Copyright USGenNet Inc., 2014 All Rights Reserved USGenNet Data Repository Please read USGenNet Copyright Statement on this page: Transcribed and submitted by Linda Talbott for the USGenNet Data Repository http://www.us-data.org/ ========================================================================= USGenNet Data Repository NOTICE: These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or presentation by any other organization. Non-commercial organizations desiring to use this material must obtain the consent of the transcriber prior to use. Individuals desiring to use this material in their own research may do so. =========================================================================== Formatted by USGenNet Data Repository Chief Archivist, Linda Talbott All of the above information must remain when copied or downloaded. =========================================================================== The Ludington Record Thursday, May 4, 1882 Vol. XV. Old Series, No. 35 Vol. 2. New Series, No. 50 [extracts of marine news] Literal Oil on Trouble Waters. A most striking experiment has been tried at the Scottish port of Peterhead. A feature of speech, for hitherto it has been little else, was turned into a literal fact. Oil was poured on the waves with the result of calming the fair way at the harbor's mouth, so that a small boat could enter in a storm. It has long been known that oil exerted this effect. It does so by simply destroying the friction of the air on the surface of the water. It smooths the way of the wind, and, consequently calms the surface of the sea. Its accidental application has probably produced the wide-spread knowledge of its effect, which has made the figure of speech universal. We are not aware that any scientific attempt has ever been made to apply oil to the waves. At Peterhead pipes were laid down and a large quantity of oil was forced through them. The oil at once rose to the surface and spread in a thin film on the water, with the effect of reducing the roughness to a mere swell. Small boats were thus able to enter the harbor which could not have ventured to do so in the rough sea which was running before he oil was spread upon it. So far, therefore, the experiment was successful. Whether it opens up the possibility that harbor mouths may be made generally safe in rough weather by the expenditure of a few hundred gallons of oil can perhaps only be decided by further trials. The machinery is, however, laid down, and further tests will, therefore, be easily applied. It is evident that the effect, as des- cribed, is one which would make all the difference between safety and danger in a harbor frequented by fishing boats, and it is in such harbors that it is likely, if anywhere, to be of permanent value. - London Daily News. IN COURSE of the debate on appropriation in the U. S. senate on March 20, Senator Ferry used the following language: "When I witnessed two years ago a steamer go down with all its passengers and crew, I pledged myself then that if there was ever an opportunity I would vote that there might be life-saving stations at every point along the coast where they might save life. It is not a question of property; it is a question of life not only, but of the lives of those present here. I frequently cross Lake Michigan; other senators may often cross the inland lakes and sea; and we are pressing here to provide for the safety of those who traverse the waters on the decks of ships and vessels. As my colleague has aptly stated, thousands of lives have been saved since the inauguration of this service. If that be a fact, which I do not doubt, then we should give all the money this bill asks for to perfect the system and save life and save property." --------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Ludington Record Thursday, May 11, 1882 Vol. XV. Old Series, No. 36 Vol. 2. New Series, No. 51 [extracts of marine news] The tug BROCKWAY has been thoroughly repaired and is in active service again. A very destructive fire broke out at Racine on the night of May 5, in the Goodrich steamboat dock and spread to the St. Paul elevator and some extensive lumber piles. A terrific gale was blowing at the time. Loss well on towards one million dollars. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Ludington Record Thursday, May 18, 1882 Vol. XV. Old Series, No. 37 Vol. 2. New Series, No. 52 [extracts of marine news] The steam-barge, MARSHALL BUTTERS, is here at present on her maiden trip. She is a splendid piece of floating property. William Osborn intends to build a steam scow that will answer the double purpose of stake driving and operating with pound nets in Lake Michigan. The machinery has already been purchased and will consist of a boiler and two engines; one to propel the craft and the other to drive the stakes. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Ludington Record Thursday, May 25, 1882 Vol. XV. Old Series, No. 38 Vol. 2. New Series, No. 53 [extracts of marine news] IN THE CITY Capt. H. B. Smith and wife rejoice in a recent addition to their family. Capt. Eli Nelson is getting his little schooner ready for business. The COLIN CAMPBELL brought in a large quantity of freight for J. Allen & Son last Wednesday. The schooner CONNEAUT ran into the south pier last Tuesday night while attempting to enter the the harbor. Not much damage was done. The tug BROCKWAY left Chicago last Tuesday, but broke down and returned for repairs. She is expected here to-day with the scow POWERS. The Indianapolis Journal declares that since that city became a "port of entry" the shipping interests have steadily increased, and that it is no uncommon thing to see advertised, "two schooners for a nickel." The steam barge MARSHALL F. BUTTERS is on unqualified success and is a fortune to the owners. Her dimensions are 164 feet in length by 30 feet beam and 10 1/2 feet deep, with a carrying capacity of 400,000 feet green lumber. A steam hoisting machine is placed on deck near the engine room which is used in taking heavy timber on deck. It accomplishes the work designed for it with rapidity. Her last run from Chicago to Manistee was accomplished in 15 hours, being 13 miles an hour. Captain Carter takes great satisfaction in having the com- mand of such a craft. WEEKLY NEWS REVIEW: The steamer AMERICAN EAGLE exploded a boiler near Sandusky, while racing with the steamer JAY COOKE. Three of the crew received fatal injuries, and six passengers were seriously scalded. ===========================================================================