The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1873-12-22
SENATE OBJECTS TO REPEAL OF BANK.
RuPT LAW. -.
ESTIMATES TO BE RRyIsRD.
Statement OF Captain Robertson In
Relation to the Collision Between
the Lochearn and the Vile du

Statement OF Captain Robertson In
Relation to the Collision Between
the Lochearn and the Vile du
Havre.
NEW YORK, Dec. 20.-London papers
Of the 9Th received to-day contain the
official report Of Captain Robertson of the
Lochearn, which sunk the steamer Vile
du Havre. It 10 as follows, In 80 far as
relates to the collision:
November 22d, "a. NJ, latitude 46 deg.
"a min. north, longitude 33 deg. 6 min.
west; winds SW. true ship braced mp on
port tack, heading by standard compass
NV. by W., or W. J true. The steamers
masthead was seen from one to two
points on the port bow; our head lights
were out and burning brightly; shortly
after we showed three lights. She was
coming straight for Us. Immediately abe
allowed on her port and masthead lights,
and was stearing apparently to pass
rang our bell and ported helm, as we
thought she was coming too near, the
steamer still showing only her port light.
When close to the bow the steamers helm
was starboarded and she was across our
bow. A collision was inevitable. An
order was given to back our afteryards,
but before the braces could be let 60 the
two'vessels came In collision, the Loch-
earn striking the steamer amidships. The
ships Immediately separated. We then
threw our afteryards abaclE, and half the
crew shortened sail and the remainder
cleared away the port LIE boat: The
carpenter being at the pumps reported
that the ship was making no water, and
then went forward and found the bow
spirit gone and bow smashed completely
In by the collision, but the keelhead was
apparently unipjured. A boat from the
steamer then came alongside containing an
officer and four men. j asked ifthe steamer
was much injured. Hesaid she was in
jured, but did not say she wanted assist
ance. No signals Of distress were made
by the steamer, but ]. Thought at the time
boat should be sent TO her assistance.
While talking to an'offlcer I saw the
steamer apparently settling down, and
lowered the port liie.boat at once, in
charge Of the second officer and four
men, who made toward the sinking ship.
Our cutter and starboard lite.boats were
then cleared away, and in few minutes
dispatched to the scene Of the catastro-
phe, their only guide being the cries Of
drowning people, the steamer having dis.
appeared. We kept our boats out till
daylight-until every one afloat among
the wrecked was picked up. Wo sue
ceeded In saving "a persons out Of
800: A large proportion having gone
down with the steamer Vile du Havre.
She only floated about is minutes after
being struck. Capt. Robertson then pro.
ceedcd to give an account Of his falling
In with the Trimountain and the transfer.
ring Of the steamers passengers and crew
to her with the exception Of Messrs.
Cook and Weiss and one Of the steamers
flremen, who was injured. he then gives
an account Of his struggle to save bis
vessel. ,.-I-,-
The following incident Of the disaster
Is told by the Capt. OF the Lochean: A
lady swan alongside with child in her
arms, q rope was thrown to her which
she seized. but In attempting to be pulled
on board, holding on by one hand with
the other around the child, her strength
failed her and the child was lost, but the
poor mother was drawn on board.
An imposing requiem was solemized OF
Havre on the 9Th inst. In honor oil the
victims. The Cathedral was draped In
black from roof TO floor and thronged by
q congregation Of five thousand persons.
Tho Catalogue was surrounded by
sailors Of the Republican. navy
and all civic, naval and military
dignitaries OF the place were
present. The cures sermon was inter-
rupted by bursts Of griet from the wor-
shippers. All the ships In the harbor
dressed their flags hali.mast high, and
business was at q standstill. Public sub
scriptions amount to 10000 francs, ex-
cludlng the contributions Of the company.
The singers Of Paries' Opera are TO give
0 performance Of "La Favoritae OF Havre
for the benefit oi the victims.
Prof. Ruiet, Of Geneva Theological
Seminary, In which Cesar Pronniers, who
was lost by the Vile du Havre disaster,
was professor, writes TO this country ask.
ing if'the American Christians could do
homage for Pronniera' numerous family.
BE leaves q vile who has been sick for
many years, and six children, the Oldest
only thirteen and half years Of age,