The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1857-08-22

THE LATE COLLISION ON THE SOUND-THE In
vEsT1GATIoN A FARCE-A week has not elapsed
since this community was shocked and saddened
by the intelligence of collision on the Sound
between the Fall River steamer Metropolis and
the propeller J. N. Harris resulting in the death
of fifteen persons on board the latter. The col
rsion occurred on q calm, bright moonlight
night So far, therefore, there was no possible
mode of explaining the cause Of the occurrence,
aside from negligence, renissness or recklessness
somevhere The excuse made was that the pilot
on board the Metropolis mistook the propeller for
a sailing vessel, in consequence of her being I'M
der canvass and of her not displaying or his not
seeing the eignal light showing her to be steam
er, and that be consequently steered In the oppo-
site course from that in which the sailing direc-
tons governing those waters required him to
steer. Before this mistake could be remedied,
or the speed of the Metropolis checked, she cut
down the Harris, submerging her almost instan-
taneously.
Well, now, even on this showing, there was
blame somewhere. IL the Harris did not
display her signal light aloft, then her
officers were those whose negligence
WIS the cause of this melancholy affair.
" the light were displayed, but was screened
by the canvass then it follows that the sailing
direc tons are defective and that there is an i'm
peratiye necessity for their being speedily aud
efficiently altered, so as that there can be ne
danger in future of installing propeller for q
sail vessel But If neither Of these suppositions
u the correct Cne-if the Harris did display her
LIGHT, and if lie, canvas did not prevent that
light being seen from cu board q vessel coming
in the opposite 6rection-then the officers on
board the Metropolis arc directly responsible for
the collision and for the loss Of life thereby
occasioned.
The public demands 70 know where the fault
lies. 80 that the remedy may be applied for the
future or that the guilty party may be properly
punished. Mr.. Joachinsccn, Assistant United
States District Attorney, undertook an investi-
cation of the matter but we are sorry 10 have
TO say that il has been very lamcly and i'm
potently conducted. The pilot on board
the Metropolis was not, we understand,
examined at all, although he u the person
of all others the most capable Of supplying infor-
nation ON the subject Instead Of his evidence
Mr.. Joachimssen was content with that Of the
captain Of the Metropolis, who was asleep IN his
berth al the time of the collision and who consc-
quently could know nothing personally Of the
matter. Indeed, we are net aware that sylla-
bic Of evidence has been adduccd from any per
con on board the Metropolis who was wide awake
at the time Of the collision Now that will
not do. That is not the way to slur over
such serious investigation as this. The pub
lie is well aware that reeklessnes on board
come Of these large river and other steamers Is
far too much the rule. and that IL Is regarded as
u necessary part of their business IL not to run
down small craft, at least to come so near doing
60 as to brighten those on board. Ii is there
fore, the bounden duty of the proper Law officer
when such an inexcu.able collision a. this oc-
ours to institute a complete and rigorous invest
CATION, and to pursue it without fear, favor OF
affection. We call upon the United States Dis
trict Attorney or his assistant 80 to discharge
his duty in the premises as to guarantee tho
public from any reckless repetition Of such de
plorable events.