The P. & O. Express Service steamers Isis and Osiris, running between Brindisi and Port Said, have Italian crews of deck and stokehold hands, presumably for the reasons as set forth by Consul Keene. When the steamers first went on the station they were tried under the ordinary crews that were shipped at home; but it was soon given up, owing to the old story. We were on board the Isis a few weeks ago, being shown round by the Commander. Steam was being raised with the intention of the boat leaving about three hours later, when the mail arrived. As we passed through the stokeholds all the firemen then on watch jumped up smartly and stood at attention until we passed through back again into the engine-room. We mention this on account of it being a most unusual occurrence on a merchant vessel. Regarding "State Protection for Seamen" the Shipping Gazette and Lloyd's List, November 22, 1901, gives an interesting and instructive account.
"A comparison between British and foreign legislation suggests that the countries have somewhat restricted notions as to the extent to which the sailor demands the protection of the State. German Shipping Law, for instance, contains no special provision as to the amount of space required for the accommodation of each seaman, although our own Merchant Shipping Act is very specific on that point, and even where a subsidy is paid by the German Government there is merely a general regulation to the effect that efficient and proper accommodation shall be provided for all the various members of the crew. In German law also, there are no provisions as to the sufficient manning of ships, and there is no compulsory load line, as in our case. French regulations are equally innocent of any stipulation with regard to the accommodation and treatment of crews, although it is stated that in the construction of ships the provisions of our Merchant Shipping Act in respect of accommodation are generally followed, and that as a matter of fact on most liners the crews have no reason for complaint in this regard. As to sailors' food, there are no regulations in existence, and by Ministerial decree entire liberty of contract exists between shipowners and seamen in this matter. There can hardly be a doubt that the British sailor is better off than the French sailor, especially on sailing vessels, where, despite the fact that the French are adepts in the matter of the cuisine, there is as a rule no provision whatever for cleanliness in the cooking or eating arrangements. In return for subsidies, there are no stipulations with regard to the accommodation and treatment of crews, but there are careful regulations as to their nationality. In the case of subsidised Italian ships, the Government is particular in insisting on the right to demand the dismissal of any member of the crew who is guilty of unseemly behaviour, uses bad language, or misconducts himself towards passengers, but the contracts made by the seamen with the shipowner as to pay, treatment, and general conditions of service are arrived at by
