New-York tribune., 1873-04-10
THE ATLANTIC DISASTER.


TIE CONSTITUTION AND POWERS OF THE COURT OF
NQUIRY-Irs PROBABLE yERDIGr-GUARDING
Against WRECKS 1N THE NOVA SCOTIA COAST
SMUGGLING SILK IN CRocKERY CRATE
lDY TELEGRAPH TO TRIBUsE
HALIFAX, April 0.--The nature of the Court which
is investigating the Atlantic disaster has not been
fully understood. 1t is the first inquiry of the kind
that has been held in the Dominion, and the impress
sion has prevailed that it is merely an inquisiton
preliminary to some more formal action This is not
te case The Court has the same jurisdiction as the
Boarn Of Trade in England the act under which it il
held gvins the Governor power to institute formal
investigation at Gnce without waiting for any pre-
liminary examination. Upon the conclusion Of the
investigation the Court sends to the Minister of
Marine and Fisheries full report upon the case IN
vestgated, with tho evidence. Every such de-
cisiOn is subject to be affirmed or set aside
by tho Minister, whose judgment is final
After the finding Of this Court tho captain and
officers cannot be tried again by any marine court
for this oiense, but can only be triabo under in
dictment brought in criminal court. The punish
ment by the present court cannot go beyond the
revocation of the certificates of those found guilty
The captain expects such Judgment, and it seems
very probable too. that the fourth officer Will come
III for share Of the sentence.
Capts. Coffin and Wood, who have for many years
been connected with the Cunard steamers. will be
called TO show what is the habit of masters in regard
TO the exercise Of vigilance in approaching the coast
1t is said that there is not a captain
accustomed TO enter this port who goes to
bed within 100 miles of it. matter which legit-
imatey within the scope of this inquiry, but
which has not been brought into court, is whether
the coast of Nova Scotia is sufficiently lighted and
a1
arc no wrecking stations such as are provided on
our own coast. and if it had not been for the fisher
men at Meaghcr's Head, few would have survived
the exposure Of the dreadful night AS to lights,
Peggy's Point Light is about five miles west of
Meagber's Head, and Sambro is about seven east.
The first mentioned, it was thought, would protect
this part of the coast. new light-ship now build
ing ia Glasgow, and to be completed this Summer,
is to be stationed at a considerable distance south
of Sambro and provided with powerful fog-hOrn.
This will add greatly to the security of mariners
this dangerous coast.
1t is again reported to-day that case of croc1ery
recovered from the wreck was found, on opening to
contain valuable silks carefully concealed in the
crockery. The United States Consul has the matter
in hand and hopes 60 be able to obtain the names of
those who are thus trying to defrand the revenue
FIVE MoBE BODIES RECQvERED-THE INVESTIGATION
ADJOURNED
HALIFAX, April 0.-FiYe bodies were recovered
from the wreck TO day. four secrage passengers and
sailor. ali unrecognzed. plate was removed from the
vessels sdc but 1t opened into the coal bunker and was
OF advantage The divers continue TO work, but will
do much until the arrival Of the Work wrecters
Detectives searched OF the houses In the vicinity Of
the wreck to-day. and recovered few articles that had
stolen The Collector OF Customs goes down to the
wreck Tomorrow, to investigate the smuggling stories
and attend to other business. He takes full charge OF
affairs on behalf Of the Government
The Court Of Inquiry will be postponed until Saturday
The Rev. Mr. Ancient takes charge OF the burial OF all
except those who identified Roman Catholics and
taken to the Catholic Cemetery at Terrence Bay. He
assists at gravcdiggng and conveying the bodies IN
boats, aud reads the burial services