New Steerage Regulations - 1907
This article outlines the new regulations introduced in 1907, increasing the minimum space per steerage passenger on ocean steamships. The changes aimed to improve conditions for immigrants by expanding the required space and enhancing overall safety and comfort standards.
Immigrants from Steerage on Deck of SS Frederich Der Grosse circa 1907. Bain Collection, Library of Congress # 2001704435. GGA Image ID # 145d3970fe
Section 42 of the Immigration Act
The effect of Section 42 of the new Immigration Act which has just passed both branches of Congress is an increase after Jan. 1, 1909, by nearly 25 percent in the minimum space allowed for each steerage passenger on ocean steamers coming from Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia and South America.
On the decks where steerage passengers are mainly carried the law of 1882 requires that there shall be 100 cubic feet of space for each passenger. As the height between decks is usually about 7 feet, the deck or floor space allowed is thus 14.1 sq. ft.
The British law of 1894 requires 15 sq. ft. on the deck, and the new immigration law increases this area to 18 sq. ft. The legislation in effect follows the developments in modem ocean steamship building.
In 1882 when our present law was passed the Servia, 7,392 gross tons, was the crack trans-Atlantic liner. Ten years ago the Lucania, 12,952 gross tons, was the largest ocean steamship, and there were only 10 ocean steamships of over 10,000 gross tons.
Recently the two new Cunarders of 32,000 gross tons each have been launched and there are now 102 steamships over 10,000 gross tons each, the majority of which are engaged in the immigrant business to the United States.
Many of these large steamers and some of less tonnage already provide accommodations as ample as the minimum prescribed by the new act. 1hus during the past fiscal year 175 steamships brought steerage passengers into the port of New York.
The maximum number, which they were all allowed to carry (one trip each), was 254,712. The maximum number, which these same steamers would be allowed to carry under the new act, is 203.769.
The maximum number which they did carry (taking the voyage when the largest number was carried) was 193,724. Of the entire number, 100 carried no more on any voyage last year than they are allowed to carry under the new law. On one or more voyages, 75 steamers carried more than would be permitted under the new legislation.
Scenes of the Steerage. Top Left: Trying to Keep Clean Under Difficulties; Bottom Left: Mother's Effort to Guard Child Against Vermin; Top Right: A Happy Family Group; Bottom Right: Sick Women Without Attendance. The Home Missionary, January 1908. GGA Image ID # 1467c7ae14
Generally speaking, the passenger steamers from northern Europe do not carry any more passengers in the steerage than will be permitted after 1909 under the new legislation.
The bill will apply chiefly to steamers coming from the Mediterranean, which already carry at times nearly to their full legal capacity and must two years hence either carry fewer passengers or increase their accommodations.
Substantially, Section 42 takes standards of accommodations already voluntarily established by some of the principal steamship lines and requires other steamship lines to bring their accommodations up to such standards.
Of fifty-six steamships arriving at New York with steerage passengers during January" 1907, nine carried more than would 'be allowed under the new law.
Conclusion
The new regulations reflect a significant shift towards better treatment of steerage passengers. By mandating increased space and improved accommodations, the legislation sought to ensure safer and more humane conditions. The reforms primarily affected steamships from the Mediterranean, compelling them to either reduce passenger numbers or upgrade facilities to comply with the new standards.
Key Points
🛳️ Increased Space: The minimum space per passenger increased by nearly 25%.
📏 New Standards: 18 square feet of floor space required per passenger, up from 14.1 sq. ft.
🌍 Regional Impact: Regulations primarily affected ships from the Mediterranean.
🏛️ Legislative Changes: Reflects evolving standards in maritime travel and immigrant accommodation.
🧳 Passenger Limit: Reduced the maximum number of passengers allowed per voyage.
🚢 Modernization: Aligns with modern ocean steamship developments and safety standards.
📉 Impact on Carriers: Some steamships must carry fewer passengers or improve facilities.
📋 Compliance: Adherence to the new act's standards ensures better conditions for travelers.
💼 Industry Standards: Many larger steamships already met or exceeded the new requirements.
📅 Implementation: New regulations took effect starting January 1, 1909.
Summary
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New Regulation Overview: The article details the increased minimum space requirement for steerage passengers, set to 18 square feet.
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Improved Conditions: Aimed at enhancing passenger comfort and safety, particularly in terms of ventilation and hygiene.
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Affected Regions: The regulations primarily impacted steamships from the Mediterranean, known for carrying large numbers of immigrants.
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Compliance and Enforcement: The new standards forced compliance, reducing overcrowding and promoting better living conditions.
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Historical Context: Compared to previous decades, the regulations reflected a shift towards more humane treatment of steerage passengers.
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Economic Impact: Steamship companies faced the choice of upgrading facilities or carrying fewer passengers.
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Existing Standards: Some larger steamships already met the new requirements, indicating a trend towards better accommodations.
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Future Implications: The regulations set a precedent for future improvements in maritime travel standards.
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Implementation Timeline: The changes were to be fully implemented by January 1, 1909.
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Legislative Significance: The article underscores the importance of these regulations in the broader context of U.S. immigration policy.
“Section 42 of the Immigration Act.” In The Marine Review, Volume 35, No. 8, February 21, 1907, Page 20
