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Excelsior Marine Benevolent Association. OFFICERS OF THE GRAND LODGE—LYMAN HUNT, TREASURER. The decision of James A. Dumont, supervising inspector general of steam vessels, with regard to the signal for working the engine strong, published in the last issue of the MARINE REVIEW, was a surprise to some steamboat captains who have been blowing four short whistles for the ‘‘strong’’ signal. Gen. Dumont says very plainly that the signal must be one long whistle or four bells and adds that the captain who blows four short whistles violates the law every time he does so. If he has no bell in his engine room he must blow a long whistle when he wants the engine worked strong. The Cleveland lodge dis- cussed Gen, Dumont’s decision at its last meeting and the legal- ity of the electrical and telegraphic systems of signals between captain and engineer was brought into question. With one of these patented systems dials in the engine room and pilot house ‘indicate the order. The supervising inspector general will be asked for an opinion regarding these devices. Capt. Comstock talked informally at the rooms of the Chi- cago association last Monday, concerning Chicago’s position in the list of important lake ports. He said that it was ont of the direct line to the seaboard and was a railroad center, which was a detriment to independent freighting. Mrs. A. C. Mevers, World’s Fair alternate, addressed the assembly concerning her efforts to secure an appropriation for a marine exhibit at the coming exposition, the which was an object of her visit to Wash- ington. Another effort will be made as soon as congress meets again. In the meantime the matter will be presented to the state legislature. F. B. Higgie, secretary of the association has the sympathy of the members in the -loss of his son, who had just attained his majority. Each officer of the association was presented with a badge which was worn during the session, Mr. W. E. Leonard addressed the Port Huron lodge of the E. M. B. A., last Thursday, on the subject of “Sailors and the Sea.” It was quite interesting and he was generously applaud- ed. J. J. Stover, John Hutton and William Rattray were elected to full membership. The appearance of rooms in the Casselo block is being improved by the addition of ornaments and pic- tures trom time to time. ‘The banquet and ball of the Cleveland lodge, Thursday evening, was a success in every way. Many of the leading own- LH rere et als eA aah Sod at ac MARINE REVIEW. ee ers were present and the guests included friends of the order from the different ports on Lake Erie. The hall was handsome- ly decorated with flowers and bunting from the ships in port. About 200 couples were seated at the banquet. The Bay City lodge has planned a banquet for members and friends to take place on Monday evening next. It will bea fit- ting meeting before parting for the coming season anda grand time is assured. We are indebted to Secretary C. H. Weeks for an invitation to be present. Capt. E. K. Porter was elected to membership in the Cleve- land lodge at the last regular meeting. Marine Engineers’ Beneficial Association. President John H. Galwey, of Detroit, arrived in Cleveland, today, Thursday, to consider with the engineers the reduction in wages announced by the Cleveland Vessel Owners’ Associa- tion. ‘The plans of the engineers with regard to the reduction are not given out but it is evident that they intend to show resistance. Mr. F. B. Smith, who goes as chief engineer of the Pasadena this season, relates a strange experience with the government inspectors in New York last fall, which goes to show that, not- withstanding the fact that the lakes have more steam vessels of 1,000 to 2,500 tons than the combined tonnage of this class in all other parts of the country, the coast people are slow in being brought to a realization of the fact that the northwestern water- ways are snperior to the coast in commerce and that the vessels are in every respect equal to the sea-going craft. Mr. Smith, who ranks among the best engineers on the lakes, and who has added a great deal of study to his practical knowledge of marine engines, was desirous of making a few trips on the coast and went to New York last fall with that end in view. He applied for a license to go to sea but was told by both supervising and local inspectors, who had refused to grant him an examination, that he could not have a license for a position as even second or third engineer. Mr. Smith was not in New York for the pur- pose of following the coast business but decided, after repeated refusals during a two week’s stay in the metropolis, that he would make a test of the action of the inspectors, as he had al- ready expressed a willingness to give up all effort if he could not pass any examination to which they might subject him. Their only excuse was that he had had no experience with salt water, although it is a fact that boats in the coasting trade use very little salt water. Finally he was informed by the local in- spectors that they would grant him an examination if he suc- ceeded in finding a position. This was quite a disadvantage to start with in search of a position but Mr. Smith found a place as assistant and passed the examination. After making a couple of trips, which was all he desired, Mr. Smith returned to Cleveland In General. Mr. Cassius P. Taylor, the new manager of the Ward Line, was.in Cleveland during the past week. Capt. William R. Clinton, of Detroit, a pioneer in the river ferry business, died, Thursday, in California. EK. G. Ashley and Capt. Freidrichs, represented Toledo marines at the first annual ball of the E. M. B. A., at Cleveland. The Deseronto Navigation Company, of Picton, Ont., will build a side wheel steamer 160 feet long for the Picton-Trenton route. EK. T. Hitchcock, average adjuster of Buffalo, presents an- other neat bit of work in the adjustment of losses on the pro- peller Newburgh, occasioned by the breaking down of her engine . off Cleveland last November. The Canadian steamer Kathleen has been sold to Mr. Shep- pard, of Waubashene, Ont., fot use on the Georgian bay. ‘This steamer cost $22,000 three years ago, but Mr. Sheppard has ~ bought her for about 50 per cent. off first cost. Marine hospital authorities at Detroit will prosecute sailors who gain admission to the hospital under false pretenses. One man is already in the hands of the United States authorities oi pone presenting a false affidavit to a government officer, 3 : ‘ é 3 Z