New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1873-04-03
SERIOUS CHARGES AGAINST CAPT.
WILLIAMS,

After every great disaster ike that 10 the
Atlantic the public, their unreas0ung rage demand
that TIE blame shall be put uDOn some one. And a.
though the first did not indicate me causes OF the
disaster. the public early selected Capt Williams az
person 70 be held 70 scr responsibility for the loss Of
the hundreds who went down in the Atlantic Early
in the forenoon d rumOr set aAJat That the Cap
TAN of tie wrecked steamer had long been
addicted 20 drink this Ike al it, KIN
dred 10 crew until later persons were heard roundy a.
sorting that he a confirmed drunkard. some OF the
afternoon Journals catching tins scandal sensa
ton gave IL wider spread circulation; and Tor the remain
Ger q tie cay the denuncaous OF the unfortunate OFF,
Ger we're % be heard Oh every side. Il finally told
with great circumstance that Capt. Williams had been
dismissed tie service Of the Williams and GuIol Line
for drunEeuns and had been refused service by the
National Line ust before engaging WIKI Tie White star
Line.
The report o. 10 reached this Office. based on
statements Of the agents Of the National Line ana IN
1uirles were a once MADE Of Mr. r. J. " Hurst the
Manager NJ Hurst Oh being told that his Office
authority story declined 70 b. held responsible
for the staeIrnt and would not reterate Il, but III
timated that ms Information. De Lad DO per
ora knowledge OF the fact but added tat he had been
told by than person that Capt Williams had
left the Guiou Line ID disgrace Finally Nh. Hurst
added a. the reporter leaving. that 10 not true
chat Cant williams had been cfsTni ssed had
signed from The GuiOu Line but under circumstances
which DE had reason o. believe dscredahe. The exact
ruaee OF M Hurst is not given above, its import
is correctly stated.
IDgutrv was then made AZ the Office Of the Guion Line
The agent IN charge stated that the untrue
AZ far az be knew Capt Williams had been il charge OF
four steamers the GuiOu Line. had net with
disaster and Was well known aud highly esteemed by
IL their agents He did not believe Capt. Williams vas
addicted % drink, and be had never known MIN 70 be
urder n influence. The of his resignation from
81 am SAID 10 De "A
IL understanding between him and the pr0priet0rs
relative 70 the giving Of dinner board his vessel
F1 hs fact has probably the exaggerated story
Of his habits.
III. " d. Guon OF the Williams d Gulon Line
also seen ID regard % the charge Of habtual inemper
ance against Capt Williams Mr.. Gu0n stated that
Capt Williams had been III the Of his line about
five years commanding at different times four
different steamers. and left them in October,
fs-1 while Capt williams was their
ploy M GUIOn affirmed that he never
knew OF his being Incorporate Furthermore be bad
never perceived the consequences Of such habit in the
management Of their vessels, a. Capt. Williams always
brought his vessels into port IN good order and without
trouble giving them full satisfaction IL regard 70 his
ability aud falthfulness commander. In reply %
question concerning the Of Capt Williams retire
eut from their service he said that 10 not ntem-
perance dculty with some Of his passe myers, IN
which he was found upon investigation, 10 be 70 blame.
20 disclose Capt Williams thereupOn resigned, and.
after cruise % the Mediterranean entered tie service
of rhe White star Line subordinate capacity. from
which he had again rison 20 the post q commander.
GuoI felt confident from what he had seen that Capt
williams had not drank gass Of liquor for is months
Mr. Guon considered Capt. williams thoroughly capa-
bic and reliable officer and brave man. as shown BY his
conduct some tine a-o, when while approaching tins
ort IN Storm % great personal risk be stuck steadily
10 his post and was knocked down by some boats which
had broken loose had leg and several ribs fractured
aud IN tins last saser though below the rst alarm,
which might be perm tied he claimed. with capable
first fer on dek immediately rushed 70 the boats,
and BEGAN preparing them for embarknE the pas
sengers.
on iDquiring Of Mr. Sparks. the agent Of the White
star Line the reporter informed that the scandal
was discred.ted inasnuch Capt Williams had entered
their service about months ago with strong letter OF
Recommendation from Me5srs. williams d Gulon.
From al the Trustworthy information which TIE
TRIBUNE reporters could gather. Il safe % conclude
story grossly ana cruelty eAAEEefAte0 ofoA
IL 70 Las the least foundation II TACT