Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1875-09-17
Loss ofthe Propeller Equinox on Lake Michigan.

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| TWENTY-FIVE LIVES LOST.
The propeller Equinox was lost in the
storm of last Thursday night, with all on
board. 25 persons. but one Of whom is known
to have escaped. There were two passengers
on board. and the captain and crew, consist
ing of nineteen men. The captain was
Dwight Scott, of Cleveland. The two pas
sengers were Miss Minnie Scott, the cap
tain's daughter, aged - years, going home,
and Miss Hattie Scott, aged IL. grand
daughter. Capt. Scott was about 60 years
of age. The Equinox started from Saginaw
for Chicago on Sunday evening last, laden
with salt She was near Point au SABLE,
about lSO miles from Chicago, when she
went down.
THE STORY OF THE DISASTER
was first told by Capt. Lusk. of the schooner
Emma A. Mayes, which was being towcd
by the lost propeller up to a few minutes
before she went down. The storm struck
the lake with great violence. but the two
vessels ploughed their way without misfor-
tune until ? O'Clock Friday morning.
No signs came from the Equinox that all
was not right on board. Her speed was very
m a retarded, but she held to her course
ar! steamed ahead. The night was pitch
da,k and the waves were running high.
They were off Point au Sable, about .
o'clock Friday morning, when Capt. Lusk
heard a voice from the propeller shouting
Cast off your line, which was Immediate
ly followed by the cries of women from the
propeller, sounding to those on board the
schooner as though they cried. 1--WE are
drowning - The line had loosened. and
connection between the two vessels was sew
cTci, when suddenly. as Capt. Lusk was peer
il through the darkness at the receding
= >eller, she appeared to tip, and
DISAPPEARED FROM SIGHT
bcLeath the Kissing waters.
Capt Lusk weathered the remainder of
the night as best he could. lie said he had
known the propeller but short time. and
considered her seawOrthy, or be would not
have kept in tow with her 50 long.
SHE GAVE NO SIGN OF DISTRESS,
either by whistling or showing lights.
had scarcely noticed her careening when
Capt. Woodruff shouted to me, Cast off
your tow line As soon as had done this
| noticed she was sinking 1t was not five
minutes from the time the captain told me
to do this before she disappeared. We could
render no assistance, as our small boat could
not live in such sea, and TO bring the
schooner alongside would have been certain
destruction. 1t was all | could do to wealth
er the gale. The propeller went down 50
quickly that
THERE WAS No CHANCE FOR ESCAPE
She must have opened her seams at once.
and have been literally swallowed up by the
great suction caused thereby. | have no
a IL h..t 49,. 81 81
instant death Although the vessel was an
old one, | do not think the captain had any
idea she was going down. until he ordered
the line cast of. There was plenty u time
to have signalled me.
HAD He REALIZED HIS DANGER.
\ signal, however, could have done no
good, as it would have been impossible Tor
me to lay alongside The wind was blow
ing a perfect gale from the northwest, and
the sea was running 50 high Us u make il
impossible to render aid.
The lost steamer was owned by the Grand
Trunk a Sarnia line. The vessel wa- very
old and rated very low in point Of safety.
Ia 1913 the company overhauled her and put
on her Sl3 900 worth OF repairs. which vas
probably her worth at the time of the dis
aster. The Insurance, il any. j. unknown.
: :
barrels. there was deck load o.. lumber. Tar
more than she was capable OF carrying.
TnE ENGINEER HAD PROTESTED AGAINST HER
Overlooking,
but was induced to 90 with the vessel in
spite OF his conviction that she was unsafe
The cargo was valued at 5 600 ami insured
for s 600
Spoe'a, Do.pl;th b tins Free Press alt .mss
The Plattsbur=h taces.
LAURA WILLIAMS AND CHARLIE MAC AGAIN AT
TIE FRONT.
Phrrsry Rcn, y. Y, Sept lj.-The pro-
gramme for the first days meeting at the
Cumberland Trotting Park embraced the
three minute and 237 races, the former for
purse of $500, $3.50 TO first. Sl2j to
second, 50 to third, and $50 to fourth. and
the latter for a purse Of 5000, $500 to first,
$50 to eecond, 500 to third, and $50 to
fourth.
In the three minute class there were bat
three starters. who drew positions a FOL
lows Laura Williams the pole. Kitty
7INN.4As anu IL M4NA-Nl AAsN4-N
Laura went to the front at once in both the
first and second heats, and won them with
ease in 3sl and 235!. Kitty second and
Boy third In tie third heat Boy acted
quite well and Prctmore gave Laura rest.
and the heat was won by Boy in 2.ilI with
Laura second and Kitty third. The fourth
hea. was like the first two, Laura being
the winner in 237 Kitty close second
and Boy third Below is the
SUMMARY
Laura NillSm'-- -.--------.---..--.---. ]
81, Lawrence observation-disclosures. 3
KITTY 5000. .--.---..-. 3 .
Time l-i, 2J-i, 2-lit, 30.
In the 2.37 class there were four starters.
who drew the following positions Twinkle
the pole. Amelia D. second. Barney Kelley
third. Charlie Mack outside. Charlie Mack
Won three straight heats in : 36, 23j! 2.3s.
SUMMARY.
Charlie Ma,k...................... 0
Barney Kelley Observation-Disclosures . .
Amelia D..-...-.........--........ . :
Time as above.
The track was in fine condition ami the
attendance fair.
To-morrow's programme consists Of the
go class, for purse Of $500. and the 80
class for purse of $500 Among the horses
entered in the latter are Billy Ray, Lady
Foxy. Spotted jim. Charlie Mack and j. I.
Russell In the 80 class are Laura VII
lams, Grey Bill. Fanny, formerly Dolly Dot.
Kitty and other good ones.
MILES. THE BARRE BANK EOBEER.-A
Now York desnatch of Tncsday .ays