Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1889-03-30


The cut given of the Nipsic is made from a
sketch by THE Stars correspondent at Apia
during the gale of February IA.
That gale was a violent one. but the Nipsic
rode 1T safely. The account, given by The
STARS correspondent, is as follows: For some
days the weather had been threatening. and On
the day mentioned the storm burst in all of Its
fury. All vessels at anchor were more or less
jeopardiZed, owing to the small harbor being
completely surrounded by coral reefs, and the
bottom, in places, affording insecure anchorage.
All of the men-of-war rode ont the gale In
safety, but the loss to the merchantmen was Sc
we're. several of which dragged their anchors,
went upon the coral reefs and were soon dashed
to pieces. Among these was the American
barkentine Constitution, Capt. Colley, of San
Francisco, which was cast upon the reef and
finally came off. when she went upon her beam
ends and sank alongside of the reef with the
American flag. union down, as a signal of dis
tress, still flying. No help was possible in such
a storm. but boat from the Nipsic. in spite of
the fierceness of the gale, succeeded in landing
all of her crew in safety. The Nipsic also sent
a line TO the English schooner Lily. which was
dragging rapidly. and thereby saved her from
going ashore. which she undoubtedly other
wise would have done had not timely assist
ance been rendered.
CAPT. MULLANs LATEST LETTER.
In letter received by his brother in this
city from Capt. Mullan of the Nipsic, dated
February 25, last, the captain says: 1--WE are
now in the midst of the hurrican season. and
until about April Is we may look for heavy
weather. Harbor is small. with reefs outside
and inside-bad holding ground. No coal here
and nothing to eat-everything very dear"
WHAT HIS BROTHER SAYS.
Mr.. H. E. Mullan. who has sailed over that
course and is familiar with the harbor at Apia,
said to a STAR reporter this morning, in speak
ing of the disaster and in reference to his
brothers last letter above quoted from. as
follows: IF the vessels were without coal. of
course they were unable to get up steam
either for the purpose of seeking refuge or
steaming up to their anchors, and, If the latter
were once started, they could only bring up ON
a lee shore"
The Department of State was without Official
news of the wrecks until a copy Of Admiral
kimberly's dispatch was sent over from the
Navy department at the request of Mr.. Walker
Blaine.
THE TRENTON THE BEST WOODEN SHIP IN THE
NAVY.
Naval Constructor Hichboon, who is acting
chief of the construction bureau during the
illness Of Commodore Wilson, said: ..The
Trenton, which was Admiral Kimberly's flag
ship, was the best wooden vessel in the Ameri-
can navy, the best ship of the old navy
The Vandalia was another fine vessel and had
been thoroughly refitted in the Mare Island
navy-yard at considerable expense Just before
she sailed.
TIE TRENTON FAST sAmER.
Engineer officers recall the fact that the
Trenton, which is set down as having a speed
of 12.6 knots, when in the Red sea astonished
the Englishmen by easily running away from
crack vessels of their fleet rated as IA and 16
knot vessels. She was launched in New York
in 1877 at the navy-yard. She was ship-rigged,
253 feet long, 4s feet beam, drew 206 and was
$500 tons displacement or about 800 tons more
than the Boston and AtlaLta. She had 40
officers and men aboard when she sailed from
home.
THE vANpALIA
was built at the Boston navy yard and launched
in 1876. She was ZIG feet long, 80 feet beam,
17.S draft, and Z, 100 tons displacement She
IContlnued on 4fTh paoeJ