The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1872-09-23
ALMOST ANOTHER DISASTER.

The Torpedo at tho Navy Yard Sinks
with Three Men in Hcr-Miraculous
Prcscrvation-The French Admiral At
the Yard and Reception by Admiral
Rowan-The Remains OF Captain Dav-
export Three Weeks In tho Receiving
Store.
The uselessness of the torpedo boat which was
launched at the Navy Yard three weeks ago was
fully demonstrated on Thursday last by an acci-
dent which, had 1t not been In good time dis
covered, would have resulted In the death by suf-
location Of three mechanics. 1t appears that after
the board of officers who had been expert
menting with the torpedo mad adjourned for
the day, and while the men on the boat were at
tending to some work in the hold, she suddenly
sank and went to the bottom. 1t fortunately hap.
pened that the hatch was closed and that the vessel
was not filed with water. The greatest excite
ment prevailed in the yard as soon as the news was
circulated, and 1t was expected that the men In
other officers soon arrived on the spot, and
measures were taken to aid the impris-
was summoned, and he Immediately descended
to the bottom to ascertain the state Of affairs 1t
was discovered that the torpedo was powerless to
raise itself to the surface, and fears were for
time entertained that the men would be sunocated,
as the vessel lay partly embedded In the mud.
shears hydraulic derrick, and 1t being placed in
position over the spot by the aid OF the diver,
commenced to raise the marine monster with Its
cargo of human beings.
by this time messenger had been dispatched to
who, attended by Mr. J. H. Bellingham with gal
vanic battery and other remedial agents, were
Sn the ha
but after two hours hard work the vessel was
raised and, to the great Sy Of t every one
a AZ terrible state Of fear: It provldeatiaily
happened that the supply OF compressed
air with which the vessel Is supplied IN air-tgnt
saved
lives. Had not the steam derrick been at hand
there Is no doubt entertained that the men In the
torpedo boat would have met with sad late.
The Naval Constructor, Mr.. F. B. DelanO has ex-
pressed his dsapprova Of the vessel in very strong
terms, and he Is no doubt Of the same opinion as
other naval authorities.
On Saturday the French Admiral Of the frigate
Mnerve, attended by Captain Du Pin de Saint An Al
DIRE and his sta visited the yard and inspected the
various workshops In detail, as well as the vessels
on the stocks. He examined the torpedo boat and
descended into her hold, but 1t is not known what
opinion he entertained Of the vessel In the even
ing he paid his respects to Vice Admiral Rowan.
who held a reception In his honor. The Vermont
band was In attendance under leadership OF Mr.. p.
Ali. At six O'Clock Admiral Rowan and his guests,
including select party. Of ladies and gentlemen,
was DONE and after which dancing was the order
of the evening till twelve O'Clock, when the party
broke up, and the French Admiral and suite took
their departure in o steamer for their vessel.
Among the guests at the reception given by Ad-
mlral Rowan were Captain hanson and lady,
MoOrhouse and Medical Inspector +. M. Gunnell.
The remains Of the late Captain II. K. Davenport,
late commander Of the frigate Congress, who died
| in Southampton, WHICH arrived at the Brooklyn
Navy Yard three weeks ago, and were deposited In
one of the receiving stores are still lying there.
| cased In q plain deal case, and are lying In the
midst of number Of government stores. 1t Is re-
ported that they will be forwarded to washington
| on the arrival Of the Tallapoosa for interment,
| though it seems strange that the remains OF an
onlcer SO highly esteemed in the service should be
! left lying entirely uncared for in public store
| room for SO long time as three weeks.