Butte semi-weekly miner. [volume] (Butte, Mont.) 1886-1890, 1889-04-03
THE SAMOAN DISASTER.
The Lack of Necessary War vessels-Possi-
bility Of an Investigation.

The Lack of Necessary War vessels-POssi-
bility of an Investigation.
WASHINGTON, April mo decision has
yet been reached at the navy department
in regard to sending vessels to take the
place OF the wrecked ship at Apia- Secre-
tary Tracy said the matter lie one which
offers serious difficulties. The vessels now
at Panama and other stations which might
be otherwise available, cannot we'll be
spared from their present posts Of duty.
The Pensacola is undergoing repairs at the
Norfolk navy yards. It can be made ready
for sea in about four months, and like
period will be required to complete the re-
pairs and fit for sea the Adams and Iro-
quois, now at the Mare Island navy yard.
The Charleston, II accepted by the gov
ernment, can be made ready for service
probably by the first OF June. Secretary
Tracy fortunately ordered that the battery
intended for the yorktown be shipped to
San Francisco and placed on board the
Charleston The order was issued March
20, and soon the battery will be on Its
way.
SHOULD AN INVESTIGATION BE MADE.
While no doubt is entertained here that
Admiral Kimberly did everything possible
to avert the dreadful disaster at Samoa,
the receipt OF a detailed report is awaited
with interest. When that is r. ceived it " i'll
be decided whether it will be necessary to
make any further Investigation. Colonel
W. B. Remey, Judge advocate Of the navy,
says on this subject:
1.-THE usual course will be followed in q
case OF this kind. Admiral Kimberly will
make a report to the secretary, giving in
detail all the facts in connection with the
loss of ships and men in this squadron, of
which be had command. That report will,
in the natural order OF things, be referred
to me, and il, in my Judgment, it
seems to me that there was any negligence
displayed, or that the admiral failed to
take all proper precautions, I shall recon-
mend to the Secretacy that court Of in
quiry be held. The functions of court OF
inquiry are very similar to those OF grand
jury. II, after thorough investigation, the
court is convinced the admiral was remiss,
or did not display the seamanship which
ought to have been expected OF him under
the circumstances, the court would recon.
mend to the Secretary of the Navy that he
be tried by q court martial, and should
have to prefer charges.
II do not believe any court martial will
be convened"
HURRY FORWARD WORK ON THE CHARLESTON.
The Secretary OF the Navy has cabled to
Samoa that the men of the wrecked naval
vessels sent home are to come to San
Francisco. 1t is rumored that instructions
have been sent to Francisco to hurry for
ward the preparation of the Charleston,
and every effart will be made to get her
guns and carriages transported overland
at the earliest possible moment. The guns
are ready at the proving ground at Annap-
oils, and the carriages are about ready at
the Washington navy yard.
WHERE THE MEN OF WAR ARE.
WASHINGTON, April 1.-The Navy Depart
ment is making every effort to secure an
adequate representation at Samoa. Or
ders were sent to-day to have the Rich
mond, Alert and Adams sent to Apia al
earliest practicable moment.
The Alert is at Honolulu, and can reach
Samoa in a month or forty days.
The Richmond is in the river Rio Del La
Plata, on the east coast of South America
and must go around Cape Horn.
The Adams is under repairs at the Mare
Island navy yard. Ten days or two weeks
will serve to make complete repairs, and
after few days additional consumed ir
taking in stores and coal, she may sail or
q voyage which will take about q month
The Yantic is now at Brooklyn, and viii
be ready to sail on the 10th inst, probably
to relieve the Richmond.