It has been said by different Members in opposition to the passage of this bill that we are forcing these companies to put the radiotelegraph system upon their vessels. I think we are doing right when we do so. and I desire to call attention to the facts concerning two steamers which arrived in Boston on the 9th instant. one of them having firstclass passengers and being fully equipped with everything necessary to preserve human life. including a radiotelegraph system. The other steamer carried a very large numlber of steerage passengers. and had more than twice. as many passengers as the steamer first referred to. and it had no equipment such as is required by the terms of this bill. There is no reason why steerage passengers should not be supplied with every possible accommodation. and certainly with every modern improvement for the preservation of human life. Everyone knows that steerage passengers are profitable to the steamship owners. They occupy but very little space. they eat but very little food. and they come in large numbers. Owners of passenger teamers can not be excused on account of the question of the expense required by this bill from making the necessary provision for the preservation of human life.
Identified stereotypes
Steerage passengers occupy little space and eat little food.