1905-07-15 — Page 11

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CAPTAIN GUILTY.

- MASTER'S AND MATE'S CERTI

FICATES SUSPENDED..

10th inst.

The inquiry into the stranding of the British sailing vessel Travancore was continued this morning at the Marine Court, 'composed of Hon. Captain L. A. W. Barnes-Lawrence, R.N. | (President); Captain C. R. McCallum, N., H.M.S. Tamar, Captain H. Pybus, .s. Em press of Japan, Captain St. John George, .. Marguarit, and Captain W. Fobb, s,s. Taiping. Mr. C. D. Wilkinson, of Messrs. Wilkinson and Grist, represented Captain Chamberlin of the Travancore, and Mr. John Hays, of Messrs. Johnson, Stokei and Matter, appeared for the

THE HONGKONG TELEGRAPH SATURDAY, JULY 15, 1905.

The further hearing was adjourned.

Captain Ingemann kept the Prinsesse Marle on her course until the two ships had aps. proached to within about a mile, but very little attention except that which belongs to a sea- Ier's curiosity was bestowed upon the war- vessel by the people of the merchantman.

THE “TRAVANCORE" INQUIRY, | and he would send the mate (myself) and Mr. Purvis, the chief engineer, aboard to see the real condjilon of the vessel for ourselves. We accordingly went aboard, and I noticed that the Travancore bad a hely, it to starboard, while she was bumping very heavily on the rocks. After four lengthy sittings and taking the Several of the sails were set but I am not quite evidence of thirteen witnesses the Court of certain which they were. We examined the | Inquiry, held in connection with the stranding | vessel thoroughly and found there were only of the sailing ship Travancore and the charges ween 18 inches and two feet of water over of incompetence subsequently preferred by the the ballast on the starboard side. I draw crew against the master, Capi. W. G. Chamber the attention of the master of the Travancore lin, concluded their investigation this afternoon, to the condition of his ship, and informed Capt. R. Chenoweth, of the Chlosse revenue him that we could take her up and beach cruiser Likin, was called and stated, in reply her in Harlem Bay. To this the captain to the President, that at 8 p.m. on the and June did not agree, saying that if we did take the crew of the Travancore came on board of her off she would go down in deep water his ship. The captain had previously boarded After a time we finally persuaded him to let us the vertel and informed him that his crew had have a tow-line, and make the altempt, and refused to stay any longer on board of the sail- ben the captain issued orders for some of his ing whip so that the men were allowed on the men to pass out a line. These orders weTC cruiser. About 10 p.m. the officer on watch on given in a proper seaman-like manner and were the cruisar told witness that the Travancers Mr. Hays then addressed the Court ridicul- Carried out in the same manner, As soon as was afloat. There was a little dificulty in geting the idea of the captain's being drunk, or of I saw the low-line out I returned to the Robertting the men to go and assist their captain, but the mate's ever intending to scuttle the ship, Cooke, as did also the crew of the Travancore. this might have been due to a heavy sailors and informing the men of such an intention. In my opinion some of the crew should have | which was passing, though he thoughtthstunder The Court was then cleared to consider its remained on bosid the Travancore. I saw no the circumstances the mea might perhaps have deciajon.

esitation on the part of the mea in carrying been a litle quicker. They were about Aftean at the orders given them, or in doing their or twenty minutes getting away. The crew

Chief Officer. The Master and Chief Officer only had two rollocks) alongside, so he had to were in danger through remaining on board send two of his own crew to assist and to tow the Travancore, while she was being towed off the boat across. The men returned to the The rocks. When I was going alongside the Likin when they found that the Travancore vessel at first I noticed that a kedge anchor was not afloat and remained aboard until 6

ad been run out on the starboard quarter. I am, the next day. was lying at an angle of about 45 degrees om the ship's keel. 1 signalled to the Likin, telling the crew of the Travancore to return

heir hip. The men said they could not dis tinguish any signal, but they pushed off in the e-boats and then the Lin came alongside, the Robert Cooke.

By Mr. Wilkinson-The carposter told him | it likely that they would have kept silent alt↑ upon the Printeste, it was seen by these on that morning about the mate wanting to scuttle this time? Mr. Wilkinson then spoke of the board the latter that the approaching vessel the ship.

captain's testimonials which were excellent was a warship. Then as the warship opened and covered a period between 16 and 17 years, up to view it became apparent to those on rish lost, and no corroborative evidence had been board the Dane that from the colours, she was

adduced that he had ever been seen under the flying she was a Russian. influence of liquor, and, indreover, it was never lleged that on any other occation he was under the jufluence of liquor. The most that could be brought against the captain was that he committed an error of judgment, but he was justified in being confident that the ship would go about without trouble, as she had done scores of times before. It was just possible that if he had dropped his anchor the ship might have been saved, but the captain bad no reason to believe it was necessary, and it was one of those things that one can easily advise affer the event! He would ask the Court not to find the capiala guilty of the charges brought against him, "*.

***Owners.

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Thomas Nash, boatswain of the Travancore, being recalled, was about to be examined, when Mr. Wilkinson took 'exception to the evi ́ence being published in the newspaport, as other witnesses who were going to be called might read it and so become acquainted with what the previous witnesses had said.

THE FINDING.

The President suggested that perkape it work. I did not see anything wrong with the made no attempt to get the second boat (which i towing decision was read;-

would be better if a mere resume without de tails were given, in order not to defeat the ends of justice.

The witness, examined by Captain George, sald he was in charge when the vessel missed stays, and was at the forward capstan, at the forecastle-head, when the captain was lying with his head and arm over the rail and fell down, He saw him look at the men and thought he was taking notice. Witness was expecting an order to let go anchor when the vessel missed araya, but he did not get the anchor ready as it was not usual to do 40. When the captain told him to man the boat he put four men in her. He noticed the ship afloat when at the bow in the boat, and called the mates' attention to it when they returned on board. Before he brought the charge against the chief officer he mentioned to him that the ship war afloat. The mate told him to leave on the capstan, but it was no use. He was quite

By Lizu, McCallum, &.N.-'Ahen we went to the Travancore the first time there was no rush made for the gangway.

Captain Pyhus-What firal made you think ite said it was no use trying to get her off and the Captain wished to abandon the vessel - would not at first give me a tow-line. He said the crew abandoned the ship. We had no easily after five minutes' towing.

By Lieut. McCallum-There were sighteen men "all told" from the ship. He did not beshe put to sea. lieve there was an officer with them.

He decided on the latter course, and that it

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crew themselves experienced when they hard the muffed report which foretold the approach. ing disappearance of their gallant ship and shi shoy sympathetically attributed is the ship herself.

However that may be she settled down quickly and sank by the hand in 18 minutes Ind no more was seen to the Prinsesse Marie

ON THE "TEREK." The Test stood by till the stricken steamer fisappeared and then she held away on a Suddenly, however, a thing happened which course which from observation of the stars put every soul on board the Danish steamer on Captain Ingemann was able to tell was south. the qui vive. A curling cloud of smoke aprly. The Prinsesse men were all well treated peared on the warship's side, then the menac but the lood, which they shared with the men- ing boom of a big gun came rumbling acres warsmen, was not good. Captain Ingemann. the intervening waters and a round shot hurtled across the bows of the Prinsesse Marie while ion in a seagoing point of view. She is cover-

states that the Terek is in a very filthy condi simultaneously a fag signal appeared on the ed with barnacles and all kinds of parasitic Russian ordering the Prinsesse to heave-to. growths, Inboard there is a great lack of dis- cipline. There are plenty of men but they do not strike one as being men-o'-warmen. They are stack and untrained and the officers are not by any means efficient.

There was nothing left for Captain Inge- mano but to obey the behest which had come in such a material and imperious fashion. Accordingly the engines were stopped and the steamer was hove-tö,

THE BOARDING,

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On the voyage down to Batavia where the Tarra took the crew to, the wines and beer purloined from the Prinussa obviously wara freely indulged in by the officers. . : Ón ons occasion two of these worthy gentlemen came to blows on deck and had to be separated by the men. Before leaving the Russian cruiser, Captain Ingemann received from the commod der a certificate relating the circumstances under which his ship had bean suok.

Prinsesse is one of deep resentment and in

Naturally the feeling among the man of the

dignation at what they consider the Trek's high-handed action in sinking their Ano new Russia will be made to pay through the pose ship and the hopa is freely expressed that for this act of unjustifiable piracy at the high when they heard on their arrival here that the seas. - Their feelings were somewhat molliffed

Terek had been interned at Batavia since their departure thence that the wicked had been forced to cease from troubling.

At Batavia the Prinsen Marid's ship's company met with every kindness from the Durch authorities and were enabled to leave by the La Seyne connecting at Singapore yes.

sure he did not misunderstand the mate when difficulty in towing her off; she came off quite him, when he requested that the crew be per-masterthen retired into his cabin and, after the grim officers sat in the stern and a brawny set terday with the s.s. Siam en route for Europe.

be (the mate) spoke of sculling the vessel. If he went below to scuttle her if would be quite possible for him to do so with a hammer and cold chisel to far as he-knew the male was in his right mind at the time. t'e had strong reasons for believing that the captain knew of the chief officer's intention, The 'iden of bringing the charge against the captain and the mate originated when they were accused of cowardice by both captain and reporter..

By Mr. Wilkinson:-Senior appientice Gordon was at the wheel when they saw the captain in the state mentioned on deck.

By Captain George. – Beard li remarked on board that the first position of the Travancore, when she struck, was bow on, but afterwards she floated off and then went broadside on again. I think it was the captain himself who made that remark.

By Mr. Wilkinson:-I did not make any in quiries as to what steps had been taken to get the vessel off. I am quite certain there, was only one hawser out.

David Purvis, foreman engineer at the Kow loon Docks, said I was in charge of the en: gine-room of the Robert Croke on this trip. was on deck when we sighted the Travancore, on the 3rd of June. I heard the conversation which took place between the masters of the Travancore and the Robert Cooke respectively. The condition of the master of the Travancore at the time, was alright-he was worried, of course, but otherwise was alright. I went off in one of the life-boats to the Truvancore. She was

By Mr. Hays-He was quite sure he saw the captain lying over the rail, but was not certain what time it was. He had not spoken to Mitchell about the matter when he saw the captain in the state mentioned; he did not make any re- mark, to any members of the crew on deck. When the chief officer made his proposition witness did not make any remark. When they came into port he reported the matter to the captain. At the time the mate made the sug-lying with her past broadside on to the shore, gestion the ship was afloat fare and aft. It was not impossible for the mate"to scuttle her, They had not to be ordered off the Lin and directed to return to the Travancore,

By the President: The ship was bumping an the rocks when they got alongside. When the ship was pulled off the rocks by the Robert

Coske tugboat they were in the brat

By Mr. Wilkinson: It was the captain of the Zikin who ordered them back to the bont. Witness was standing at the gangway, but he did not see any blue lights. They were called when they had to go back, but they were all awake at the time, owing to a heavy rain shower having disturbed them. They were within half a mile of the ship. He never heard A word about blue lights being burned. When called to leave the Likin, they got aboard the boat within the space of three minutes. At that time the ship was afloat; there were eight or ten feet of water in her bold. He did not inform the

sufficient to inform the chief mixte. The men

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but could not any if she had any anchori Ti ere was no rush to get on board; ¦ did not attempt to get first about took my turn. When I got on braid i looked down into Nos. 1, 2 and 3 holds, and saw in all of them about three fiet of water above the blast, on the starboard side, which was awath. The captain hd previously told us that the bottom was out of her, and that she was full of water. I told the captain i did not think the veszel was so bad as he thought, but that no time should be out in getting her off

By Captain Pybus-The height of the bal last in the hold would be from eight in ten feet. It would depend entirely upon a man's strength and capabilities how long it would take him to knock a hole in the ship. With a | hammer and cold chisel he could cut off a sivett-head in about, half a day. He could not say how long it would take a boiler maker.

By Captain George-Some men would take half a day to knock a hole in a sailing ship, captain when she was afloat; he thought it The Captain of the Travancore did not appear to be much excited, when he reported that the were going forward when the mate expressed vessel was full of water. I remarked, in the his intention of scuttling the ship. He did docks, three days ago, that I would have claim. not offer witness any money, nor any compened salvage had 1 yol on board first. There sation. He was "quite positive the mate in. was no difficulty in towing the vessel off. tended to carry out his intention if wilness hud contented. did not think the man was mad, and had never heard that he had been in a lunatic asylum. The mate knew best what his object was in scuttling the ship. No boats were lowered before the ship struck, but orders ware previously given to get them ready for lowering. There was very little panic on board the ship. The Travancore is a very handy ship to handle and manage. Witness did not koow if he had said so to the captain, but he had often expressed that opinion on board. Until they got to dry dock he never told the captain about the ship having been afloat. It was at that time that he also asked him if he was aware of the mate's inton tion and he said "no," and then called the mate aft. On the second afternoon after the ship went ashore the captain gave orders to

Bet certain sails. Some of the crew drew the captain's attention to the fact that the wind was on the starboard side of the ship;

By the President-The main and lower top. salls and the foresail wore itt, and the yards braced on the starboard tack. The part side of the vessel was lying broad on to the rocks,

By Captain Pybus-The wind at that time would have the effect of pressing the vessel farther on to the rocks.

By Mr. Wilkinson-I did not notice that the crew displayed any reluctance to return to the

·Travaniori. I heard one of the men in the boat say that he was going to save his life at any rate.

The Court here, adjourned for tiffin. After the adjournment James Holland, the ship's steward, was called and spoke concern ing the medical cemforts and liquor abbard, 'and also in reference to the condition of the master on the day of leaving Hongkong, He had never seen him under the in@uenco of drink.

The captain did not keep a private stock of fiquor. When he saw the charges that were made against the captain he said he would have nothing to do with the maiter.

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Upon the Press being re-admitted the fol had recognised thair challenger as the Russian By this time those on board the Prinsesse

cruiser 7ert. The Trek also came to a stop. We find that the British ship Travancore. official number 99769, of Greenock, of which

A boat was lowered away and it pulled straight W, C. Chamberlin is master, and of which

for the Prinsesst. As may be imagined there 3. T. Hoberia is chief mate, left Hongkong on nitimate issue for from the Captain downwards was little tribulation on the Prinsesse un to the the gist May, 1905, bound for Angeles

The Travancore is a sailing ship of 1,878 traband of war was carried on their vessel the ship's company wars assured that no con- net registered tons, and was in ballast when and the visit of the Russians was really That about 8 a.m. on the being anticipated as kind of unex following day the ship stranded on Fokai pected break in the monotony of a long By Capt. Pybus-No request was made to Point, was affoat for about three quarters of an him to refloat the Travancore. He did not bour on the evening of the 2nd June, and all, The Russians would have their trouble voyage, it was a bit of fun-and that was think the hawsers had been ren out from the agalo taking the ground remained there until ship in a proper manner. He thought the745 am on the 3rd June, when she was towed Prinzetus Maris would have had a mild sensa for nothing and the respective members of the men were waiting for the ralu before leaving off by the steam tug Robert Cooks. It appears tion in being bearded by an armed Russian the Libin; in fact, there was nothing unusual from the evidence that when the master came boat on the China Sea. It would be another in regard to their conduct. Some men were on deck at 7,10 am, on the 1st June, the past romantic reminiscence with which to embellish worse than others. The ship's documents were tion of the ship in respect to Fokai Point allow their quay-side yaras when dear old Copenha-

ed him the alternative of weathering the Pointgen once again welcomed them home. of the and June; but he knew no reason why by continuing on the same sack, or to put about. brought aboard of the Likin on the afternoon

But little they recked of the tragic finale. A the log book was not brought at the same time.

By Capt. George-Captain Chamberlin tald should be carried into effect later on. The the Russian boat approached there was nothing in its aspect to suggest a holiday picnic. Two mitted to go on the Likin, that the men ware lapse of half an hour-during which time two afraid the mass might come down; but did not reports were made to him by the officer of the backs to the cars as they shot the boat along. of cowling Russian sailors bent their broad mention himself that there was any immediate watch representing the necessity to go about if side. danger. When he saw the Travancore she had the intention was persevered in-he came on only one hawser out, but later on a second was deck too late to admit of the maneuvre which extremely courteous to Captain Ingemann who Then the officers came on deck. They were

in consequence the ship stranded. Having the purpose for which their commander had he attempted to be safely carried out, and advanced to receive them! To him they related fully considered the evidence, the Cuust sent them to board the Finsesse.. They de- is of opinion that the Travancore was not navigated with sufficient and reasonable care

manded on inspection of the ship's papers and- that the master was absent from deck when the steamer with a view no doubt to ascertaining went down and examined the holds of the safety of the ship required his personal supervi whether the papers tallied with the cargo sion; that the casualty was caused by miscarried. Then, when their inspection had been management on his part and that he displayed concluded, they politely told Captain Ingemann a lack of intelligence in the efforts he after-

that he was deiled to accompany them on wards made to float the ship. That the board the Trek. There was nothing for it but material damage to the ship was due to the to do as he was asked and accordingly the above mentioned causes, which they are of Captain stepped on board their boat and was opinion amount to a wrongful act or default pulled to the Russian cruiser. All the ship's on the part of the master, and they therefore papers were carried with them, including the direct that his certificate be suspended for

Consular and Governmental certificates stating a period of nine months from this date. that no contraband was on board. The Court further directs ibat a first mate's When the Tere was reached, the two off certificate be issued during the period of suspension if the mister so desires.

cers who had been in charge of the boar ing The party reported to the commander the result of Count is further of opinion that the chief their investigations of the Prinsesse Marie, and, mate was also to blame in respect to the in consequence of what they had to tell, the sion of the ship's officers to decide as to whe. ther the Danish vessel was seizable as a con-

run out.

Henry Wylie, sailmaker, called on behalf of the captain, said he had been at ses for about 20 years he joined the Travancore when she left England. On the early morning of the 31st May there was trouble with some of the crew on account of their drunken behaviour; the drink had been taken aboard by two men. He could not say whether. Mitchell was sober or not when the ship left Hongkong. The captain

was on deck.

"Was he at any time that morning any the worse for liquor?" asked Mr. Wilkinson.

"No, sir," replied witness. Have you at any time seen the captain the

worse for liquor}-So, sir.

Never-No, sir.

Did you sen the captain fall that morning No, sir. I did not.

Did you see any of the men fall?-Yes, two or three men who had been drinking.

Who were they?-Murphy was one, and myself fell, but I had not been drinking.

A PASSENGER'S ACCOUNT.

Mr. Charles Falbe, who was a passenger on board the Prinsesse Marie, gives a graphic

away from the steamer the passenger chart account of the sinking of the ship and the events that led up to it. Mr. Falbe carried by which he is able to place her whereabouts when she sank as Lal, 1335 N. and Long. side, he says, was in. command of Sub 113.30 E: The armed bast, which came along. Lieutenant Andre. After examining the ship's the Terek with him at 6 p.m. papers, he took Captain Ingemann on board

Three hours later Captain Ingemann hailed the Prinsense from the warship, telling Chief Officer 1. H. Gabe to steer the steamer straight that he would be aboard next morning. The East at a speed of not more than five knots and captain was rowed off at 6 o'clock in the morn. ing accompanied by a boat's crew and officers. He told everybody on board to pack up in readiness to go on the Tarek as the Printette was going to be sunk. They were not burried in any way, The Russians gave them plenty while they ransacked the ship and "pinched " of time to get their things together, and mexo!

They took all the food they found, including two pigy, one sheep, and many ducks and bene.

Why did you fall-Because there were a tot management of the ship immediately prior commander summoned a council or commis everything they could conveniently carry away.

of new ropes lying about.

raband carrier. Captain Ingemano of course proceedings were conducted in I ussinn, a was present during the inquiry. All the language with which Caplain Ingemann is unacquainted, but from one of the officers he got an account of the proceedings.

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the release of the steainer was argued at great appears that the case for the sinking or length by the various officers constituting the Court. Some were strongly of the opinion that

to Her stranding, and in the lack of effort he displayed in afterwards trying to dost Continuing, he said that on the voyage out her, which they are of opinion amounts to a from home the ship never once missed stays, wrongful act or default on the part of the chief and he looked upon her as a really good shipmate and they, therefore, direct that the mas On the moraing of the 1st June the crew did tera certificats held by him be suspended for a not take much notice of any orders and looked period of three months from this date. The as though they did not care whether anything Court learns from the evidence, with regret, was done or not, Ordinarily they would be that, aker the ship stranded, the crew generally sinarier than they were then. Had the ship been appear to have taken an undue advantage of smartly worked she might have come round the position the master was placed in, by con then. He heard the captain way, #Hurry up sulting their own safety rather than that of the now, boys." When the ship missed stays there ship, and that their behaviour as a whole left a was a sort of panic among the men; everyone good deal to be desired. The Court, therefore, there was no ground for the seizure of the was talking and no one was listening. During directs that the members of the crew who view.

vessel. Others again held exactly the opposite the time the ship was ashore attempts were brought the charges against the master and made to get her off and the captain was busy mate bear the costs of this Investigation so far the whole time. When told to tet the sails and square the main yards, the crew obeyed the for learns from the evidence, with surprise, that as they relate to the Court. The Court also mer order but refused to do the latter and also to the master was expected by the ship's owners set the mizzen top sail. In fact one of them said to provide the charts used on behalf of the ves "we are not going to set the sails; you can sel at his own expense. go and do it yourself." That was raid to the captain. While on the Liktm and when the men were ordered to return to the Tra- vancore they seemed reluctant to obey.. When the boat's crew returned to the Travancora from Hongkong be heard the second officer 'say "We've fixed the old many his ticket's

gone,

Lieut. McCallum objected to such a state- ment being given as evidence and this was upheld.

Continuing, witness denied that the covers of the lifeboats were nailed down.

By the President-He thought his con- fidence as to the ship going about was mis placed. He was in a panic himself when the ship missed staye.

By Capi. Tybus-Ho was not as smart as the others in leaving the Likin; he was is the second bost,

"PRINSESSE marie,,"

HOW SHE WAS BUNK BY THE RUSSI ·NS,

SCENES ON THE "TEREK."

ing of the 21. Printeste Marie is from the The following interesting account of the sink-

Shroite Times, of 3rd inst

As we reported a few days ago, the Danish ames Princess Marts was sunk by the Rur cruiser Terek five days after clearing from Singapore for Japan ports, The Captain, crew and passengers of the Princeze Maria were Batavia whence Captain Ingemann of the taken on board the Terek and finally landed st Linton Gordon, senior apprentice, said he

sunken steamer telegraphed the first news of saw the master leaning on the rail and looking over the side of the ship. He spoke as to see- By Capt. George. He did not know why the catastrophe to Singapore to the East Asia. ing him fall here he laid in an half sitting and the crew brought the charge against the captain.tic Company, I td., who are local agents of the half lying position. The pilot bad just left the Williams and Ryan took the liquer aboard op ship, but while he was on the vessel the captain || the night before sailing. Witness' Was not did notact as though he was drunk. The skipper invited to join the crew in their complaint By C. Michell-He (Michell) took the ship through the harbour on the morning that be (witness) alleged he was drunk. Mitchell was la drink, but not drunk. Mitchell did not tell him to lend a hand just at the ship was going ashore.

was smoking, but witness, who was at the wheel about the captain. at the time, did not notice his cigas drop from out of his mouth. The Travancore was not a last, but a very handy, ship. He was com- | pletely surprised when she missed stays. The men then became a little disorganised. He By J. T. Roberts (chief officer, Travancore) | fest the' scene of the stranding in the gig that The men did not refuse to set the sail on the was sent to Hongkong for assistance main-masi, but no sail was set on the mizien William Ward, ship's carpenter, who said he mast. The reason it was not set was because was laid up from the time the vessel left Hong the man said it would be doing the ship harm. kong until she stranded, gave evidence showing The stream anchor was put out sometime dur that the covers in the lifeboats were palled on Ing the afternoon of the and of June.

by 11" and five inch naile

An altercation occuring between witness and the mate, the President rebuked them and ordered them to put their questions and an- swers through him.

The chief mate said this was the first he had heard of the accusation against him and he did not know what further to ask witness ; he knew nothing about the matter,

John A. Martio, chief officer of tug boat Robert Cooks, was then called and said.-We | arrived at the scene of the wreck of the Travancore at 6.50 am on he 3rd June. She was lying portside to the shore on Fukai Point. We lay off about two cable lengths, When we first sighted her I saw two lifeboats lying about four to five cable lengths off her The revenue cruiser Likin was anchored about

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OWNCTS.

Yesterday morning the ship's company of the Prinsnita Marie arrived in Singapore from

AN IMPERIOUS LIEUTENANT.

the Russian Navy-the day was eventually But curiously enough-and what a strange light the incident throws upon the regime of

the most vociferous of all the Court for the dea carried by a young Sub-Lieutenant who was

truction of the vessel.• Not only was he em- phatic in his argumenti, beating the cabin table with his clenched fists and using all his Oratorical powers to cany home conviction to the minds of the waverers on the side of cau- tion ; but according to our informant he actual ly went to the length of shaking his fat un- der the Russian commander's nest, demanding that the ship should be sunk-and hat at once St. Petersburg for dereliction of duty. "Better or otherwise be would report the commander to

to sink her," he cried, "and pay, compensation afterwards than allow such a valuable carga to reach the Japanese.

There must have been something_masterful abour the young Lieutenant for his counsel prevailed Very likely his word carried added weight because of some connection or other that he enjoyed with high Royal circles in Russia, but it is questionable whether Sir John Fiber would have listened to the Heir Ap-

parent himself under similar circumstances-

which the Lord deliver us from!,

SINKING THE SHIP.

At any rate the Court decided that the

Batavia by the Messageries Maritimes steamer Prinsesse Marts was carrying contraband and La Seyne which made fast at Borneo Wharf at that she must be sunk. Captain Ingemann, as ten o'clock. They immediately transhipped to the steamer Stam, which belongs to the same day will be supposed, heard the news with owners as the Prints Marie, and sailed in dismay. But he was treated with every possible Courtesy and shown to a cabin where he could the afternoon for Europe.

put up till next day for of course by this time darkness had set in.

THE CAPTAIN'S STORY. By Byrne. He had seen him take drink. When seen by a representative of the Straits On the morning of the azad june, following He had never seen the captain drunk on board · Tintes on his arrival here, Captain Ingemann the Russian cruiser's boats 'were sent on board of the ship. He did not tell a man samed gave a graphic account of his shiple adventu.es the Princesse and her crew, all Danes by the Clarke, the night before leaving Hongkong, and her tragic and unexpected end. The way, and passengers were transferred to the that the captain was "as full as an egg.” Prinsesse Morte, he said, was as fine a ship of Tark. Meanwhile the Russians ransacked the Mr. Wilkinson considered there was no evid- | her class as any man eyer commanded. As a || Prinsesse and removed all the provisions they M. Bryne, able seaman, stated that he was at ence before the Court,to warrant it finding the matter of fact she was launched no later than could find into their boats. These included all the wheel in the middle watch on the morning captain guilty of the charges brought against two years and a few months ago at Kiel, and kinds of tinned stuff, besides sugar, bottled of the zu: June. For about an hour and a half him. After the vessel went on the rocks the bas been in the Far Eastem trade for the com- bear and wine, the two latter being seized with the vessel would neither wear nor stay. They captain accused the men of cowardice, and paratively short period that has since elapsed. a particular and thirsty avidity, tried to tack her three or four times. The chief this being so, naturally, the men were lath to She came out from › prope on this trip with When everything that they thought worth officer was in charge of the watch. When go on a long voyage in the ship with these miscellaneous cargo for Far Eastern ports. carrying away had been transferred from the witness went on deck at 7.45 on the 2nd, he officers, and took the opportunity here afforded Part of this she discharged at Singapore and doomed vessel to the Russian cruiser, gunners came to the conclusion that the ship was too of bringing this chargo in order to get quit of the cleared for the North on the 17th of June, set to and placed two mints on board-one near the shore. The order was given by the the ship and clear of their agreements. He baving at to a.m. There was still remaining under the boilers and another in the holds. master "hard a lee,” in a proper masser. The would not suggest any deliberate act on the | on board cenalo cargo consigned to Kobe and | Profiting by their recent exhibitions of inepti order they expected after missing stays was "let part of the steersman or men, on deck to Yokohama, which cargo had been shipped from | tude in the sinking of merchant steamers, the go anchor, but they never got it. When the further their ends, but he would say that Autwerp and Copenhagen. thip struck they were immediately ordered to the charge was brought on the simsiest This consisted principally of provisions in the boats by the captain. The whole of the grounds. He proceeded to review the evidence, das, iron plates and rails and iron in scrap. crew took to them, and they were hardly in and said that the captain was perfectly justified There was never any thought in the minds of when the captain came and sat on the rail, and in relying on the vessel's doing what was re- Captain Togemann or his officers or crow that asked them if that was what they intended to quired of her, he knew the versul and he

hand nature, sin fact they felt that there was no teston to believe she would behave; po possibility of the ship meeting with a similar

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The passengers and crew of the Marie had to take what was left. Then they want into the Russian boats and were pulled off to the to leave the ship. They teak down their own Tarek Captain Ingemann was the last man

flag.

The Russians put a pyroxiline bomb in the hold forward with a time fuse attached and at 2.15 it exploded. There was hardly any smoke visible. Twenty minutes later the Prinsessa sank head first. Fome of the Russians took photographs of the vessel as she disappeared.

Os board the Terek, which was found to

officers were accommodated in first-class cabins carry four 4.7 Armstrong Whitworth and some smaller guns, the passengers and

however, was mouldy but, as it was the same as and were well treated. The bread they got,

the Russians themselves had to eat, little com. plaint could be made after all. One of the Ruian officers had a Union Jack as well as a Danish flag taken from the Prinsesta.

The ship's company of the sunken steamer number 47 all (old-19 European crow and 4 Chinese, 3 passengers and the rest officers. They got their meals served in the drit-class smoking saloon. Three quartets of the pro- menade deck was given up to their use.

When Mr. Falbe showed the Russians a copy of the Straits Times of 6th June containing news of Rojdestvensky's defeat and the de struction of his fleat they roared with delight and shouted "Hurrah" fill the whole ship's company were hoarse. So much for RustÏAN patriotism!

The Torek was in a very filthy condition on the bottom and made poor speed. She took seven days to reach Batavia and before that port was entered the last shoveliu) of coal bad had to be semped out of the corners of her bunkers. The "Prinsesse Marie had been ex-

stance that on her last homeward run she car- actly two months out from Copenhagen on the day she was sunk. It is a peculiar circum- ried Russian refugees to Europe. The East Asiatic Company and the Danish Consul here are taking care of the passengers and showing them every attention.

8,8,"MINNESOTA"

HELD UP IN JAPAN,

with inst. The «s, Mongolia, which arrived bere this morning, bringing the American mail, brings also a curious story anent the ss. Minnesota which left here some three weeks ago, for the purpose of docking in Nagasaki. The story is to the effect that all the cleaning and painting of this vessal being completed, all wall made ready for her leaving the deck, and Teatering the harbour preparatory to her continuing on her voyage to San Francisco, but as she left the dock she ran into a number Russians were more successful on this occasion, of Japanese boats, some of which were at The mine in the hold was placed in such a | anchor, and some under way near the entrance position that when exploded it would blow out to the dock, sinking several and drowning, the side of the ship and not be impeded in its as it was reported at the time of the ss. Mon destructive career by the watertight bulkhead galle's leaving, between jo and 40 Japanese, The matter being reported to the authorities As an additional, surety that the ship the- Minnesola was at once placed, under would infallibly ink all the seacocks and arrest, pending inquiries into the cause, of Reesian left the vessel thers were already and responsibility for it where it properly be some two feet of water in the engine room. longs. When scen to-day by a representativa The Russian boats rowed away to a distance of the Hongkong Telegraph, the agents of the of about 300 yards from the Prints before. Hinnercia, the Nippon Yusen Kaisha, the mines were fired, When that did happen stated that, while they had not received any. this was very little outward signs of the des advices regarding this affair, they had been truction which the mines had effected. Only advised that the vessel was delayed in Naga. a slight puff of smoke rose from the ship. The saki, and that the date of her departure was dynamite charges of course struck downwards, uncertain, and in the absence of any details But there was a perceptible quiver of the vas had put the delay down to the idea that her sel, it is said, when the explosion took place. | docking required more time than they had at

four cable lengths away from the Travancore, do, They went on board again, and he saw | knew her to be very easily handled, and hat day of the bulk thay carried was of a contra- | as in the case of the B. 1. kkona,” outside the boats. One of the boats communi« the chief mate on deck tearing the deck 10% differently on this to other occasions. It,wan | fate to that which had befallen cortain of her valvas wera opened and by*the time the last the occurrenca, in order to place the blame

and throwing it over the side.

cated with the Robert Cooks and then returned to the Aravancors. When we first arrived

By Captain Pybus-The log book was not an impudent allegation on the part of the histers of the Mercantile Marine in Eastern melther of the boats communicated with the

wrapped up. He was employed catting the boatswain and carpenter to say that the mata waters at the hands of the woidah Baltickers Travancore, on board of which there was no starboard anchor, when he drew the chef intended in, and expressed his intention of- for not only did they carry a clear conscience body at the time. The master of the officer's attention to the captain who had fallen scuttling the ship, and on that account their regards any risky attempt at blockade Travancore did not come aboard the Robert down on the poop. The chief oficer said be evidence was not worth a moment's con monicg, but also the ship's captain was pro- Cooke he came alongside and called out was not supposed to notice that. Witness was sideration or credence. It was utterly Im vided with certificates from the Japanese 4You have, arrived too late the bottom is out present when the bo's'a pointed out to the male probable that, had he had any such intention Consul and no less high an authority than the of the ship, the rocks have got through ber the fact that the vessel was Boating.

he would have told these men of it. If a man Dutch Stadt itself that the Prinzessy carried no bottom and she is full of water. 1 did not see By Captain George-The man who called intended to rob the office safe, he would not contraband of warned t anything wrong about the master of the him in the morning said they had to turn out tell anyone of his intention, least of all any of Four days out from Singapore-in Lat. 13-57 Travancore. On being thas hailed the captain early to go about, The book the chief mate the clerks in that office and these men ware, in | N. and Long, 113.43 E-4 large steamer was of the Robert Cooke called out to the master of tore up looked like the deck log. Witness a manner, in the position of clerks. Again, if nighted. That was hall past four o'clock on That, agalo, might only have been the nervous first thought. They were, therefore, unable ta *the Travancore to bring his boat alongside | could nõi say that it was.

he had told these men of sück an intention was the 2181 of June.. At the big craft bore down I shudder which the captain and his officers and furnish any further information on the subject,