SUGGESTIONS EOR REDUCING THE LOSS BY FIRE ON VESSELS. 217 



available prior to 1906, but if we include the number lost on the Steamer General 

 Slocum in 1904, which was 957, it would bring the average number of lives lost by 

 fire on vessels for the last seven years up to about 200 a year. This is only 

 on the merchant vessels of the United States. It will be noted that of 704 steam 

 vessels lost in the last five years, 317 were by fire, showing that nearly as many 

 steam vessels are destroyed by fire each year as by sinking, stranding, collision and 

 all other marine perils combined. 



I do not want to criticize Steamboat Inspectors at all, as I have the highest 

 regard for all those whom I know, but the Steamboat Inspection Laws under 

 which they are compelled to work are in many respects absurd and antiquated, 

 and in my opinion need revision. I believe this could be best done by a committee 

 of members of the Society, and I sincerely trust that the Society will take the 

 question up and at least make a thorough investigation of it. 



Approximately the loss by fire on American vessels every year is 200 human 

 lives — 200 vessels of all descriptions, including 60 steamers and much valuable cargo, 

 the monetary loss being about $4,000,000, the problem of reducing this is worth 

 most serious attention. 



The Chairman : — Gentlemen, I am sure that in your behalf I can extend your 

 thanks to Mr. McComb for his very interesting paper, which has brought out also a 

 most interesting discussion. 



President Taylor resumed the chair. 



The President: — Gentlemen, the last paper before this meeting is the paper 

 on "Two Marine Installations of Producer Gas, "by Charles B.Page, Ksq., Member. 

 Mr. Page read the paper. 



