Safety of Steam Boats. 149 



formed, and the occurrence of so many accidents — the increase of 

 travel, and the number of steam boats employed, and the circum- 

 stance of their growing old, like other machines and vessels, prompt 

 me to remind you of your being, some years ago, on an arbitration 

 between the late Mr. Fulton and myself, to settle the question which 

 of us had first originated the improvement in steam navigation, of 

 separating the load from the power — the passengers from the dan- 

 ger. Had the award been in his favor, this method would probably 

 have been then carried into practice ; but being in mine, the exclu- 

 sive privilege granted by the state to the North River Company, 

 prevented. Yet I have the satisfaction of knowing it had the ap- 

 probation of that distinguished leader in the art of steam navigation, 

 and I now with pleasure see it in successful use for commercial 

 transportation on the Hudson. But the attempt to carry it into ef- 

 fect for passengers, made with the steam boat Commerce, two years 

 ago, was too feeble ; she having no more power than is usual in boats 

 of her class for their own impulsion. 



The original design was to appropriate and devote the leading 

 boat to the power, and to employ more than is usual for one boat ', 

 ample room on board permitting this conveniently, and of using the 

 strongest form of boiler. The folloiver is attached to the leading 

 boat, at a suitable distance, and in a manner that allows of steady 

 motion ; and being of a light, sharp construction, with one deck, the 

 resistance of the water and air will be but small ; indeed, it is the 

 most favorable plan for great speed. It is yoking the gigantic pow- 

 ers of steam to a floating car, and driving them fearlessly along the 

 liquid plain. There is also economy in this plan of operation. 

 Fuel is the heaviest item of expense. The use of anthracite coal 

 in steam engines, is a desirable improvement in their management. 

 Hitherto, the difficulty was in augmenting and diminishing this kind 

 of fire at pleasure, in boats. It required a peculiar form of furnace. 

 I mention it because it will afford a sufficient degree of protection 

 against excessive competition, should the state of public feeling pos- 

 itively require, in future, this perfectly safe conveyance. 



It is not probable that the memory of the late accidents will pass 

 away, as others have, with only a transient impression of their hor- 

 rors. The danger has at length come near. Every boat to and 

 from this city bears the connexions and friends of some of us. 

 Were it simply a question of benevolence, or of some public im- 

 provement, it would be carried by acclamation. But there is one 



