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Placine Record. ————— Published Every Thursday at 144 Superior Street, [Leader Building) Cleveland, 0. ———_ A:.A. POMEROY, EDITOR AND PRop, BRANCH OFFICE: 252 South Water Street, Chicago, Dlinois, THOMAS WILLIAMS, Associate Editor. TERMS OF SUBSCRIPTION: One year, postage paid......... 0.000 Seblesotesece $2,00 pa ths, postage Paid...... eccesees sereeee Inearinbly in advance. PHE MARINE RECORD can ve found for sale by the following news dealers: CLEVELAND, O.—G. F. Bowman, corner of Pear] and Detroit Streets, Evans & Van Epps, Superior street, Cleveland, R, A. Castner, 254 Detroit street, Cleveland. ASHTABULA HARBOR, O.—C, Large. CHICAGO, ILL.—Joseph Gray, 9 West Ran- dolph Street. : CHICAGO, ILL.—H. B. Hansen, 33 West Randolph Street. BUFFALO, N. Y.—Miss McCabe, Elk Street, near Ohio. DULUTH, MINN.—C. F. Johnson, 323 West Superior Street, MARQUETTE, MICH.—J. A. Vannier, ESCANABA, MICH.—Wm. Godley. ESCANABA, MICH.—George Preston, SARNIA, ONT.—D. McMasters, OWEN SOUND, ONT.—J. Sharpe, Jr. KINGSTON, ONT.—F, Nisbet, corner Brook and Wellington Streets. Subscribers and others are respectfully invited to use the columns of the MARINE RECORD for the discussion of pertinent topics, Entered at the Post Office at Cleveland as second- elesdimail matter. CLEVELAND, 0., THURSDAY, MARCH 22, CLEVELAND VESSEL OWNERS ASSN’ , ORGANIZED IN 1880. [Membership, 1887] Sixty-five steamers agg-ega ing....---.... 67,865 tons. } Ninety-five sail and congort, aggregating.60,089 tons, j Maintains shipping offices at Cleveland and Ashta- bula Harbor. Regulates wages, protects crews, and takes cognizauce of all matters in the interest of its members and of the Lake Commerce generally. OFFICERS. President. - Vice President Secretary and Treasurer. * - Counsel} HM. Hanna, H P. Lintmrmes, B. L. PENNINGTON, H.D.GovLpER - EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. M. Hanna, H. P, Lillibridge, M, A. Bradley, Geo. B. McKay, Thomas Wilson, R. K, Winslow, W. D. Palmer. J. W. Moore, W. C. Richardson, _ SHIPPING MASTERS. R. Rumsey, 98 dock, Cleveland; Fred Bennet. dock, Cleveland; Wm, Reunick, Ashta- TO VESSEL OWNERs. of Cleveland Vessel Owners’ ‘ery 2, 1888, the assess- nt on the tonnage for 1888, custom honre register. was levied the same as for 1887, viz: 8c per ton on steam and 4c on sail and consort, with former stipulation limiting the secretary as to the time up to which tonnage may be admitied, It is quite important that the tonnage for 1887 the membership of which will expire April 1, should notify the secretary us to renewal before that time; also, that all vestel owners who have not been members, but who desire to place their tonnage in the association for 1888, should early notify the secretary, personally or by letter, giving names of vessels and their respective tonnage. Address, B. L. PENNINGTON, Sec’y and Treas., 110 and 112 Water St., Cleveland, O. Be PROSPECTS FOR THE SEASON. It has been said that last season was one of the best years for vessel men that has ever occurred, This, in a certain sense, 1s true, but while they, perheps, received more profit for the season’s Work last year than they will this season, they had some losses to look after ou: ot that profit. This season, while the profit on earnings may not be so large, there can not be a doubt but that an equally good season will be realized. While freights may not rule so high, prin- cipally on account of political excitement or from fear that the tarift on iron and its pro- ducts may be tampered with, rates on ore will rule well up to paying prices. The greatest source of traffic ou our great system of water carriage is, firet, iron ore; second, grain; third, lumber.- The great growth of the iron ore trade during the last three or four years is one of the marvels of the growth or increase in the production of iron ore in the northwest. Before 1860 few peo- ple dreamed of the enormous wealth that : lay buried in the grounds of Michigan, Wis- consin, or Minnesota in the shape of ore, and it was not until the fall of 1886 that the j mines of Minnesota were fully developed. In 1864 the total product of iron ore in the ee ea ee ae Lake Superior region was only 3,000 tone, the entire quantity being derived from the Cleveland mine. The following year the production trom the same mine was only about half of that amount, which caused great depression among vesse) men, as they reasoned that the iron ore supply from that region would surely fail. Prophets of evi), however, gain no credence in their own country, snd since that time thatsame region has yielded over 81,000,000 tons. While this has been the means of creating colossal for- tones for individuals, as in the case of the discovery of the Gogebic mines, it has also been the means of building up cities which would be a credit to any country of infinitely older growth, There is every probability that the pro- duction ot iron ore and the demand will be greater than that of last season. We noted some weeks since that orders for steel rails had been placed tor 100,000 tong, the equiva- lent of 2,100,000 tons of ore. We have since learned that double that amount had been ordered and the car wheel shops were full cf orders and have been obliged to refuse several good contracts for want of facilities to produce. This is almost positive evidence that there will be ‘as much ore brought forward this season as last, and justifies veseel men in holding together until the Ist of May. No defection from the compact has yet occurred, and it is believed that there will be none. At the present time the outlook is good for vessel men and all unite in the belief that there is a prosperous and profitable season before us. While there is not so large a visible sup- ply of grain in the elevators in the west, the opening freight will not be much less than that of last season, charters from Duluth having teen made at 4 cents. The lumber trade will be more active than that of laat season, and vessels must be taken out of the ore and grain trade to accommodate it. It has been said that we have built too much tonnage during thie year, but that was said of the amount launched Jast year, and it was not borneout by facts,as we had more demand for tonnage than could be accommodated even with the increase of tonnage. While there will be much new tonnage to compete for the business to come up this season, much has gone’out of existence, which is verified by the table of losses printed in these columns Jast December. Last season we had the largest carrying business ever known in the history of the lakes, owing principally to good dispatch and a favorable sailing season early in the year. Wecan not, therefore, expect to do much more with the tonnage to enter for the coming season’s business, especially if ore vessels do not break away earlier than the Ist of May. If we except labor troubles there is no combination that can defeat the present prospects for a good season for carriers op the lakes and owners should not be too eager to charter. THE INTERNATIONAL MARINE CON- FERENCE. The measure recently introduced by Mr. Perry Belmont to the house of representa- tives on the coming international confer- ence is a much more important matter than the generality of our readers may suppose or imagine, and we venture to assert that it this bill is carried-through it will tend to mitigate the fr ghtiul loss of life and prop- erty so often met with on the water and reported in the various papers, having a domestic, local, or even an international in- terest to the reader. : In the first place the Rule of the Road at Sea certainly requires to be amended, for, at the present time under the international steering and sailing rules, it is possible to place vessels in such a position at night that it is impossible to tell how or on what point of the compass they may be proceeding, and it is almost unnecessary to say that this state of affairs is, to say the least, repre- hensible, and in the wisdom of the confer- ence, rules should be formed which will admit of a practical and intelligent solution of this most'essential point, for just as soon as a light is sighted mariners ought to be in a position to tell exactly just how or in what direction the light is proceeding without undergoing the torture and suspense of waiting and watching while lives and prop- erty are trembling in the balance. Much more might be brought forward on this important subject when the convention will materialize. In the meantime the originator and supporters of the bill have our entire sympathy and support in any and everv measure brought before the house having the method of determining the direction and course a vessel is pursuing at night. In the case of foggy and thick weather recent col- lisions point out a sad deficiency in the present rules and regulations, and a radical change is necessary in the interests of pas- senger and freight carriage and transporta- tion. Again, we would like to see a better sya- tem of signaling adopted. The change from the old Marryatt code to the later and present Commercial code wae an immense stride in the right direction and was all sufficient for the time being; but present requiremente call for a more condensed and compre hensive system of day signals, and we sin- cerely hope for a complete and adequate method whereby pagsing vessels may com- municate without the loss of time, and con- sequent annoyance of stopping to exchange a sentence or two us they bave to do at present, andin these dave of telegrapb, tele- phones, and scientific advancement it would not require a very great strain on the Intel- Jectual capabilities of our members of the mercantile marine to comprehend a concise and brief system of communicating with vessels or coast stations. In the Industries of Cleveland, a book issned by the Elstner Publishing Co., we find the following notice of this paper. It has not been paid for yet: ‘ “At the center of lake shipbuilding, Clev land, the Marine Recorp his been published for the last eight years, and it is now the only marine newspaper published west of New York city, having outlived all its contempor- aries in the maritime interest. The MARINE RECORD was started in the fall of 1879, and has continued to grow in size and influence from that date until the present time. The edition of November 17 last was enlarged by the addition of eight columns, which is equivalent to two pagee—made possible by the extensive advertising patronage it has gained during the last six months and the enormous growth in its subscription list. The present publisher, Mr. A. A. Pomeroy, took charge of the Recorp during the sum- mer of 1883, and has conducted it on busi- ness principles, so that to-day it stands at the head of maritime publications in this country. Being an official newspaper of the War Department, it is desirable to all con tractors for river and harbor improvements; being the official psper of the Lake Carriers’ As:ociation and Cleveland Vessel Owners? Association, it is desirable for all vessel men; being the only marine newspaper on the lakes, it is desirable for all dealers in marine goods as an advertising medium, The editor, who has been connected with the newspaper business during the last twenty-three years, is a positive and enterprising journalist, und has proved, since he took charge of the Marine REcorpD, that “the fittest survive.” The offices of the Recorp are at No 144 Superior street.” THE GILDER FLUKE. To the Editor of the Marine Record: } ‘Reading in your last issue of a serions catastrophe having oecurrad & i room, for future guidance I beg leave to inform you that your people started entirely at the wrong end of the difficulty and instead of going to the immense tronble and expense of sending for a new gilder fluke, all that was necessary when the guy rope carried away was simply to hook on the poop down- haul to the jib-truss, take a round turn with the starboard rudder truck to the ipper par- of the lee forefoot, then with the remaining guy rope form a double concentrated carrick- bend on the bigbt of the fore and aft main- yard, and with one twist to port and a sud den jerk on the key of the kee)son perform the evolution ot bracing up on both tacks, keeping a gentle zephyr rippling over the starboard quarter, Then take a marlin- spike, or, better still, a handspike, on the lee quarter, give her a slight pry to windward and the thing is done. Of course, in pertorming the maneuver due regard would have to be paid to the dynamite stored in the second engineer’s shaving box, for, one second’s delay, and spontaneous conbustion would certainly en- sue; but there will be ample time for a smart, quick, intelligent officer to save the satin lining of his sea boots by briskly placing the wim-wam on the electric current of the goose’s bridle. By One Wuo us SEEN 11T Done. CapraIn JAMES DavIDSON, who was in the city last week, says regarding the Provi- dence steam windlasses, made by the Ameri. can Ship Windlass Co., that he uses them on all of the boats ke builde, and that he has no hesitation in saying that it is the best and most complete machine for the purpose ever used on shipboard. THE secretary of the Lake Carriers’ Agsocia- tion is in receipt of the following letter: SIGNAL OFFICE, WAR DEPARTMENT, } WASHINGTON, D. G., March 13, 1888, Srr—Referring to the resolutions of the Lake Carriers’ Association under date of March 3, 1888, forwarded to this office, I have the honor the Marine Record. to say that the original intention of the Chief Signal Officer was to discontinue the station at Mackinac City, Mich., owing to the lack of funds to keep up the necessary stations. It is learned, however, that congress will probably vote a deficiency sv that the cause which prowpted the discontinuance of the Mackinac station will soon be removed. In inquiring into the entire condition of the lake stations it has finally been decided to open at Sault ste. Marie a full signal service station, while that at Mackinac Gity be continued asa display sta- tion, the observer receiving, as now, full infor- wation as to the signals to be displayed, the position of the canter of storms, ete. The only difference will be the discoutinuance of the ba- tometer, temperature and rainfall reading at Mackinac, which, however, taking place at the Sault, sixty miles to the north, will not only give better metervlogical conditions for the en- tire lake region but will also render it possible for this office to make more accurate signal or- ders for Mackinac and the other lake ports than is now possible, You will thus see that the great and important commercial and mari- time interests of the lukes have been borne in miud by the chief signal officer, so that during the coming season it is hoped that the service will be niore satisfactory than ever before. Please eunvey to the president and manogers of the Lake Carriers’ Association my aj preciation of their continued interest in this service and the desire of the chief sigual officer to conserve their interests so far as may be within his power. A. W. GREELY. Ghief Signal Officer, VARIATION AND DEVIATION OF THE COMPASS. To the Editor of the Marine Record: I published in your paper a few weeks ago an article detailing the process of find- ing the variation of the compass at sea, and I find in a recent issue a contributor writing under the initials of J. 8. partly contradict- ing my statements as set forth in a previoua letter, Now, I wish to settle this matter by stating that I have examined some of the best authors and find that the greatest varia’ tion on the equator is 20°, and in latitude 66° north the greatest variation is 49° wes:» and in latitude, 60° south the greatest varia- ation is 40° in east longitude; consequently the assertion that any error has crept ip is entirely wrong, and certainly your contribu- tor is in error when he states that the varia- tion of the compass is not less on the equator than it is in high latitude. He can not for one moment pretend to hold his position in an argument which admits of no termina- tion but the natural and correct one as de- termined by previous navigators and scien- tific men and astronomers, and [I still assert that the mode of obtaining the variation of the compass, to an experienced navigator, is just as easy as I avowed in my former letter, and simply requires a person to understand the various movements of the sun through the héavens, or rather the earth’s annual movements, and the problem is solved. The correct definitions of variation and deviation are synonymons; that is to say, there is no difference at all, and the writer of the recent letter has probably got mixed up with the error of local attraction which amounts to variation of the compass in what- ever latitude a ship may be placed; at the same time the whole error of the compass may be termed variation, and as regards the present laws of magovetism, it is not neces- sary for a revisal, as the present knowledge is sufficient for experienced navigators, and for all purposes when afloat, and I should say that [ would like J. S. to give figures to prove and substantiate any statements that he makes in contradiction to the above. Had I but a little more leisure time, or it this correspondence had cropped up earlier, I would have been in a position to refute and clearly exemplify all assertions that I have made; yet it must be understood that I do not depart one iota from my previous statements. So far as masters of vessels on the lakes are concerned I unqualifiedly admit their skill and seaman-like qualities are all that can be desired, and second to none others afloat. I simply meant that masters should be more conversant with the methods of cor- recting their own compasses for local attrac- tion which is bound to existin vessels where iron is used in the construction, 1 The Only 2hirt Factory in the City Where all Kinds of Flannel Shirts, Navy- blue, double and single-breasted Sailor Shirts, Waterproof Shirts, Cheviot Shirts, made in a regular home made style, every | shirt 54 in, wide, 40 in, long, wide sleeves, extra well sewed, can be found atthe Boston Dry Goods Store, 213 Detroit street, second door from corner Pearl streets, Also{3§™ Our own home-made Jean Pants, Overalls, Jumpers, ete., and all of above will be made to VESSEL OWNERS’ ASSOCIATION BILL. — Be it enacted by the senate and house of representatives of the United States of Amer- ica in congress assembled:— First—That all sea going vessels and sels navigating the great lakes, whether steam or sail, and engaged in the freighting and assenger business, or either, excepting pub- ic vessels of the United States aia vessels of other countries, shall be subject to the pro- visions of this act. : Second—That, in addition to the inspection provided for in Title LIT, regulations of steam vessels, of the Revised Sttutes of the United States, and in conformity to the provisions of that title, and as far as practicable in the case of vessels now required to be inspected by the said title, »t the same time with the in- { spection now required, the local inspectors — appointed under the provisions of said Title LIU, shall once in every year at least, and on application in writing of the master or owner thereof carefully inspect each vessel in their respective districts, and shall satisfy them- selves that-upon every such vessel so submit- ted to their inspection the requirements ot this act, as well as all other things now re- quired by law, are faithfully complied with, and the provisions of said Title LII, of the revised statures, and the amendments there. torso far as the same are applicable, shall in all things, noc hereia specially provided for, apply to and govern the iuspections hereby 5 required to be made, and the secretary of the : treasury shall take snch regulations as may be necessury to secure the proper execution of this aet. Third—Every such vessel not now required — by law to have and carry the same, shail car- ry one good life-preserver for each person : employed or carried on such vessel, and shall carry one seaworthy life-boat or yawl boat at least, and in all cases the necessary number of such boats of sufficient capacity to car the crew of such vessel in rough weather; there shall be kept fastened in each euch boat not less than five oars of proper size, and a suffi- cient number of thole-pins or other good applie ance ‘or rowing, and a suitable appliance for baling. Every such vessel, except when engaged in navigation exclusively within a— single district, shall carry at least two anch- ors of proper size and weight, with two good chain cables, each not less than sixty fathoms in length, and shall have the ends of such cables securely fastened, the one end to the — anchor and the other end inboard; and every such vessel shall carry on deck near the stern not less than one large circular life-buoy, ‘in a conspicuous place, ready to be instantly thrown overboard. 1 si ; For every violation of this section thatshall — not have occurred or arisen through circum- stances or causes over which the master of such Mian magia oe have. no control, _ such vessel shail be subject toa not exceeding $100. ae a panelSL ane Fourth—the local inspectors shall also carefully examine the hull, build, size, co struction and sheer of each such vessel, an whenever they shall deem it necessary to pre- vent everloading, they shall after such exam. ination, and taking into consideration the build, size, construction, sheer and draft. water, fix and establish a safe load line, fot such vessel which shall be marked with wooden or painted strip, three feet long and three inches broad, which shall be kept paint- ed in a color contrasting with the color of the weeeehs or Piles rae other sore as shi eo designate the Secretary of the ‘lreasury, and so placer? as néar ee practicable, that the lower edge thereof shall m safe load line for all seasons; and it unlawful for such vessel to be loaded deeper than the safe load line so fixed; provided, however, that whenever in the judgment o the local inspectors, it would be pru ent an safe to permit any vessel to load deeper tha such established line between the 1st day | May and the 15th day of September in an: year, the local inspectors shall fix a eat or summer load line in the same manner above the first and between the Ist day o: \ and the 15th day of September in any year it shall be lawful for any such vessel al- lowed a summer load line to be loaded to such suummer load line but no deeper. An appeal shall lie from the action of the local in tors in fixing the load to the supervi spectors who shall conduct the invest of such appeal with all the powers con inand by said Title LIL of the revised statu’ cases of appeals and shall make such pe investigation and examination as | deem expedient, and for every violatio section the master of such vessel and th thereof if a party to such violation — liable to a fine of not more than$200 in addition thereunto at the discretion court be imprisoned not to ex months. : Fifth—Any person who, after th device marking any such load line D established and marked upon the under the direction of the local ins be granted after have satisfied the! such form as order_gegif the customer desires it, for the | sel same price as sold ready-made, Don’t forget to call on KOH Detroit St., near corner Pearl. N & CO., 213]