STEAM BOATS.
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The law passed at the last session of Congress
for the regulation Of steamboats,, was universally
thought necessary and was imperiously called
for by circumstances the most calamitous. 1t
was prompted by humanity, founded in the best
feelings of our nature, and designed to throw the
responsibility on those whose neglect or inca
pacity eoparded the lives Of thousands of travel.
lers, of whom frightful number had already
been sacrificed, and to protect the multitude who
in the ordinary pursuits Of life, are constantly
falling victims, being ignorant of the danger with
which they are surrounded. Yet strange 10
say, Gf any thing now odays may be considered
strangely this law has been violently assaed and
wantonly resisted from motives which could only
find justification in avarce and selishness. Wit
ness the proceedings of the steamboat owners at
CINCINNATI! They profess to respect the laws o.
the land while they absurdly determine to DISC
bey them; making known at the same time their
intention to memorialize for repeal Of the
law. This is singular reversion of the proper
order Of things.


Those unnfuenced by "a reckless spirit would
have preceded their resolutions Of defiance with
the petition for redress.


1t is idly contended that the requirements of
the law are inapplicable TO the navigation of the
western waters in regard TO hem-chains instead
of ropes; this, too, in the face of the fact that
many, there and elsewhere, have adopted the
former, and we have heard the assertion, from
a practical source competent to decide, tina,
thew are as convenient as the latter. Had moi
Congress all the facilities of information on the
subject that boat owners themselves had! 1t wa.
a long time under discussion; why did not thos,
interested embrace this opportunity Of presentin.
their views! AS they failed to do SO, they arr


left without excuse and subject to the just impu


,ation of wantonness and selEwill AS to thei


objection to warning-lights it is too ridioulou


for refutation. If law be set at naught in thi


way, what will be the result! Ii any clas


of men, supposing themselves aggrieved b
Legislative enactment, are 10 defy minister;
agents of Government in its execution, especial
against The general wish and welfare of the CON
munity, what assurance have we for the continl