New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1872-09-09
THE NETS DISASTER.
PROGRESS OF THE OBSERVATION-DISCLOSURES
OF TWO PASSENGERS AND OF CAPT. BURTON.
lBY TELEGRAPH TO THE TRIBuNB.l

PROGRESS OF THE NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS.
OF TWO PASSENGERS AND OF CAPT. BURTON.
IBY TELEGRAPH TO THE TRIBUSB.l
PROVIDENCE, Sept. THE Nets investiga-
ton was resumed at the Custom-house this morning
Richard Davis passenger, testified that he was Prov
dence dry goods merchant had impression that the
collision was on the starboard side; his stateroom
where by most accounts tho schooner struck and
he represented the crash just after the col
sion he schooner the stern Of the Metis with
her bow toward the steamer heard no voice the wind
was unfavOrable TO hearing ONE owing TO poor gearing
boat lost, but aferward recovered; saw life
preservers lying about with straps broken of as de-
fective the purser and others could not get life
preservers the captain thought Of taking boat and
going ashore for help but this plan abandoned as
the wreck had broken up at sea, he would be con
demned; 1t was proposed to boat for ladies,
but this was not for fear there would be rush OF
it he should say that there were eco passengers
ON board there u or II children who would prob
ably go without paying fare there wero number OF
temporary beds the saloon floor the seerage apart
ment struck him as difficult place to escape from In
case Of accident the steamer lay TO about Ave min
utes after the collision; Capt Hull and Capt Burton
seemed to do all in their power TO save life.
The statement of Edward Turner Of Providence, also
passenger, next taken. Its most important points
that, having sate-room on the starboard side,
tre aft he was awakened by the collision and was
neither informed nor heard any one else INFORMED OF
the danger. He one OF those who believe strongly
that the officers OF the Metis inefficient This point
not drawn out by the questions. Mr.. DAVIS wac
washed of the wreck wnen was near tue shofe ano
the carried him to the beach. Mr.. Turner came
ashore on bale OF cotton. Both were greatly ex
hausted
Capt. Charles L. Burton was next sworn He was IS
old and had followed boating since he l6 had
been master and pilot OF steam vessels seven years.
his masters license extended over inland waters aud
pilots license from NewYOrk through the same 10 Fall
River Providence. and Boston, and down the North
River and New York Bay 10 Sandy Hook; he took com
long. Evidence to her construction was taken at
length the following being the chief points, she had
three watertght compartments made diagonaily and
feed he thought two were forward OF the boiler; the
vessel she carried four boats three OF metal and
wood, two about 20 feet and two about ~ feet long
and liferaft made Of metallic cylinders in sections
this could float about 60 persons her main deck was
panked up the began about 6 feet from the
bow and ended about 20 feet from the STERN there was
roomy passage-way between them and the railing there
three anchors, boat launching apparatus, and
ter and tackles to be used the regular steering
on ea'' the Us' night Of The collision; did not
deem il a bad night; awakened by conclusion which
he supposed was made by collision; went 10 pilot
house. found second pilot there and took his place
the examination which he ordered he had not the
slightest idea that the steamer wounded below the
main deck finding that she was sinking he gave the
shouting that epreseryers could be found in the state
rooms cork mattresses in the berths he returned
gave orders have the boats got ready 10 aunch
the engine was kept running I'll steam gave out, and
steering He detailed his efforts 10 the PASSENGERS
till wreck brought them into the surf, when all he
could do TO give himself to the waves His account
represents him very active His statement ended al
10 o'clock on Monday, when Capt. HulPs testimony VIII
be heard.