sec. 234); second, that gunpowder, nitroglycerin, and like articles, when offered for shipment, shall be securely packed and put up separately from each other and from other articles (secs. 4475 and 4476, Rev. Stats.); and third, that packages containing explosives shall have the, contents properly marked on the outside when presented for shipment and the carrier informed of the character of the article (act of Mar. 4, 1909, sec. 235).

The use of explosives is indispensable to many necessary operations of modern life. Adequate means for the transportation of explosives by land and water must, therefore, always be available. Recognizing this, there are still grave dangers to be avoided. Such dangers are probably most to be feared in connection with the navigation of vessels carrying large quantities of explosives and with the loading, unloading, and anchorage of the same in harbors or inland. waters, where the prospect of collision is greater, and where, if an explosion occurs, the disastrous consequences are almost certain to extend to other vessels often crowded with passengers, and even to structures and persons on shore.

With these facts in mind, I have felt that the attention of Congress should be called to the matter, and accordingly offer for consideration certain definite suggestions regarding the character of legislation needed, some of which it may be thought wise to adopt. The dangers to be guarded against would, it is thought, at least be minimized if the law should require, among other things, that vessels carrying more than a certain quantity of explosives shall carry neither passengers nor other freight; that such vessels and vessels used for the storage of explosives shall be inspected by the Steamboat-Inspection Service and certificated as of a structure suitable for the special uses in view; that vessels intended for such uses shall be constructed wholly of iron or steel and so built that explosives shall neither be stored nor handled within 25 feet of the motive power, and shall have the openings into the holds or storage compartments provided with hinged iron or steel hatches having rubber or felt joints, such hatches to be kept securely fastened, except when loading or unloading or when no explosives are on board; that such vessels shall be propelled only by motive power of their own, the generation of which shall be of a character permitting the escape of no sparks; that vessels of this kind shall be painted a distinctive color and shall display a large flag designating their character, and shall not be navigated in harbors or inland waters at night or in fog or thick weather; that such vessels shall be loaded and unloaded altogether by hand, without the use of hooks, slings, or other artificial means, except that skids may be used if constructed wholly of wood, without metal fastenings, properly protected with side guards and covered on the working surfaces with canvas or other material to reduce friction; that in

stowing vessels with explosives the same shall be stored under deck and below the water line; and that cargoes of explosives shall not be transferred from one vessel to another in any harbor, but only in uncongested waters designated by proper authority.

CONCLUSION.

For more detailed information I refer to the reports of the chiefs of bureaus.

Respectfully,

CHARLES NAGEL,

Secretary.

REPORTS

OF THE

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE AND LABOR