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Show HUMAN HOLOCAUST. I The burning of a steamer containing over l,0CIp picnickers within sight of the great Metropolis of New York is awful to contemplate. What must it be to eye-witnesses ? There is no possible way t6 realize or depict the feeling of the unfortunate victims vic-tims who were destined to die by fire or water. The agony that filled their souls, the anguish at parting part-ing from friends, the sad wind up of a joyous picnic pic-nic before the enjoyment began, arc indescribable. There can be no possible excuse for such human holocaust. All public carriers, and proprietors 'of public buildings and theatres should give some assurance to a confiding public, who entrust their lives to their safe-keeping, and pay their money for what they get in return. How this requisite demand can be put into execution is the great problem. prob-lem. The public demand it. We have laws to that effect, but they seem null. After the Iroquois disaster dis-aster public clamor called for inspection of buildings build-ings everywhere. But excitement soon subsides, the laws arc violated till some other great sacrifice sacri-fice like that in Xew York calls forth public indignation. indig-nation. Xo pleasure boat, vessel or steamer that carries human freight should be permitted to leave its moorings till it is first thoroughly inspected and proper means taken for the observance of the law. The individual or the corporation owning these means of conveyance, be they what they may. should insure and guarantee their patrons that their employes are absolutely safe and reliable. The officers of the law, whose duty it is to inspect all such modes of conveyance, should guarantee the public that the requirements of the law are observed. ob-served. Xo banker or merchant will employ a man in an office of trust till an insurance company guarantees said employe to be honest and faithful. Steam companies should have a guarantee that their employes are faithful, vigilant, temperate and competent. AVere all these requirements complied with in the Slocum boat? Certainly not. The life perservcrs were not available. The small boats could not be utilized.. A careless employe caused the fire. Too bad, we all say, but all our sympathy will not dry up a single tear or soothe the aching hearts of the mourners. The dead hare been sacrificed. sacri-ficed. The whole nation 'will mourn their sad and untimely death. After suffering such horrible and excruciating pain, Ve hope their souls were carried by angels to that happy home where pain and sorrow sor-row are unknown, and joy and bliss are unending. |