Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1884-07-22
MUTINY ON THE ST. ROMANS.
The Second Mate Stabbed By An insubOrdt,
nate Seaman.
New York world.l

Thomas McTighe, a seaman OF the steamer
st. Romans, OF Liverpool, is locked up III
the SiNteenth-precinct station charged with
stabbing the second mate, Alexander Kass
Before the 81. Romans had fairly cleared
the IRISH coast McTIghe began to distin-
guish himself by his insolent bearing.
Early on the sixth day Of the voyage
from Liverpool Mr.. Kass took the deck
and mounted to the bridge where the
officer Of the watch Is habitually stationed.
McTighe and seaman named O'Brien
were on the bridge. The sky was overcast
and the wind came in fierce, Gtiul gusts.
O'Bricn stood at the port side and made a
civil, respectful answer to the mates ques-
tions. Passing 10 starboard SIR. Kass adj
dressed question TO McTiShe, who re-
turned 10 answer, but renamed leaning
against the rail looking down at the water.
The mate repeated the question and touched
McIighe on the shoulder.
"What's the matter?" demanded Kass /;
"are you asleep?"
"You are a id liar! shouted Me-
Tighe, suddenly springing into an upright
posture. 81 am as wide awake rs you
are"
Then Mr.. Kass, according TO McTighe,
knocked the latter down and repeated the
operation when the seaman rose to MS feet.
The mate, Oh the other hand, declares that
the sailor finished his sentence by drawing
a large Sheath-kniie. Mr.. Kass turned to-
wards the steps leading to the deck, and as
he started to descend McTlghe stabbed him
under the right shoulder.
Third Mate Matthias, who saw the affray
from the aiter-bridse, leaped to the deck
and ran up TIE steps OF the lookout-bridge
Just as Mr.. Kass was about 10 fall. Half
fainting and supported by his comrades
arms, the wounded second officer descend
ed 10 the deck. A quartermaster ran TO
the rescue, and Mr.. Kass was carried TO the
ward-room, where his wound was dressed,
and he was made az comfortable as circum-
stances would permit. Mr.. Matthias, the
boatswain, and two quartermasters over
powered McTighe, who was encou aged by
the other seamen TO make desperate re-
Sistance. He was ironed and his captors
started with him towards "the brig"
prison-the st. Romans, like the Pinafore,
having dungeon on board.
Several men who had expressed sympa-
Thy with McTighe were holystoning the
deck. They stopped work and loudly de-
manded the release OF their comrade. One.
who seemed to be the ringleader OF the
gang, drew his knife and planted his ath'
letic form directly in front OF the prisoner.
"Come on, boys" he said, turning to his
companions, "let's get Mac free"
Ibis suficed 10 inflame the smOuldering
passions Of the crew. Drawing their
knives and Selling all other weapons that
chance threw In their way, the men gath
cred about Mr.. Matthias and McTighe, and
threatened to kill the former unless he and
The loyal men at his back released Mr..
KaSs's assailant. With one hand firmly
grasping the collar Of the prisoner, reso-
lutte "third huff" pulled out his revolver,
and pointed ii at the men who de6ed his
authority.
Fall back. every mothers son OF you"
he said, calmly. "Tbe first man who lays
a hand on me or this prisoner pays for II
with his life."
Something in the speakers steady
eye and unflinching attitude daunted the
men and they sulkily gave way.
"Now. go back TO your work." was
the next command, as the mate thrust
the pistol between the eyes Of the chief mu-
tineer.
Mr.. Matthias was obeyed. and the holy
stoning exercise continued. McTighe was
locked up and guarded by sturdy quar-
termaster.
Until the vessel reached port last night
the crew showed no further symptom oil
revolt. Owing TO the lack Of professional
skill Mr.. Kass sank rapidly. As soon as
the ST. Romans was made fast at the foot OF
west Twenty-fourth street the wounded
mate was taken TO the New York Hospital
In an ambulance, and Mc'righe was taken
TO the station-house. He says that Mr..
kass was cruel TO the men from the begin
ming OF the voyage, and was especially Sc
we're upon him. His comrades give him a
good character. but the officers, ON the
other hand. say that he was very unruly
and disrespectful.