Description: [ebay 181] 26th CONGRESS, 1st Session. [SENATE.] [241] IN SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES. 11-15 7351- MARCH 2, 1840. Submitted, and ordered to be printed. Mr. RUGGLES Submitted the following REPORT: [To accompany bill S. No. 247.] The Committee on Commerce, to whom was referred the resolution of the Senate instructing them to inquire whether the law regulating vessels propelled in whole or in part by steam does not require amendment; and to whom were also referred sundry petitions and memorials on the same subject, submit the following report: Against any supposed necessity for regulating steam navigation by law, with a view to a greater degree of security against accidents, it has been urged that the proprietors of steamvessels cannot be supposed to neglect any thing which would conduce to the safety of the public, since their own interest would also suffer from such neglect. It has also been urged that masters, pilots, and engineers, having their own lives at stake no less than passengers, will never need the superad- dition of legal penalties to stimulate their vigilance. But steamboat proprietors are generally associated individuals who con- duct their business by agents. Although it is for their interest to acquire and preserve the confidence of the travelling public by providing the means of safety, yet they are not to be supposed, more than other men, to overlook the matters of economy and profit. Besides, insurance dimin- ishes their hazard, without abating that of the public. Their agents have generally less at stake. They may be presumed sometimes to regard the amount of dividends as affording the best evi- dence of their good management; and it would not be strange if, in the pursuit of that object, they should often lose sight of, or underrate, the dangers which constantly surround the unwary traveller. As to engineers, they are familiar with danger, and become insensible to it. If ignorant of their duties, or are of reckless character, little confi- dence can be reposed in their regard for their own personal safety. We have had too many proofs of the futility of relying alone on the self-interest of proprietors, or the sense of personal hazard of engineers, for security against steamboat disasters. Legislative regulations and pen- alties must, therefore, interpose their protection. This important subject has engaged the serious attention of other Governments. France, Holland, and Belgium, have adopted very strict regulations for the management of land as well as marine engines. To Blair & Rives, printers.
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