Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1889-04-04
THE SAMOA STORM.
Suddenness of the Disastrous Cy-
clone at Apia-
American Losses Amount to Fifty-one-
German Losses Much Heavier-Oueen
Victoria Expresses Sympathy
Mataafa's Noble Work.

LONDON, April 1.-According to the lat
est particulars of the disastrous storm at
Apia, which have just been received, the
storm burst upon the harbor suddenly.
The German man-of-war Eber was the
hrst vessel to drag her anchor. She be-
came unmanageable and was driven help
lessly on the reef which runs around the
harbor. She struck broadside on at six
O'Clock In the morning. The shock caused
her TO lurch and 10 stagger back, and she
sank in moment in deep water. Most Of
her men were under matches and scarcely
a soul Of them escaped.
The German war ship Adler was the
next to succumb She was lifted bodily
by gigantic wave and cast on her beam
ends on the reefs. A terrible struggle for
life ensued among the officers and sailors
aboard. Many plunged into the raging
SURF and struck out, some reaching the
shore in safety. Others clung to the rig
g1ng until the masts fell. OF those in the
rigging only two gained the shore. The
captain of the Adler and several other
officers We're saved.
Meantime the United States steamship
Nipsic had been dragging her anchors and
drifting toward the shore. The captain,
however, managed to keep control and
ran her on sand bank. Boats were i'm
mediately lowered and the whole company
saved with the exception of six men. These
were drowned by the capsizing of boat
The United States steamship Vandalia
was carried before the gale right upon the
reef. She struck with a terrible shock
hurting the captain against a Gatling
gun and he fell stunned. Before he could
recover great wave swept the deck and
washed him and others away into the sea.
The vessel sank fifty yards from the Nip
sic and several of the officers and men
went down with her. Others perished
while making desperate efforts 10 swim to
the shore. Some of the ships company
tried to save themselves by ciinging to the
rigging, but heavy and swift running
waves dashed over them and one bv one
they were swept away.
By this time night had set in. Many
natives and Europeans had gathered on
the shore, all anxious to render assistance
to the unfortunate crews, but owing to the
darkness they were wholly unable to be
of service.
Soon after the Vandalia had sunk the
American war ship Trenton broke from
her anchorage and was driven upon the
wreck of the Vandalia, whence she drifted
to the shore. The bottom of the Trenton
was completely stove and her hold was
half full of water.
As morning broke, the German man -of
war O'ga, which had hitherto wthstood
the gale, although much battered by the
heavy seas that constantly broke upon
her. became unmanageable and was driven
how oh lorr %oIo-
ably favorable position.
The following is a record of the officers
and men lost: Eber-Tbe captain and all
other officers except one. and seventv-six
men. Vandalia-The captain, four officers
and forty men. Nipsic-Seven men. Adj
ler-Altogether fl teen persons Mataafa
sent number of his men to tho assist
ance of the wrecked ships. They rem
dered splendid aid in trying to float the
Olga.
THE AMERICAN LOSSES.
WASHINGTON, March 31.-The following
cable message dated Yesterday has been
received at the Navy Department.:
SecretGry Of Macy, Washington:
Hurricane at Apia, March Is. Every vessel
in harbor on shore except English nan-ofwar
CaIliope. which got to sea.
Trenton and Vandalia total losses. Nipsic
beached; rudder gone. may be saved. Chances
against it. viii send her to Auckland If pos
s1ble.
Vandalia lost four officers and thirty-nine
men as follows: Captain Schoonmaker, Pay
master Arms, Lieutenant Sutton, Pay Clerk
Roach. Henry Baker, w. Brisbane, William
Brown, Quartermaster Caspen, NJ. Cragin, B.
c. Davis, Thomas G. Downey, NJ. Ericsson, S
G. Gehring, Adolph Goldner, George German. q.
r Green, Joseph Griffin, E. M. Hammeur John
Hanchett, {. II. Hawkins ". .Howat Frank Jones'
George Jordon. M. n. Joseph, John Kelley
Thomas Kelley, N. Kinsella, C. P. Kratzor
Charles Kraus, FIR. Lessman, George Merrage.
Aylmer Montgomery. Thomas Riley, H. P.
Stalman, c. G. Stanford, John Sims,
G. H. Wells, John Milford, Henry
Wixted, Ankow, Ankepp. Pendang, Techor.
The Nipsic lost seven men: George w. Callen,
Joseph Heap, David Kelleher, William Wat
son, John Gill. Thomas johnson, Henry Pout-
sell. All saved from the Trenton. Trenton and
Vandalia crews ashore Nipsic's on board. All
stores possible saved.
German ships Adler and Eber total loss
Olga beached; may be saved. German losses,
ninety-six.
Important to send 300 men home at once.
Shall 1 charter steamers; can charter in Auck-
land.
Lieutenant Wilson will remain in Auckland
to obey your orders.
ruler accounts Dy mail. KIMBERLY.
Adyices received by the naval author
tiles here report that the storm ragged dur
ing the 10Th and 18th instants.
The Oga was stranded but her crew |
was saved.
Seven merchant vessels anchored at |
Samoa foundered.
The following dispatch has been sent to |
Lieutenant Wilson for Admiral K Kimberly, |
care of American Consul, Auckland:
Take such steps with regard to Nipsic and |
wrecks and sending men home as you may |
deem proper. Full power given you. Monon- /
yahela sailed for Apia February 81.
TRACY.
vICToRIA'S SYMPATHY.
WASHINGTON, April Queen Victoria
has cabled through Lord salisbury to the
British legation in this city directing that
her earnest sympathy be expressed to the
President of the United States on the ter
,ible naval misfortune at Samoa and the
ieplorable loss of life. Mr.. Edwards, the
British charge, accompanied by the Secre-
airy of State, waited upon the President
afternoon and read to him the
Queens message. President Harrison ex-
pressed his warm appreciation and that of
he whole people of the country of the
Queens considerate sympathy and prom
sed a more formal reply through the De-
of State.
The oldest orchard-and for that rea.
ION If No afbar ba haSt is +Hot of. .yV;l< \