New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1889-04-14
THE HURRICANES HAVOC.
THRILLING STORY OF DEATH AND
DISASTER.
spIENDID HERoIsN OF OFFICERS AND MEN OF
THE AMERICAN FLEET-GALLANT CONDUCT
OF THE HATIvEs-wARsHIPs BATTLING
WITH TERRIFIC sEAs-THE STARS
AND STRIPES FLUNG OUT IN
THE TEMPEsTs ROAR
CHEERS FROM DY.
MEN

ospyrighiisse BY TIE Ssr. York Annotated PrssL
Apia Samoa, March 30.-The little group OF
Samoan or Navigators' Islands, which few months
ago attracted the attention Of the civilized world
by a fierce civil combat be tween two native fac
tions, and the consequent possibility Of serious
complications between the great Powers OF the
United States and Germany, has been visited by
disaster moro appalling than all OF the wars ever
waged here. In attempting 70 effect solution OF
difficulty and 20 protect their respective interests
on the islands the United States and Germany have
lost nearly $50 lives and three million dollars
worth OF property
The most violent and destructive hurricane
ever known in the South Pacific Ocean passed
over these islands March 8 and II, and rs
q result feet OF Elk war-ships and ten other
vessels were ground TO atoms on the coral reefs
In the hnrbor, or thrown on the beach in front
Of the LITTLE city OF Apia; and l42 officers and
men of the American and German navies sleep
forever under the reefs or lie buried in unmarked
graves, thousands OF miles from their native lands.
The United States frigste Trenton, flagship OF
the Pacific Squadron, which arrived here from
Panama March IL, lies within stones throw
OF the American Consulate, total wreck. The
great hull Of the magnificent vessel which steamed
into the hsrbor few weeks ago rests on the bot
tom, fast going 10 pieces The United States
steamer Vandalis, which arrived from San Fran.
cisco February 20, is buried out Of sight between
the Trenton and the shore Her shattered fore
mast and snfokestack rise from the water to mark
the spot 'EShere the gallant vessel struck and
my for twelve hours before the awful
torrent OF water which swept four Off
GERS and thjrty-nine men from her decks and
rigging. Her commander Captain O. NJ. Schoon-
alar he nrSt h0
waves The other officers who met their deaths
were Psymaster Frank II. Arms. Lieutenant Frank
Sutton. OF the Marine Corps. and Paymaster John
Roche 1ne United States steamer Nipsc lay for
several days alongside the Vandala. with her
bow high on the beach and within five feet OF the
waters edge. The vessel. though badly damaged,
was hauled OF few days after the storm, and
Is the only warshtp sfoat In the harbor. Several
OF the officers and crew are living aboard. All of
the Nipsics officers safe. but she lost five men
by the swamping Of q boat. and two others. who
Jumped overheard. were also drowned. The three
American men-of-war were swept ashore almost at
the same point
THE HEAVIEST BLOW TO THE EBEk.
II was on the little German gun-boat Eber th4t
the greatest loss Of life occurred The Eber had
q complement of six officers and seventy-six men.
Five men were ashore at the time of the storm.
Wucu lue NCeoCl bne TceI, hduk Coln-
plstely out Of sight and all on board were lost,
except one officer, Lieutenant Gaedeke, and four
sailors The other Ave officers and sixty-six
men were either instantly killed when the vessel
crashed TO pieces, or were drowned in the roaring
surf that broke upon the reef. email part of
the Eber's Prov was afterward washed ashore
near an American vessel This, and few pieces
of wreckage near the point where she strucls
are tho only portions Of her that have been
since the moment she went down
81 Just on the edge Of the reef, about 500 yards
west of tho Trenton, Is ali that remains of the
Adler, tho hagship OF the German squadron in
Samoan waters. The Adler wns washed on top
of the reef and turned completely over on her side
She has remained In that position since, and is
almost entirely out Of water. Nearly every man
aboard was thrown into the water when the Adler
struck, but only twehw sailora were drswned ana
AL her ofasers were saved. The German oor'