secretary of War; and the said bridge shall be, at all times, so kept and managed as to offer reasonable and proper means for the passage of vessels through and under it; and the said bridge shall be changed or altered in construction or location at the cost and expense of the owners thereof, from time to time, as Congress may direct, so as to preserve the free and convenient navigation of said river; and the authority to erect and continue said bridge shall besubject to revocation or modification by law whenever the public good shall, in the judgement of Congress, so require. The amendments were agreed to. Mr. CORBETT. I should like to have that provision read again about the change and alterations from time to time at the expense of the bridge-owners, to see how it is. The Chief Clerk read section six. Mr. POMEROY. I think that is the usual provision. What I notice in the bill is that it rovides that provides every bridge which shall be built by virtue of this law shall be a high bridge at least forty feet above high-water mark and one hundred feet above low-water mark. Then it provides that every bridge shall have a draw in it. You do not want any draw in a high bridge. You do not want to build it so high that your steamboats can run under it and then oblige them to put a draw in it. You want a draw in a low bridge; but you make this bill so that you have a high bridge one hundred feet above low water and then provide that the bridge company shall build a draw. Mr. BOREMAN, I understand that this bill applies to one bridge alone. It is not a general law. Mr. POMEROY. I know it applies to but one bridge; but it provides that this bridge shall be a high bridge and not a low bridge, and yet it provides for a draw. You do not want a draw in a high bridge. You build it high to avoid a draw. You do not build a bridge one hundred feet high and then put a draw in it, because it is one hundred feet high to avoid the necessity of a draw. A low bridge, not to obstruct navigation, must have a draw to let anything through; but this provides for both a high bridge and a draw. I never saw one before. Mr. CHANDLER. It has been in every bill that has been passed. Mr. POMEROY. Oh, no. an act entitled "An act to provide for the better security of life on board of vessels propelled in whole or in part by steam, and for other purposes," approved February 28, 1871. Mr. CHANDLER. I will suggest that if there be no objection, the amendments of the Committee on Commerce be concurred in as they are reached in the reading of the bill. Mr. STEVENSON. There is one amendment that I hope will not be concurred in. Mr. CHANDLER. When we arrive at that amendment, the Senator can reserve it. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Michigan proposes simply that, as the bill is read, the amendments be acted on as they are reached in the reading. Mr. NORWOOD. I would inquire of the honorable Senator if he has not got a shorter bill than that to take up? That bill is about ninety pages. It will take two or three hours to read it. Mr. CHANDLER. I think we shall be able to get through with the bill. It will not take more than an hour. We can get through with it in an hour. It is very important the bill should pass now. Mr. DAVIS, of West Virginia. How long does the Senator say? Mr. CHANDLER. An hour I think will do. Mr. NORWOOD. Why, it is a bill of ninety pages. It cannot be read in less than two hours. Mr. CHANDLER. I am willing to stay here until it is read. It is a very important bill. There is almost a revolution in some of our western cities because their steamboats cannot sail, although they are loaded at the dock and ready to sail, but await the passage of this or some other bill on the subject. Mr. SAWYER. I would like to remind the Senator from Georgia that the bill has got to be read some time, and I do not know any better time to read it than now. Mr. CHANDLER. No better time than now. I hope there will be no objection to going on with the bill. Mr. COLE. I should like to inquire of the chairman of the Committee on Commerce if he has any other bill besides this in his budget? Mr. CHANDLER. If we can pass this, it will answer for to-night. Mr. COLE. If the Senator has in his budget any bill relating to commerce generally, and for the benefit and promotion of commerce, I think he ought to bring it forward, and I really hope he will do so. This is the second evening spent on bills from the Committee on Commerce, and I have not yet discovered any bill for the promotion of commerce. All we have had thus far relate to mere details of no very great national importance. Mr. CHANDLER. That is the very kind of bill I am after now. This bill is for the Mr. CALDWELL. I wish to suggest to my colleague that the bill only provides that the bridge shall be forty feet above high-water mark. It is too low for some boats to go under | promotion of commerce. The bill I now want without a draw. Mr. POMEROY. There are a great many steamboats with pipes not over forty feet high. Mr. CALDWELL. But there are a great many with pipes sixty feet high. Mr. SCOTT. They will need a draw in time of high water. Mr. POMEROY. Then there is no use of putting it up one hundred feet. Mr. PRATT. I will say to my friend from Kansas that the companies interested in this bridge are satisfied with these conditions. Mr. POMEROY. If they are satisfied, they may have it. I would not have it if I had anything to do with it. The bill was ordered to be engrossed for a third reading, read the third time, and passed. STEAMBOAT LAW. Mr. CHANDLER. I move now that the Senate proceed to the consideration of House bill No. 2116. to take up and pass is for the promotion of commerce. Mr. COLE. In the judgment of the chairman of the Committee on Commerce it may be of that character, but it is not according to my recollection of it. I have not examined it very closely, but I have looked at it, and I do not see in it much by which the commerce of the country will be benefited. Mr. HAMLIN. This bill involves the lives of thousands and thousands of people who travel and uncounted millions of commerce that floats upon the waters in these boats. If it be not a bill in which commerce is interested I should be glad if any Senator would tell me what that bill is. It is true it is not a bill to originate commerce, but it is precisely that which has an intimate and direct connection with it, and the exigencies of the times demand that Congress shall do something. I am willing to stay here until midnight to act upon this bill. The motion was agreed to; and the Senate, Mr. COLE. The provisions of this bill are, as in Committee of the Whole, proceeded to part of them at least, embodied in the laws consider the bill (H. R. No. 2116) to amend | at present in regard to steamboats. I again remind the chairman of the Committee on Commerce that our commerce is constantly declining, that so far as it is carried on in American vessels it is constantly going down, and those of England are taking their place. I think something ought to be done in this country (and the chairman of the Committee on Commerce is the most responsible man) for the purpose of saving our commerce. Mr. CHANDLER. If the Senator will allow me, I will pass a bill in an hour that will aid commerce; but I cannot unless he will consent. Mr. COLE. We cannot spend an hour better, certainly, than to have such a bill passed. Mr. CHANDLER. Then I hope the Senator will allow us to proceed. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The bill is before the Senate as in Committee of the Whole, and will be read. The Chief Clerk proceeded to read the bill, the amendments reported by the Committee on Commerce being stated as they were reached in their order in the reading. The first amendment of the committee was in section one, lines eight and nine, to strike out the words "complying with the terms of," and inserting "such license, register, or enrollment, or without the inspection required by;" and in line twelve, after the word "of fense," to insert "one half for the use of the informer;" so that the section will read: That no license, register, or enrollment shall be granted, or other papers issued, by any collector or other chief officer of the customs, to any vessel propelled in whole or in part by steam, until he shall have satisfactory evidence that all the provisions of this act have been fully complied with; and if any such vessel shall be navigated without such license, register, or enrollment, or without the inspection required by this act, the owner or owners thereof shall forfeit and pay to the United States the sum of $500 for each offense, one half for the use of the informer, and for which sum the steamboat or vessel so engaged shall be liable, and may be seized and proceeded against by way of libel in any district court of the United States having jurisdiction of the offense. The amendment was agreed to. The next amendment was in line six of sec tion two, after the word "fastened," to insert so as to prevent it from being moved or overthrown;" and at the end of the section to add "and before granting a certificate of inspection the inspectors shall require all other necessary provisions to be made throughout such vessel to guard against loss or danger from fire;" so as to make the section read: That every steamer so propelled, and carrying passengers, shall be provided with suitable and valves attached to the boiler to convey steam into the hold, and the different compartments thereof, to extinguish fire; and every stove used on board of any such vessel shall be well and securely fastened, so as to prevent it from being moved or overthrown, and all wood-work or other ignitible substances about the boilers, chimneys, cook-houses, and stove-pipes exposed to ignition shall be thoroughly shielded by some incombustible material in such a manner as to leave the air to circulate freely between such material or wood-work or other ignitible substance; and before granting a certificate of inspection, the inspectors shall require all other necessary provisions to be made throughout such vessel to guard against loss or danger from fire. The amendment was agreed to. The next amendment was in section three, line four, after the word "than," to strike out "eighty" and insert "one hundred;" and in line ten, after the word "in," to strike out "good" and insert "thorough;" so that it will read: That every steamer, except as hereinafter specified, shall be provided with two good double-acting firepumps, to be worked by hand; each chamber of said pumps shall be of sufficient capacity to contain not less than one hundred cubic inches of water; said pumps shall be placed on suitable parts of the vessel for efficient service, having good hose of suitable diameter to each pump, of sufficient strength to stand a pressure of one hundred pounds per square inch, and in length at least equal to one half the vessel's length on deck, the whole to be kept at all times in thorough working order, and at least fifty feet shipped up, ready for immediate use. The amendment was agreed to. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Chair will call the attention of the Senator from Oregon to the nineteenth line, "but the capacity of eighty cubic inches." To correspond with the amendment made in the fourth line "eighty" should be changed to "one hundred." Mr. CORBETT. Pass that over. I will examine that. The next amendment was in section three, line thirty-two, after the word "all," to insert the word "passenger;" in line twenty-four, after the words "equal to," insert the words "a single-acting pump of;" in lines thirtythree and thirty-four, to strike out the words "or a pump driven by the doctor or donkey engine;" and at the end of the section to add the words "one of which pumps shall be suitably arranged to test the boilers;" so that the remaining part of the section will read: On every such steamer not exceeding two hundred tons burden one of such pumps may be dispensed with, and each fire-pump thus provided for shall be supplied with water by means of a suitable pipe connected therewith, and passing through the side or bottom of the vessel so low as to be at all times under water when the vessel is afloat, and no such fire-pump shall be placed below the lower deck of any such vessel; but the capacity of eighty cubic inches, as herein required, shall not apply to steamers now in service. And in addition to such hand fire-pumps, there shall be provided on all passenger steamers, except as hereinafter specified, a good double-acting steam fire-pump of a capacity equal to a single-acting pump of one cubic inch for every three tons measurement of vessel: Provided, however, That in no case shall such steam fire-pump have a capacity of less than one hundred cubic inches, nor is it required to be more than five hundred cubic inches; said pump to have one pipe of suitable dimensions to carry the water to the upper decks, fitted with proper valves and nozzles for attaching hose, both between decks and the upper deck, and with hose as required for each hand firepump; a rotary pump, when driven by an engine independent of the main engine, if of the capacity to discharge water as herein specified, or a siphonpump of like capacity, shall be deemed a sufficient compliance with the requirement of this section; but on all vessels hereafter built, all of said firepumps shall have their suction-pipes so arranged as that they may be operated as bilge-pumps in case of necessity; and it shall be the duty of the engineer to see that all feed and fire-pumps are constantly kept in order and ready for immediate service, one of which pumps shall be suitably arranged to test the boilers. The amendment was agreed to. The next amendment was in section four, line one, after the word "unless," to insert the words "when used at stated times;" in line four, after the word "benzole," to insert "coal-oil," and after the word "crude," and before "petroleum," in the same line, to insert "or refined;" in line five, after "burningfluids," to insert the words "or dangerous articles;" in line six, after the word "freight," to insert "or used as stores;" after the word "passengers," in line seven, to insert "except where there is no other public means of conveyance, and in such cases its transportation shall be under such rules and regulations as the board of supervising inspectors may prescribe, with the approval of the Secretary of the Treasury;" so as to read: SEC. 4. That except on ferry-boats, no loose hay, (unless when used at stated times for feeding stock on board,) loose cotton, or loose hemp, camphene, nitro-glycerine, naphtha, benzine, benzole, coal-oil, crude or refined petroleum, or other like explosive burning fluids or dangerous articles, shall be carried as freight or used as stores on any steamer carrying passengers, except where there is no other public means of conveyance, and in such cases its transportation shall be under such rules and regulations as the board of supervising inspectors may prescribe, with the approval of the Secretary of the Treasury. The amendment was agreed to. Mr. CORBETT. On line five of section four, after "or," the word "like" ought to be inserted; so as to read, "or like dangerous articles." The PRESIDING OFFICER. That amendment will be made if there be no objection. The next amendment was in section four, line eleven, after the word "cotton," to insert the words "or hemp;" in line fifteen, after the word "baled," to insert the words "cotton or;" in line seventeen to strike out "securely" and insert "thoroughly;" in line eighteen, after the word "hay," to strike out the words "that may;" and in the same line, after " on," to strike out "on;" in line nineteen, after "steamboats," to strike out the words" that is" and insert "and;" and in line twenty, after the word "steamboat," to strike out the words "to be" and insert the words "without being;" in line twenty three, after the word "navigating," to strike out the words "the Mississippi river" and insert the words "sounds, bays, rivers;" in line twenty-four, after "and," to strike out "its" and insert "their;" and in line forty-two, after the word "writing," to insert "and no product of petroleum shall be used on any steam vessel for stores or illuminating purposes that will ignite at a lower temperature than one hundred and sixty de grees of Fahrenheit;" so as to make the sec tion from line ten to the end read: Nor shall baled cotton or hemp be carried on such steamer unless the bales are compactly pressed and covered with bagging or similar fabric, in guod merchantable shipping order, and secured with good rope or iron bands; nor shall baled cotton or hemp be carried on the deck or guards thereof, anless the bales are compactly pressed and thoroughly covered with bagging or a similar fabric; nor susil hay be transported on steamboats and stowed on the forecastle, on the guards, or in the deck-room of any steamboat without being baled and securely sheltered from sparks with tarpaulins: Provided, That this provision shall only be applied to steamboats navigating sounds, bays, rivers, and their tributaries; nor shall gunpowder be carried on any such vessel, except in case of special license granted by inspectors, as hereinafter provided: nor shall oil of vitriol, nitric, or other dangerous chemical acids be carried on such steamers, except on the decks or guards thereof. Refined petroleum, when in metallic cases, securely packed in boxes or casks, or when in iron-bound barrels, and plainly marked with the manufacturer's name, the name of the article, the temperature at which the same will ignite, which shall not be less than one hundred and ten degrees of Fahresheit; oil or spirits of turpentine, mastic and other varnishes when in metallic cases or in casks or barrels well and securely bound with iron; and friction matches, when securely packed in strong, tight chests or boxes, the covers of which are well secured by locks, screws, or other reliable fastenings, may be carried on the decks, guards, or forecastle of any such steamer at a secure distance from any fire or heat, or in such other part of the steamer as the local inspectors shall designate in writing; and no product of petroleum shall be used on any steam vessel tor stores or illuminating purposes that will ignite sta lower temperature than one hundred and sixty degrees of Fahrenheit: Provided, That the Secretary of the Treasury may grant permission to the owner of any steam vessel for the use of any invention or process for the utilization of petroleum or other mineral oils or substances in the production of motive-power, and he shall have power to make and enforce regulations concerning the application and use of the same for such purposes, such permission to be granted upon the certificate of the inspector of steamboats for the district wherein said vessel is registered, and other satisfactory proof that the use of the same is safe and efficient, and upon such proof. and the approval of such certificate by the Secretary of the Treasury, a special license for the use of sush process or invention as aforesaid shall issue under the seal of the Treasury Department. The amendment was agreed to. The next amendment was in section five. line sixteen, after the word "same, " to insert "or shall deliver the same to any vessel as stores;" so that the section will read: SEC. 5. That all gunpowder, nitro-glycerine, camphene, naphtha, benzine, benzole, coal-oil crude or refined petroleum, oil of vitriol, nitric, or other dangerouschemical acids, oil or spirits of turpentine, friction matches, and all other articles of tike character, when packed or put up for shipment, shall be securely packed and put up separately from each other, and from all other articles; and the package, box, cask, or other vessels containing the same shall be distinctly marked on the outside with the name or description of the article contained therein; and every person who shall pack or put up, or cause to be packed or put up, for shipment, any gunpowder. nitro-glycerine, camphene, naphtha, benzine, benzole, coal-oil, crude or refined petroleum, oil of vitriol, nitric, or other dangerous chemical acids, oil or spirits of turpentine, friction matches, or other articles of like character, otherwise than as aforesaid, or shall knowingly ship or attempt to ship the same, or shall deliver the same to any vessels as stores, unless packed and marked as aforesaid, shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor, and, upon convietion thereof by any court of competent jurisdiction. shall be punished by fine not exceeding $2,000, or imprisonment not exceeding eighteen months, or both, one half of the fine to go to the informer. and the articles to be liable to seizure and forfeiture. The amendment was agreed to. The next amendment was to strike out sec tion six in the following words: That every vessel so propelled by steam navigating gulfs, lakes, bays, sounds, or rivers, ezept rivers flowing into the Gulf of Mexico, and their tributaries, and carrying passengers, when on a passage, shall, between sunset and sunrise, keep a watchman, other than the officers on duty, in each of the cabins and on each deck, excepting only the hurricane deck, to guard against fire or other dangers, and to give alarm in case of accident or disaster, or danger of the same; and all sea-going steamers, when on a voyage and carrying passengers, shall have one watchman, or more, if deemed necessary by the supervising inspectors, on duty at all times during the night, in each cabin and in the steerage. And all steamers navigating the waters flowing into the Gulf of Mexico, and their tributaries, and carrying passengers, when on passage, shall have on duty, between sunset and sunrise, two watchmen, whose places of duty shall be designated by the officers in charge of the steamer: Provided, That ferry-boats on such waters carrying passengers shall be required to have but one watchman. And for every neglect to comply with the requirements of this section the license of the officer in charge of the vessel for the time being shall be revoked; and if any owner of such vessel shall neglect or refuse to furnish the requisite number of men to keep watch, as herein required, he shall be fined in any sum not exceeding $1,000. And all steamers carrying passengers to be provided with not less than one good and efficient portable fire-extinguisher for each deck, excepting on the upper or hurricane deck. And in lieu thereof to insert: That every vessel so propelled by steam and carrying passengers during the night-time shall keep a suitable number of watchmen in the cabins and on each deck to guard against fire or other dangers, and to give alarm in case of accident or disaster; and for every neglect of this duty the license of the officer in charge of the vessel for the time being shall be revoked; and the board of supervising inspectors may require every such steamer, and also steamers carrying freight, to be provided with such number and kind of good and efficient portable fire-extinguishers as in the judgment of the board may be necessary to protect them from fire when such steamers are moored or lying at a wharf, without steam to work the pumps; and if any owner of such vessel shall neglect or refuse to furnish the requisite number of men necessary to keep watch as herein required, he shall be fined $1,000. The amendment was agreed to. The next amendment was to strike out the seventh section in the following words: That every steamer (except ferry-boats and canalboats, which shall be equipped with boats as hereinafter provided) navigating rivers only shall have at least one good, substantial wooden working boat, with lines and detaching-hooks attached, and properly supplied with oars, and kept in good condition at all times ready for immediate use; and in addition thereto, every passenger steamer navigating seas, lakes, bays, sounds, or rivers, (except rivers flowing into the Gulf of Mexico, and their tributaries,) of less than four hundred tons measurement, shall have one metallic life-boat, in all respects a good, substantial, and safe sea-boat, with life-lines and detaching-hooks attached, and properly supplied with oars, and so fitted as to be at all times ready for immediate use, and every such vessel of four hundred tons, and not exceeding eight hundred tons, shall, in addition to said working boat, have three boats, two of which shall be metallic life-boats; and every such vessel exceeding eight hundred tons, and not exceeding one thousand tour hundred tons, shall, in addition to said working boat, have four boats, two of which shall be metallic life-boats; and every such vessel of more than one thousand four hundred tons, and not exceeding two thousand tons, shall, in addition to said working boat, have five boats, three of which shall be metallic life-boats; and every such vessel of more than two thousand tons, and not exceeding two thousand eight hundred tons, shall, in addition to said working boat, have six boats, three of which shall be metallic life-boats; and every such vessel exceeding two thousand eight hundred tons, in addition to said working boat, have eight boats, four of which shall be metallic life-boats; and the length of each of such boats, except the working boat, shall not be less than one tenth the vessel's length on deck, (but in no case shall such boat or boats be less than twelve feet in length,) and shall be otherwise properly proportioned and well and substantially constructed. Of the boats required, at least one half the number shall be hung to cranes or davits, with lines and detaching-hooks, ready for immediate use: Provided, That if the owners prefer, in any special case, they may substitute for the boats herein required a larger number of boats of smaller dimensions, (but no boat shall be less than twelve feet in length,) so that their total capacity shall not be less than herein required. All steam ferry-boats of over fifty tons, and not exceeding three hundred tons, shall carry one good, substantial, wooden boat, not less than sixteen feet in length, and otherwise properly proportioned, with lines and detaching-hooks attached, and properly supplied with oars, and kept in good condition at all times, and hung to cranes or davits ready for immediate use; and all such ferry-boats exceeding three hundred tons measurement, and not more than eight hundred tons, shall carry two such boats of not less than sixteen feet in length and so equipped, one of which shall be a metallic life-boat; and all such ferry-boats exceeding eight hundred tons shall carry three such boats, not less 42D CONG. 2D SESS. - No. 216. than sixteen feet in length and so equipped, one of which shall be a metallic life-boat, and one of which shall be a working-boat: Provided, That where, from the character of the navigation or other cause, in the opinion of the inspectors appointed under the provisions of this act, a part of the metallic life-boats may be dispensed with, they may exempt any such steamer from carrying the same, and substitute therefor wooden boats, metallic or other rafts. And every steamer, except ferry-boats which are hereinbefore provided for, navigating the waters flowing into the Gulf of Mexico, shall be equipped with one good yawl-boat, at least one tenth the length of the vessel, or with two yawls equivalent in capacity; but in no case shall said yawl be less than eighteen feet in length, and of proportionate depth and width for effective usefulness, provided with oars and life-lines, and one metallic life-boat at least one tenth the length of the vessel, or two of equivalent capacity equipped in like manner: Provided, That all steamers already constructed and fitted with yawls and life-boats under the provisions of former laws, may continue to use the same, conditioned that any deficiency in capacity of the same under this section may be made up by additional boat or boats. And every steamvessel navigating the oceans, lakes, bays, or sounds of the United States shall be provided with a drag or floating anchor, strongly constructed. Such drags may be connected to the ship's cable by a bridle of iron rods or chains and shackles, and shall be kept at all times in good order, ready for efficient use, and accessible in case of emergency. Such drags shall have dimensions not less than, for steamers of four hundred tons and under, twenty-five superficial feet; for steamers of over four hundred tons, and not exceeding six hundred tons, thirty-six superficial feet; for steamers of over six hundred tons, and not exceeding one thousand tons, fifty superficial feet; for steamers of over one thousand tons, and not exceeding one thousand five hundred tons, eighty superficial feet; forsteamers of over one thousand five hundred tons, and not exceeding two thousand five hundred tons, one hundred superficial feet; for steamers exceeding two thousand five hundred tons, in the proportion of one superficial foot to each twenty-five tons measurement. And each and every steamer shall be provided with good and sufficient anchors and chains, suitable in size, weight, and number to the size of the steamer and to the trade in which she may be employed. And to insert in lieu thereof the following: That every steam vessel navigating rivers only, (except ferry-boats, freight-boats, canal-boats, and towing-boats of less than fifty tons,) shall have at least one good, substantial boat, with lines attached, and properly supplied with oars, and kept in good condition at all times and ready for immediate use; and, in addition thereto, every such steamer carrying passengers shall have one or more metallic life-boats, fire-proof, and in all respects good and substantial boats, of such dimensions and arrangements as the board of supervising inspectors by their rules and regulations shall prescribe, which boats shall be carried in the most convenient manner so as to be brought into immediate use in case of accident: Provided, That where the character of the navigation is such that in the opinion of the supervising inspector the metallic lifeboats can be dispensed with, he is hereby authorized to exempt any such steamer from carrying the same, or may require a substitute therefor, at his discretion; and everysteamer navigating the ocean, or any lake, bay, or sound of the United States, shall be provided with such numbers of life-boats, floats, rafts, and life-preservers, also drags when necessary, as will best secure the safety of all persons on board such vessel in case of disaster; and every sea-going vessel carrying passengers, and every such vessel navigating any of the northern or northwestern lakes, shall have the life-boats required by law, provided with suitable boat-disengaging apparatus, so arranged as to allow such boats to be safely launched while such vessels are under speed or otherwise, and so as to allow such disengaging apparatus to be operated by one person, disengaging both ends of the boat simultaneously from the tackles by which they may be lowered to the water. And it shall be the duty of the board of supervising inspectors to fix and determine, by their rules and regulations, the kind oflife-boats, floats, rafts, life-preservers, and drags that shall be used on such vessels, and also the kind and capacity of pumps or other appliances for freeing the steamer from water in case of heavy leakage, the capacity of said pumps or appliances being suited to the navigation in which the steamer is employed; and if the owners of any such steamers neglect or refuse to provide such drags, life-boats, floats, rafts, life-preservers, pumps, or appliances, as shall be required by the board of supervising inspectors, and approved by the Secretary of the Treasury, such owners shall be fined $1,000. The amendment was agreed to. The next amendment was in section eight, line two, after "a," insert "sufficient supply of;" in line three, to make "life-preserver" read "life-preservers;" and in line seven, after the word "arms," to insert " and there shall be provided at least one such life-preserver;" so that the section will read: That every steam vessel, except ferry-boats and canal-boats, carrying passengers shall be provided with a sufficient supply of good life-preservers, con taining not less than six pounds of good cork blocks, or other approved life-preservers of equal efficiency, capable of sustaining, when immersed in water, eighteen pounds of iron, such life-preservers to be adjustable to the body under the arms; and there shall be provided at least one such life-preserver for each cabin passenger which, by the certificate, the vessel is permitted to carry; also, a good life-preserver for each deck or steerage passenger which the inspector's certificate shall allow her to carry, and including the officers and crew, which life-preservers shall be kept in convenient and accessible places on such vessel in readiness for immediate use in case of accident. And every such vessel of less than one hundred tons shall keep at least twelve fire buckets and three axes; and every such vessel of one hundred tons measurement, and not exceeding four hundred tons, shall keep at least eighteen fire buckets and two barrels, and shall have not less than four axes; and every such steamer of over four hundred tons, and less than seven hundred tons burden, shall carry not less than twenty-four buckets, four water barrels, and six axes; and every such steamer of seven hundred tons and over shall carry not less less than thirty-five buckets, six water barrels, and eight axes. The buckets and barrels shall be kept in convenient places and filled with water, to be in readiness in case of fire, and the axes shall be kept in good order and ready for immediate use: Provided, however, That tanks of suitable dimensions and arrangement, or one half greater number of buckets, may be substituted for barrels. The amendment was agreed to. The next amendment was in section of nine, line four, before the word "escape," to strike out "the" and insert "their;" in line six, to strike out the words "no freight upon such deck;" in lines eight and nine, to strike out the words "there may be passenger cabins" and insert "passengers may be carried;" in line ten, after "fore and aft," to insert "ample;" and in the same line, after "passage-way," to strike out "to and from said cabins;" so that the section will read: SEC. 9. That every such vessel carrying passengers on the main deck shall be provided with permanent stairways and other sufficient means convenient to such passengers for their escape to the upper deck, in case of the vessel sinking or other accident endangering life; and in the stowage of freight upon such deck, no freight shall be stowed in such manner as to interfere with such means of escape; and on any deck where passengers may be carried, there shall be a fore and aft ample passageway, also an athwartship passage from side to side, sufficiently large to allow persons to pass freely through them; and it shall be the duty of the captain, mate, or clerk of such vessel to assign to all deck passengers, when taking passage, a sufficient space on deck which they may occupy: nor shall freight be stowed about the boilers or machinery in such manner as to obstruct or prevent the engineer from readily attending to his duties; and for every violation of this section relating to the carriage and accommodations of passengers, the owners of the vessel shall pay a fine not exceeding $300. The amendment was agreed to. The next amendment was in section eleven, line twenty-five, to strike out, after the word "by," the word "the." The amendment was agreed to. The next amendment was in the second clause of the eleventh section, prescribing the duties of local inspectors, line seventy-one, to insert, after the word "arranged," the words "one of which may, if necessary, in the opinion of the supervising or local inspectors, to secure safety, be taken wholly from the control of all persons engaged in navigating any such vessel, and be secured by the inspectors;" in line seventy-six. to strike out the words "allow no greater" and insert "relieve the boiler at the;" in line seventy-seven, after the word "pressure," to strike out the words "in the boilers than the amount;" in line seventy-eight, to strike out the words "inspection" and insert "inspectors;" and in line ninety-seven, to strike out the words "be disapproved" and insert "not be approved;" so that the clause will read: Secondly. They shall also inspect the boilers of all steamers before the same shall be used, and once at least in every year thereafter, subjecting them to the hydrostatic pressure prescribed by this act, and satisfy themselves, by thorough examination, that the boilers are well made of good and suitable material; that the openings for the passage of water and steam, respectively, and all pipes and tubes exposed to heat, are of proper dimensions and free from obstruction; that the spaces between and around the flues are sufficient, and that the flues are circular in form and the fire-line of the furnace is at least two inches below the prescribed minimum water-line of the boilers; and that the arrangement for delivering the feed-water is such that the boilers cannot be injured thereby; and that such boil ers, and the machinery and the appurtenances, may be safely employed in the service proposed in the written application without peril to life; and shall also satisfy themselves that the safety-valves are of suitable dimensions, sufficient in number, and well arranged, one of which may, if necessary, in the opinion of the supervising or local inspectors to secure safety, be taken wholly from the control of all persons engaged in navigating any such vessel, and be secured by the inspectors; and that the weights of the safety-valves are properly adjusted so as to relieve the boiler at the pressure prescribed by the inspector's certificate; that there is a sufficient number of gauge-cocks properly inserted; and, to indicate the pressure of steam, reliable and approved steam-gauges, one of which is to be placed in each fire-room and one in the engine-room, and which shall at all times be subject to the inspection of passengers; and reliable water-gauges and a suitable steam-whistle; and that fusible metals are properly inserted, except on sea-going steamers, 80 as to fuse by the heat of the furnace when the water in the boilers shall fall below its prescribed limits and that adequate and certain provision is made for an ample supply of water to feed the boilers at all times, whether such vessel is in motion or not, so that in all boilers the water shall not be less than three inches above the top of the flues; and also that means of blowing out are provided, so as to, so far as practicable, thoroughly remove the mud and sediment from all parts of the boilers when they are under pressure of steam: Provided, however, That no kind of instrument, machine, or equipment for the better security of life, provided for by this act, shall be used on any vessel carrying passengers which shall not be approved by the board of supervising inspectors, and also by the Secretary of the Treasury. The amendment was agreed to. The next amendment was to strike out the third clause of the eleventh section in the following words: Thirdly. That in subjecting boilers to the hydrostatic tests, inspectors shall rate the working power of all boilers, whether old or new, according to their strength; and in all cases the test applied shall exceed the working allowed in the ratio of one hundred pounds pressure per square inch to seventyfive pounds per square inch; or the allowed steam pressure be three fourths the number of pounds to the square inch on vessels carrying passengers, and four fifths on all other boats, to which the boilers shall have been subjected by the hydrostatic test and found sufficient therefor; but should such inspectors be of the opinion that said boiler, by reason of its construction or material, will not safely allow so high a working pressure, they may, for reasons to be stated specially in their certificate, fix the working pressure of said boiler at less than three fourths of said test pressure; and all boilers used on steam vessels carrying passengers, and constructed of iron or steel plates, inspected under the provisions of this act, shall besubjected to a hydrostatic test in the ratio of one hundred pounds to the square inch to seventy-five pounds to the square inch of the working steam power allowed; and no boiler or pipe, or any of the connections therewith, shall be approved which is made, in whole or in part, of bad material, or is unsafe in its form, or dangerous from defective workmanship, age, use, or other cause. And to insert in lieu thereof: Thirdly. That in subjecting to the hydrostatic tests boilers called and usually known under the designation of high-pressure boilers, the inspector shall assume one hundred and ten pounds to the square inch as the maximum pressure allowable as a working power for a new boiler forty-two inches in diameter, made in the best manner, of inspected iron plates, one fourth of an inch thick, and of a quality required by law, and shall rate the working power of all high-pressure boilers, whether old or new, according to their strength, compared with this standard, and in all cases the test applied shall exceed the working power allowed in the ratio of one hundred and sixty-five to one hundred and ten; and in subjecting to the test aforesaid that class of boilers usually designated and known as lowpressure boilers, the said inspectors shall allow as a working power of each new boiler a pressure of only three fourths the number of pounds to the square inch to which it shall have been subjected by the hydrostatic test, and found to be sufficient therefor; but should such inspectors be of the opinion that said boiler, by reason of its construction or material, will not safely allow so high a working pressure, they may, for reasons to be stated specially in their certificate, fix the working pressure of said boiler at less than three fourths of said test pressure; but all boilers used on steam vessels, and constructed of iron or steel plates, inspected under the provisions of section thirty-six of this act, shall be subjected to a hydrostatic test, in the ratio of one hundred and fifty pounds to the square inch to one hundred pounds to the square inch of the working steam power allowed; and no boiler or pipe, or any of the connections therewith, shall be approved which is made, in whole or in part, of bad material, or is unsafe in its form, or dangerous from defective workmanship, age, use, or other cause. The amendment was agreed to. The next amendment was in the fourth clause of section eleven, line one hundred and sixtyeight, to strike out the word "approval" and insert "disapproval;" so as to read: Fourthly. When the inspection is completed and the inspectors approve the vessel and her equipment throughout, they shall make and subscribe a certificate to the collector or other chief officer of the customs of the district in which such inspection is made, in accordance with such form and regulations as the board of supervising inspectors shall prescribe, which certificate shall be verified by the oaths of the inspectors signing it before the chief officer of the customs of the district, or any other person competent by law to administer oaths; and in case the said inspectors refuse to grant a certificate of approval, they shall state in writing, signing the same, their reason for such disapproval. The amendment was agreed to. The next amendment was in the fourth clause of section eleven, to strike out from line one hundred and sixty nine to the end of the clause in the following words: And such certificate, when so granted, shall continue in force for one year from the date thereof: Provided, That the condition, arrangements, and outfit of such steamer shall not have been materially changed from that at the time such certificate was granted. Whenever such certificate shall be granted as aforesaid, it shall, in any and every court, he prima facie evidence that each and all the provisions of this act respecting the building, condition, parts, equipment, tackle, apparel, furniture, or appurtenances of steam vessels were complied with at the timeit was granted, and the production of such certificate shall be proof of its own authenticity. If in any suit, action, or proceeding, it shall be claimed that upon any vessel there has been any non-compliance with any provision of this act, as to any matter last aforesaid, while a certificate of inspection of such vessel was in force, if the owner or owners, or any officers of such vessel, shall show that, as to the matter or matters complained of, the vessel remained substantially in the same condition as when the certificate was granted, such non-compliance shall not be deemed unseaworthiness or evidence thereof, nor shall the vessel, or owner or owners of the same, or any part thereof, or any officer thereof, be in any manner liable for loss, damage, or injury of or to life, person, or property, for, or on account of, or arising from, or caused by, such noncompliance. The amendment was agreed to, The next amendment was in the fourteenth section, line three, after the word "vessels," to strike out the words" carrying passengers;" so as to make the clause read: That the inspectors shall license and classify the captains, chief mates, engineers, and pilots of all steam vessels. The amendment was agreed to. The next amendment was in section sixteen, line two, to strike out after the words "steam vessels" the words "carrying passengers;" and in line four, after the word "knowledge," to insert the word "skill;" so as to make the clause read: That when any person shall apply for authority to be employed as chief mate of steam vessels, the inspectors shall require satisfactory evidence of his knowledge, skill, and experience in the management and navigation of steam vessels, and ability to perform the duties of the station in which he seeks employment, &c. The amendment was agreed to. The next amendment was in section eighteen, linetwenty-five, after the word "license," to insert the word "issued." The amendment was agreed to. The next amendment was in section twentyone, line sixteen, before the words "local inspectors," to insert the word "the." The amendment was agreed to. once in two years;" in line thirty-two, before "report," to insert "written;" and in line thirty-eight, before "fitness," to insert "prac tical knowledge;" so that the section will read: That in order to carry this act fully into execution the ten supervising inspectors now in office shad continue in commission; and whenever a vacancy occurs, from death, resignation, or removal, the President of the United States shall, with the advice and consent of the Senate, fill the vacaney by ap pointing a successor, who shall be selected for be knowledge, skill, and practical experience in the uses of steam for navigation, and is a competent judge of the character and qualities of steam versels, and of all parts of the machinery employed in steaming. The inspector general and the said supervising inspectors shall assemble together as a buard, once in each year at least, and at such other times and places as the interests of the service may re quire and the Secretary of the Treasury shall direet, for joint consultation, which meetings shall be open to all interested, and shall assign to each of the supervising inspectors, respectively, the limits of territory within which he shall perform his duties; and the said board shall establish all necessary rules aud regulationsrequired to carry out in the most effective manner the provisions of this act for the safety of life, also rules and regulations for their own government and that of the several boards of local inspectors in the performance of their official duties; any or ail of said rules and regulations shall take effect upen receiving the official sanction of the Secretary of the Treasury: Provided, however, That the supervising inspector for the district embracing the Pacificcoust shall not be under obligation to attend the meetings of the board more than once in two years unless the exigencies of the service require it; and when he does not attend such meetings, he shall make his communications thereto, in the way of a written report, in such manner as the board shall prescribe, The supervising inspector general now in officeshall continue in commission, and whenever a vacancy shall occur from death, resignation, or removal, the President of the United States shall, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, fill the vacancy by appointing a successor, who shall be selected with reference to his practical knowledge, fitness, and ability to systematize and carry into effect all the provisions of law relating to the steamboat inspeetion service, whose duty it shall be, under the direction of the Secretary of the Treasury, to superintend the administration of the steamboat inspection law, preside at the meetings of the board of supervising inspectors, receive all reports of inspectors, and receive and examine all accounts of such officers, report fully at stated periods to the Secretary of the Treasury upon all matters pertaining to his official duties, and produce a correct and uniform adminis tration of the inspection laws, rules, and regulations; and the said supervising inspector general shall be paid for his services at the rate of $3,50 per annum, and his actual and necessary traveling expenses, not to exceed ten cents per mile, incurred in the discharge of his official duties, to be allowed by the proper accounting officer upon proper vouchers and verified by oath. The amendment was agreed to. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Chair would suggest, in order to facilitate the reading of the bill, as Senators have printed copies of it before them, that only those sections to which amendments are proposed be read. If there be no objection that course will be pursued. The Chair hears no objection, and the Secretary will so read the bill. The next amendment of the Committee on Commerce was in section twenty-six, line seven, after the word "boards," to insert the words "as far as practicable;" so that the section will read: SEC. 26. That it shall be the duty of such supervising inspectors to see that the said several boards within their respective districts execute their duties faithfully, promptly, and, as far as possible, aniformly in all places, by following out the provisions of this act according to the true intent and meaning thereof; and they shall harmonize differences of opinion when they exist in different local boards as far as practicable. And the said local boards shail uniformly carry out faithfully the rules and regulations of the supervising board of inspectors, except the same be in contravention of the provisions of this act, in which case the local board shall appeal through the supervising inspector general to the Secretary of the Treasury to have such rule rescinded; and the decision of the Secretary shall be final and binding upon both the supervising inspectors and the local boards. The amendment was agreed to. The next amendment was in section twentythree, line ten, after the word "the," to insert "inspector general and the;" in line twelve, after "least," to insert "and," and after "such," in the same line, to insert the word "other;" in line thirteen, after the word " require," to insert the words "and the Secretary of the Treasury shall direct;" in line twenty, after "effective," to strike out the words "and economical;" in line twenty-four, after the word "duties," to insert "any or all of said rules and regulations shall take effect upon receiving the official sanction of the Secretary of the Treasury;" in line twenty-nine, before "unless," to insert the words "more than || with the following directory rules already esta The next amendment was to strike out section twenty-nine, in the following words: SEC. 29. That all coasting, steam, and sail vessels, and all such vessels navigating lakes, bays, rivers, inlets, sounds, and barbors, other than the waters flowing into the Gulf of Mexico, or their tributaries, shall, when meeting and passing each other, comply 1 |