The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1888-12-25

hhoNhcT nay ms passed since the
Steamer Kate Adams was burned, and
those OF her passengers, officers and crew
who were saved reached the city, yet little
more is known than The APPEAL stated
yesterday.
1t cannot be stated with any degree Of
conscientiousness that the disaster was the
sole topic OF conversation yesterday.
Christmas is at hand, the crowds are here
to emphasize the knowledge of that fact,
and business men were eagerly attending
TO either the holiday demands of their
own families or those of flush" CUSTOM
ers. Inquiries were directed to all who
came along to learn what developments in
the horror had come TO light since last pub
lication, and upon side.track answers the
inquirers turned to other engrossing sub
jects.
The APPEAL yesterday contained the
material manifest Of the burned steamer,
her officers and such OF the passengers
whose names could be learned. 1t did not
publish a full list of the passengers, by
several scores, because the valuable facts
could not be obtained and will never be-
1t did not publish insurance on the de-
stroyed cotton and other freight, because
all books and papers of the boat bearing
upon the subject went down with the
wreck and are keeping company with the
bodies Of those poor uniortunates who
found no time TO make their peace with
God.
II was stated yesterday and there Is no
aI An pfVi a.
OF life would very probably reach 100 OF
these the greater proportion were women
and children, white and cOlored Asa
matter of course most Of them were deck
passengers. The practice Of steamboat OF
iiccrs the world over in shipping this class
OF passengers renders il practically impos.
siblc, In seasons when travel is 80 great rs
now, TO make any adequate estimate Of
the loss. Gangs are taken on at every
landing, until the deck swarms with
them, and no register is kept for them.
\ subordinate clerk collects their fares,
permitting them 10 ride for any reasonable
sum they may have TO give up for the
purpose, and then they must look out for
themselves. This is all right 80 far rs the
boat is concerned. for they pay only for
the ride. SO II evidently was in the case
kansas City to Memphis is less than TWEEN.
ty-four hours, hence those who have no
money 10 spare for the comforts of cabin
passage, willingly take to the deck. Her
deck literally sWarmed with passcngers of
both sexes and all ages. They covered
about every foot Of space not otherwise
occupied, and still had no room TO boast
OF. During the night that had lust passed
small huN
ton bales and roof, on each side of the
steamer, was utilized for sleeping purposes
and fortunate indeed did those who OBJ
tanned space TO stretch out consider them.
selves. Around the boilers IL was the
same way, the latter being considered the
cream deck room because OF the warmth |
thrown out. II was this crowding in |
places difficult 10 escape from that con-
tribuicd 50 largely TO the mortality.
Another fact that has It's bearing on the |
loss. is the Ignorance Of the average pns. |
scnger, whether cabin or deck, Of life pre- |
servers The Kate Adams had her legal |
quota Of these articles. in all quarters OF
the boat, but how many aboard knew |
where 10 lay their hands on them, or even 1
thought OF such safe guards being around2 /
They simply paid the penalty Tor an
Ignorance that the officers Ol that particu.
lar craft, aud oil others, should never toll
crate. Ten minutes given to instructions
and distribution would avert nine-tcnths
Of the danger. Lie prcscrvcs should not
only be placed in all parts OF the steamer.
but men, women and children aboard
should be given ocular demonstration of
how to apply them. Equipped in that
respect, the only real terror attached 10 a
bath In mid stream would be-
the coldncss OF the water. There is little
doubt that the latter condition caused
more than one death In the Kate Adams
horror Many who jumped overheard
ind succeeded IN ovcrhauling n floating
timber very likely succumbcd To tho be-.
influence Of the water, had ~
fclinquish their grasps, and drowned.
On the same incoming valley road train
with the ArfEAL reporter, yesterday morn.
ing, WIS Mr.. Henderson, superintendent
II vast plantation near Roberlsonyille, a
landing ON the Mississippi River, In Goa
ioma County. lie heard Of tho disaster,
know that about two dozen Of his men
were on board, and nj once put out for
Memphis 10 see about H. His informa.
ion nj the time he was seen by the re-
porter was that all " them save one or
.wo were lost Mr.. Henderson, aside from
! feeling Of humanity for those whom ho !
had learned 10 feel nn interest In, was
lctuaicd 10y business motive. lie had
generously provided his men with apple
money Tor the purchase. Of Christmas
FOODS, and prompt action In the event II
heir loss was necessary. Hence his visit
o this CITY, II IN only In this way that
hc dead will ever be known, and the dis
'lusurcs must needs b. very slow.
There u probability that Third Clerk
icorgc Cofbcit, who Is supposed to be
Imong those lost by tho burning Of the
icamcr Kate Adams, Is alive. William
Donahuc, who arrived from the sccno Of
he wreck yesterday morning. says that he
aw Corboti floating down stream on a
adder about Tour miles below the scene Of
lac disaster and thinks that he Is safe
With friends.
One OF the modest heroes oi the Kate
Adams disaster, Pilot VIM. Hodge. whose
admirable conduct during the exciting
OF human life on Sunday morn.
ng last has caused much complimentary
eminent, left here as commander on the
'Oahoma, n well known aud popular ,
Jacket, chartered To take the
'laco Of the Inflated steamer. This b
! u deserved promotion and rccogni.
lon Of coolness and bravery shown under o
rying circumstances The Coahoma, Il i =
will run In place Of the Adams
BIZ the time being aud perhaps until a -
lew boat can b. built One of the clerks 4,
{ the unfortunate craft. Harry Best. also :
he steward, Mfiah Maison, went Oh ON
he Coahoma, but Capt. Check. Clofk
Tanker aud Others Of the burnt boat r..
iancd ashore 10 take a brief rest. Capt /
Tanker y NJ his lnrm near Coyinglon. 7
nm. md IanI ILnDL rrlnnlna H. t....... | !.