i 50 Safety of Steam Boats. 



difficulty in the \vay. It is considered a branch oflusiness, in which 

 the public has no more concern than in stages. It is left to the en- 

 terprising in its line, and all trust that competition will produce per- 

 fection, as well as cheapness. And it might be left to ordinary com- 

 petition, were it not a question of life. It is, in this respect, quite 

 different from all other branches of business. It is a concern be- 

 longing to the public, as well as to the owners of the boats, and yet 

 its defects and dangers are not of a nature to be prevented or guard- 

 ed against by any law. Nothing but a determination of the commu- 

 nity to have and sustain safe steam conveyance, will avail. 



This branch of enterprise has taken the form of rivalry, in splen- 

 dor and rapidity, and these admirable qualities will still command an 

 ample share of business. But, however admirable, they do not com- 

 pensate for the risk of life. Why should not the public be also en- 

 tirely satisfied on this point, and have the choice, at least, of safety. 

 This improvement remains to be made, and superadded. Knowing 

 its practicability, and the excellent accommodation of which this 

 method is capable, it seems incumbent, at this time, thus to bring it 

 into view. If its suggestion meets with approbation, a company may, 

 perhaps, be formed, with sufficient capital for two equipments, one to 

 proceed every day from New York to Albany. The passage may 

 in this manner be accomplished, it is thought, in ten hours. 



As travel is always increasing between these cities, and as a ra- 

 tional preference would be given to a commodious yotte, (yatch) 

 drawn swiftly and steadily along, there seems to be some reason to 

 expect the concern would be profitable. But the prevailing opinion 

 may be, that it cannot be said to be certainly an object of specula- 

 tion, or a source of profit. Perhaps the undertaking must rest alone 

 on the basis of philanthropy and public spirit. If, then, on this 

 ground, the prevailing sentiment of the community is favorable, per- 

 haps it will be manifested by an ample capital, subscribed in mode- 

 rate sums, especially should it meet the approbation of those who as- 

 semble daily at the banks and public offices, and to administer the 

 city government. It is a measure of self-defence. 



Submitting the subject thus to you, sir, for a place in your paper, 

 I am, very respectfully, your humble servant, 



John L. Sullivan, Civil Engineer. 



Patterson, N. J. 29th April, 1830. 



