Los Angeles daily herald., 1873-12-03
PACIFIC COAST TElEGRAMS.
Exclusively to the Herald.
SAN FRANCISCO.
The Wreck Of the willie dc Havre--A
Dreadful Scene. Mayor OTIS In.
nugural.

SAN FRANCISCO, Dec. 9.
Further particulars of the wreck OF
the steamer Willie de Havre have been
received. The survivors attach no
blame to the officers of the Lachine for
the catastrophe, but say they did all
that was possible to prevent sacrifice
of life. The Lachine was very badly
damaged. Her bowsprit was entirely
gone, and great hole was cut In her
above the water line. The passengers
of the Vile de Havre say that Capt.
Surmount, during many days Of fog,
took every precaution and was con-
stantly on the deck of fthe steam er. No
one explains how the collision occur
red. A passenger says the men, wo-
men and children rushed on deck in
their night clothing, and all was con-
fusion. The Lachine's bow had cut a
fissure In the deck of the Vile de Ha-
vre II feet deep, and the iron plating of
her side was crushed for distance of
80 yards. Most of the passengers We're
too scared to save themselves. Many
prayed, and many lay down in the
calmness Of utter despair. Some, hear
ing the water pouring into the ship,
never left their state rooms. Whole
families thus went down together.
Among the survivors was one lady,
whose husband and four children had
perished in the sea; one young man
lost his father, mother and sister, and
another gentleman lost his sister,
whom he was taking to France for her
health. Mrs. Spofford, of Chicago, lost
three children and nurse. She sank
with the vessel, but floated again and
was picked up.
The Vile de Havre was insured in
London for $4,000. The survivors
reached Bristol in safety. The purser
says the steamer was struck on the
starboard side, and the mainmast and
rigging were carried away. The long
boat was not crushed OH deck, but at
ter being lowered the mizzenmast fell
upon it and killed nearly all its occu-
pants. The mainmast fell after the
mizzen, toppling over on deck, killing
ing many persons in few moments,
and thefsteamer commenced to sink
amid the great disorder and terror.
The scene was too dreadful to be de-
scribed. The air was rent with shrieks,
but some We're heard to say, calmly,
GAS we must die, let us die noblyw 1
undressed myself with a companion,
jumped overheard and swan toward
the Lachine, then half mile distant.
AS l left heard the shipcreaking, and
looking around saw her 60 down with
one plunge. For moment the shrieks
were terrible, then all was silent. The
captain remained on the Vile de Ha-
vre during the scene, and went down
with the ship. He was picked up an
hour afterward.
George Treat, owner of Thad Ste
vens, says he will permit that horse
to enter for the $1,000 purse at Oak
land next week. 1t Is thought by
many that Joe Daniels will also be en-
tered for this race. 1919
The inaugural of Mayor Otis was de-
livered at a late hour last night. He
sketches vigorous progressive policy
for the city in every department of her
government; thinks the police force
should be increased and suggests that
no more wooden pavements be put
down, but that Belgium or granite
pavement be used; recommends that
the city front and Mission bay be
opened to commerce by system which
shall give no monopoly of privileges
to any particular company or organi-
zation of men. That facilities for all
should be secured. Thinks the city
ought to be divided into twenty Super
visorial districts. In conclusion, he
asked the new Board to be guided by
one motive alone: Consideration for
the public good.
Mayor Alvord's valedictory was an
able review OF affairs during his term
and contained many valuable sugges-
tions for the future. The messages
will be printed.
Chief Whitney says he will not give
up the office to d. Scannell till after
the regular meeting of the Commits
sioners to-day, and not then unless
they so order.