New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1854-01-17
XXXuID CONGRESS. FIRST SESSION.

SENATE. -. MONDAY Jan. 10, 1884.
Mr. PEARCE said the recent catastrophe to the San
Francisco unusual the pcnls of those on board
imminent and prolonged, and amid such such va
riey and intensity Of suffering, they were 80 connected
with Government, and their rescue was achieved by
efforts Of such bold generous and perseyerng humanity
that the occasion seemed TO demand acknowledgment
by the Government The steamer in the employ Of
the Government, and tho persons rescued were mostly
Government troops and officers For nearly two weeks
their sufcrings prolonged while the shattered ship
was exposed to tho fury of the ocean under appalling cir
cumssnces with the hourly expectation of destruction
Her rescue was effected by men who could be moved
only by the nobest impulses, and who, thus mpelled.
encountered extraordinary risks and danger The ship
Three Bells though not first in the rescue might be named
first, because she British Though leaking and short
of provisions her noble hearted commander and crew
lay by this shattered wreck straining every nerve
for the of their felOw.men, and all accounts
testify that nothing could exceed the tenderness and kind
ness with which the rescued treated that ship.
The bark Kby American and was first in the res
She too had been storm tossed and partly disabled.
yet for two days her gallant commander and crew lay by
the wreck of the San Francisco and then only parted
from by the Irresistible force Of the For two
days they cruisod about amid stormy In search
of her and even now that vessel is wanderer amid the
perls Of the stormy element, though happily, many Of
those who rescued by her Transferred 10 another
ship and have arrived safely among their cOuntrymen aud
friends The conduct Of tie officers and crew of the ship
Antarctic, il equally honorable. Other governments
recognize and reward such services Lately Capt Nye,
of the steamer Pacific thanked and rewarded by tho
British Government in liberal and grateful spirit Tor
similar rescue Of British sailors Il became this nation
with equal steps to follow the example and az the Exocu
tive did not possess the means authority Congress
should supply them. This would BIO just and wise a. re-
warding great merit, and encouraging others to similar
galantry Extraordinary heroism and humanity would
always receive Just applause Of man. but the public author
y should furnish enduring evidence OF public approba
ton which would be honorable to the Goyernmeni and
be cherished by brave men who richly earned them
lie had said nothing Of the officers and Of the lost
steamer All accounts agreed as 20 the unhinchng
age, active xiii and peseyerng patience Of the comntnd
er who seemed to have displayed all the qualities which
give honor to the character OF American seamen-what
should be found due 10 him his officers and crew. and des
ttute troops would be determined hereafter The nc.
knowecgemen to the rescuer to be graceful should DO
US prompt possible.
EIr SHIELDS said be had just had conference with
the Secretary Of War on this subject He had prepared
resolution for the purpose Of acertaning something
theDiic connected with the matter, that the senate
might know not only on whom to bestow thanks, but
Department The men lost soldiers and the vessel
was chartered by the War Department Ia consultation
with the Secretary Of War he had learned that within two
or three days the Secretary expected to obtain full and
authentic Information on tho whole subject He did not
wish TO enter into any comment the matter because the
present information not authentic and the Senate
could not act wisely perhaps justly toward those who
were accused Of neglecng 10 render efficient aid without
having the whole authentic information before them Ie
Mr.. PeaEce.
Mr. FEARCE said bis resolution did not propose drsct
action the Committee before it acted could obtain the
iniofmation named by the Senator
Dir. GWlN hoped the resolution Of Mr Pearcs would
be adopted The subject ii would refer TO tho Committed
had reference 10 the gaantryo Of the officers AMI crews
WHO rescued the persons on board Of tie San Francieo
The COMMITTEE had considered the subject this morning
and had instructed one member to introduce resolution
covering the subject. Congress in his opinion wouli be
required TO pass several legislative. on this matter
which would have TO be matured by several committees
There ought to be pensions granted 10 the heirs of hoa
VINO were ost ana additional pay granted those who
had been saved. He had been informed that they drew
six months pay in advance procure Quits ell OF whis
was lost beside their private baggage This actual less
ought to DC repaid them He hoped the subject would en-
gage me attention OF the appropriate )mmitees.
MI SHlkLDS had no objection 10 Mr pearces resO-
luton going % the Committee on Naval Affairs His reso
uson covered different grounds. IL sought Information
as 10 me nature OF the disaster to the relief which Gov
eheLi was able 70 furnish, and be understood Govern
inert was not able 70 furnish relief very promptly for
want OF proper yessesnext 20 the relief Afforded by
private naturalization TO the number lost aud lastly
as 10 the survivors their condition. and the character OF
the Tcicf 20 be extended TO them. Until his inOrma-
ton, be obtained he wOHld object D any action
ether OF thanks Otherwise The department had sent
TO New York and engaged Ia me collection of
information His resolution did not conflict with the other
except hat he did not wish 10 commence bestOang thanks
or having any action upon newspaper roports oDlv He
did not think Senators ought TO rise I'D and single out aay
ole Individual entitled to merit though Ae syreel thst
If report be true, hat the gallsu kplshnan 81 the ris
Of his own life and vessel lay "a the side OF the s.eamer
fer deys and rescued the tyor. ha WA nal ~ fla
thanks Of is country. But oE could Con,s diS,bat,
justice, OF AFFORD relief Wit ,sat ipforma,ion
Dir. MASON thought be Al resoIut;ons veyy nr,nog Ia
~ 'Ns az an eAtr ordinary occasion, and which
should Pc met IN an ex daordnary manner The Senate
was mol 10 possesso' Of the full fact of the case bu.
ete NeIs cOe a' which would dispute sho wing
~ "aceIs vi these vessels, although Themselves dis
aeI .! me SO m peTiiled their lives aud the
seis Commanded by thcm 10 order % make hs rescue,
|lanHIr f.u and