The Texas Republican

The first trial of officers under the new steamboat law, took place at Cincinnati on the 28th of February. They were the officers of the Steamers Pittsburg and Fall City, which struck each other on the morning of the 23d Feb'y. The Evening True Delta, of the 11th instant, contains the testimony in the case, and the decision of Messrs. Haldeman and Guthrie, Inspectors of hulls and boilers, before whom the parties were tried. The license of John White the licensed pilot on duty on steamer Pittsburgh, was suspended for twenty days, and that of Jeremiah Mason, the licensed pilot on duty on steamer Fall City, was suspended for ten days.

They were found censurable, not for incompetency, nor any intention to injure each other's boat, but for not complying with that part of the "Rules and Regulations," which expressly requires "the bell to be struck, or the steam whistle to be sounded every two minutes" when running in a fog.

The decision of the Inspectors, concludes as follows:

We were inclined to lenity in our decision in this case, from the fact that the law, and the "Rules and Regulations under it" are new, and as yet imperfectly understood and no evidence appears against these officers of incompetency, or evil intentions, or recklessness in the ordinary sense of that term. Yet, we find them neglecting one of those precautionary measures of the law, the importance of which is made apparent by the present case.

But in order to full understanding of our position and purpose, and as a guide to all licensed officers and others concerned, the board deem it their duty now to give notice, that in all future cases of collisions or other disasters, placing life in peril, coming under our supervision, the most rigorous penalties of the law will be imposed upon such as are found to neglect or violate its requirements.