UNCLE SAM'S LIFE SAVERS.
Satisfactory Results Accomplished by That Service the Past Year.
According to the Washington Star the report of Mr. Kimball, the general superintendent of the life saving service, for the year ending June 30, exhibits the most satisfactory results yet accomplished by that service. Although the total number of disasters was greater than in any prior year, the percentage of lives and property lost was less. The next best record was that of the year 1895. In that year the loss of life was one out of every 224 persons involved, and the loss of property 14 per cent of the amount imperiled, during the last year the loss was only one person out of 260, and 11 1-5 per cent of property.
The number of disasters to documented vessels within the scope of the service was 437, involving 4,608 persons, of whom 4,595 were saved and thirteen lost. The estimated value of the vessels was $8,880,140, and of the cargoes, $3,846,389, aggregating a total of $12,726,529. Of this amount, $1,432,750 was lost. The number of documented vessels totally lost was sixty-seven.
There were also during the year 243 casualties to undocumented small craft, sailboats, rowboats, etc. Of the 593 persons on board, 587 were saved and seven lost. The value of the property in those casualties is estimated at $119,265, of which $114,915 was saved. The total number of shipwrecked persons succored at stations was 613.
During the year the crews saved and assisted to save 427 vessels, valued with their cargoes, at $4,853,110. Of this number 318 were saved without outside assistance, aggregating, with their cargoes, a value of $977,495, with loss of only $11,713. In the remaining 154 instances the life saving crews assisted other agencies in saving property valued at $3,599,775 out of a total of $3,875,645 imperiled.
The cost of maintaining the service for the year was $1,421,895. Attention is invited to the inadequacy of the compensation of the superintendents of life saving districts. An annual compensation of $2,000 is recommended.
The existing discrimination in the rates of wages paid the surfmen, a small minority receiving $65 per month, while the majority receive only $60, continues to be a source of serious discontent and complaint. A uniform rate, if issued, is demanded by common fairness and the good of the service. The general superintendent recommends that such a rate be established.