Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1872-10-03
From Japan
Particulars of the Burning of the stcam-
ship AmericH.

SAN Francisco, Oct. 2.-The steamer China,
which arrived this morning, left Hong Kong
Aug. 2Ith, and Yokohama Sept. 9TH. Among
the passengers are twenty-niue of the officers
and crew of the burned steamship America.
Early on Saturday morning, Aug. oath, the
America arrived at Yokohama, and during the
day landed all her passengers aud cargo for that
port, and transferred TO the Shanghai branch
steamer what was for North China There re-
manned on board the officers and crew, two first
class passengers, mails, and 175 Chinese,
destined for Hong Kong. At eleven
O'Clock at night the America was
discovered on fire; aud she burned until
the afternoon of Sunday, when she was towed
out of the way OF theshipping and sunk Three
Americans and iity-nine Chinese were lost, be-
sides q number of Japanese. Three hundred
thousand dollars in treasure and light freight
remained on board the vessel when burned
The ship had been coaling all day, and at ten
O'Clock all was reported safe when the officers
retired. A little before eleven the StewardeSs
smet something burning, and smoke was dis
covered rising from the freight deck below the
ladies' saloon. The alarm was immediately
sounded, and Capt. Doane was the first man in
the saloon with hose, but was driven back by
the smoke. With sudden and furious roar the
flames burst FORTH deciding the fate Of the ship.
Smoke prevented the flooding of the magazine
and attention was turned to saving passengers.
The Cinnamon crowded the ladder, which gave
way, prectptating them into the water
Several unsuccessful attempts were made to
sink the burning ship by shot from the war YES
sells in the harbor.
A court ofinquiry convened August 31st. Con-
sui Shepard presiding, assisted by Minister De
Long and Captains Shrlv and Percy. After
hearing evidence, they found the fire apparatus
in good working order, but the long time which
elapsed before a stream of water was started dc.
notes want of precautOn or great tardiness in
the engineers department Ii steam TO the
QmOnnt ~ u IL haIh a., a., i
KEY boiler at the time the alarm was given, and
the fires had been in proper condition, with
proper expedition in working the fire might
nave been eNtinguished and the ship saved.
ffMse IS justly due the officers and crew for
gallantry and perseverance. The court is con-
Vlnced that the lire was the result of intention
notoi accident. The inducemeut may have been
anhpathy toward the steamship company or
officers, or the fact that the Chinese passengers
were supplied with large sums OF money
NEW YORK, Oct. "A dispatch saws that
MIR. Mori, japanese charge d'affareS, explains
the present reactiOnist movement by saving
that 1t is an effort Of the older men in public life
to counterfeit the progressive movement of the
young men, who have OBJ tanned virtual control
OF affairs. Morl hopes that the building of the
two Japanese vessels III New York will not long
be delayed on account of want of funds.
A Washington special saws the report is not
believed in official circles that the Japanese GOV
eminent has again reverted back intoits former
state OF eXclusveness, and dismissed General
Capron and other Americans from positions to
which they were called. Our government
would have been notified Of the fact if true.