The committee on the matter of Thompson's graduating life-preserving seat, made the following report, which, on motion, was adopted: Your committee, to whom was referred the matter of Thompson's life-preserving seat, have thoroughly examined the specimen seat exhibited to the board, and have ample evidence that its sustaining powers are equal to that required by our regulations, and this sustaining power continues unimpaired by use or exposure; it is not liable to injury either by neglect or careless usage. It is with facility attached to the person even when in the water, and, when attached, leaves the limbs entirely unincumbered, and free to be used for the act of swimming, or to give assistance to others. We conceive that this life-preserving seat combines, in an eminent degree, all the requirements of a good and reliable life preserver with a useful piece of furniture, and that it complies fully with the requirements of the law. The committee on the general report submitted the following, which was read and adopted: BOARD OF SUPERVISING INSPECTORS OF STEAMBOATS, SIR: The board of supervising inspectors, now in session in this city, conformably with their action at former annual meetings, and believing that there is special propriety in its continuance, beg leave respectfully to lay Lefore you the following general report of the action and proceedings of the several boards, both supervising and local, for the year ending September 30, 1856. The steamboat law has now been in operation for nearly four years a length of time in which it should reasonably be expected that some substantial benefits arising from its operation should become fully apparent; and we are happy to be able to state here, that the reports furnished to this board by the several local boards, as also our own observation and personal knowledge of the facts, show conclusively that safety to life on board steam vessels has been already secured to an extent beyond our most sanguine anticipation. We are also convinced that the full advantages of this wise and humane law are not by any means as yet fully secured, but will only be gained when all comply cheerfully with its requirements. It is true that opposition to the law is daily decreasing, although something of this hostile feeling still exists with a certain class of persons, who are careless as to informing themselves of results, and either believe, or pretend to believe, that no safety to life can arise from a compliance. On the other hand, the inspectors are becoming, by constant practice, daily more familiar with their duties, while differences of opinion have been harmonized, by the action of this board, with marked beneficial effect. We here insert a tabular statement, embracing the various matters and occurrences relating to steamers navigated under the act of Congress approved August 30, 1852, which have been acted upon, or have come to the notice of the several boards of local inspectors, for the year ending September 30, 1856. |