The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1857-09-20
This Loss OF the Central Administrations
which IL SuRgests.

which II SuSgests.
We publish too day some further interesting
particulars regarding the loss of the Central
America The magnitude of this disaster Datu
rally engrosses for the moment the attention and
sympathy of the community, and in the absence
of complete information, even speculation &C
quires the Importance of facts.
Meagre as are the details that have reached US,
there are some points connected with this catas
trophe which serve to break the force of the
shock occasioned by it. Almost the first feeling
which suggests itself to the public mind after the
receipt of such news, is the hope that the national
honor has been worthily sustained by the men
upon whom the responsibility devolved In such
trying emergency. The circumstances attendant
upon the loss of the Arctic unfortunately furnish
US with but too much reason to apprehend fail
ure of the qualities called for upon such occa-
sions 1t does not suffice to remove this fear that
the conduct of such men as Captain Watkins, of
the San Francisco, has over and over
again indicated the courage aud presence
Of mind of our American sailors. To
public 20 sensitive on these points as our
own, one such disgraceful example as that
Of the Arctic is sufficient to leave behind it
lingering fear. That anxiety was increased ia
the present instance by the tact that the Central
America was commanded by one Of the best
known and most distinguished officers Of our
navy.
From the knowledge that we possessed Of
Lieutenant Herpdon, we ourselves never enter
tanned doubt that his conduct throughout this
terrible disaster had been all that could be ex.
pected from man Of his tried nerve and strict
habits of discipline. The information which has
since reached US, that one OF his first acts was
to place In safety all the women and children on
board the vessel only confirmed the anticipations
that we had formed Of bis conduct To the public
generally this view is great relief for it would
have been too much, in addition TO the loss of
such number Of precious lives and such large
amount Of treasure, TO have to deplore that OF
our good name.
But not only Is the conduct Of the brave Hern-
don to be applaaasi for the GOODNESS and self
possession which he displayed on THE occa-
sion, but that Of the crew and passengers
of this ship whose lives were forfeited
graceful selfshness and poitroonery of the
crew Of The Arctic are still fresh In our memory
and II is consolatory TO End that their conduct
found no imitator but one amongst the men
under Lieut. Herndons command. The fact is
at once evidence Of the eficcacy Of the disci-
plinc kept up on board the Central America, and
Of the sound and correct feeling of the crew;
for even the habit Of obedience would hardly
have suiiced 70 keep them In restraint, but for
the moral influence Of their officers. But whilst
we admire and applaud the selfrcstraint Of the
hands Of the vessel, LET u not forget 10 pay a
tribute to the generous forbearance and disin-
tcrestedness Of the passengers The great ma
jority Of these, as we have reason to believe.
were freth from the mines Of California-nen
but little accustomed 10 the exercise Of self
control and In the habit Of gratifying their pas
sions and inclinations without reference to con-
ventional prophecies. To the immortal honor Of
these rough, but true-hearted men, they waived in
vessel their chances Of escape; and there Is
reason to believe that no single act Of violence or
selfshness on their part furnished the merit Of
this noble example Of self devotednes.
Much has been said OF the brilliant conduct OF
the troops on board the British ship Birkenhead
on a similar memorable occasion; but we do not
think that IL surpasses in merit the generous al.
stenton of the passengers of the Central Ameri.
ca The former acted under the influence Of
military discipline and example, which admit Of
no selfshncss or shrinking in the face Of danger
The latter were controlled solely by their sense
Of humanity and their regard for the claims Of
The weaker sex We are therefore justified in &C
oading 70 our gallant countrymen who lost
thelr lives BY their disinterestedness, q much
higher need Of praise.
The effect Of such examples on the officers and
crews Of our passenger vessels cannot be too
highly estimated The emulation which they in