Idaho semi-weekly world. [volume] (Idaho City, Idaho Territory) 1875-1908, 1889-07-30
Mio-OcEAM peRlLs.


Destruction BY Fire.
Many persons think that too much
power is vested in the captain, but as
accidents occur suddenly there IL no
time 10 hod a meeting and discuss
what Is best to be done; the most SER
ious results might ensue while the
question was being decided.
In order 10 prove the truth OF my
statement | will narrate one incident
from my experience. which took place
when ! was in command OF the Baltic
in 1873.
We were about half way across tho
Atlantic on our passage TO Liverpool.
] went down to the saloon that day, as
usual when the weather permitted, TO
take my lunch. and was sitting at the
table talking with those near me.
| Happening to turn around. l saw my
servant entering the door. and was in
stantly aware by his agitated appear
ancc that something was wrong.
lie came up to me and. speaking in a
/ low tone, SO as not to be heard by
others, said: THE ship Is on fire for
ward. sir. For one moment my heart
leaped into my throat and my blood ran
cold Fire on board ship in the middle
OF the Atlantic Ocean is no triHing mat
ter. l knew that there vas large
quantity OF cotton on board. and, as
we had but few Storage passengers. it
had been slowed in the compartment
! usually allotted to them. and ! realized
! at once the danger we were in. Not
wishing to alarm any one. | quietly
laid down my knife and fork, arose
from my chair and went on deck. The
sight that met my eyes was appal-
ling Smoke and flames fully six feet
in height were pouring out OF the for
ward yentilators. The hose had been
connected and the pumps started. All
the men were at work making every
effort TO subdue the fire. but thus far had
made no visible impression upon it
Although no alarm had been given. the
passengers soon heard that the ship
was on fire. and one and all rushed on
deck. They stood pale and terrified.
looking alternately at the flames and
at me to see what steps was about To
take; but there was no screaming MOI
any sign of panic.
soon discovered that nothing could
be done through the ventilators and or.
dered them to b. cover with tarpaulins.
/ then had the matches removed te
reach the source from which the fire
originated AS soon as the hatch was
was opened a dense black volume Of
smoke arose. followed by flame The
water that was then poured down had
not the least effect. and saw that there
was no time to lose il the ship was te
be saved.
At the time this disaster occurred she
was running before strong westerly
gale and heavy sea- An idea suddenly
flashed through my mind. and | at oncs
determined to act upon it. went uE
On the bridge and, calling to all who
were on deck. told them to get under
cover as quickly as possible. | imme
diately ordered the helm to be put Il
port, bringing the sea nearly abeam
A tremendous wave broke on board
filling the hatchways and flooding the
deck. Tons of water poured down be-
low, and instead of black smoke issuing
from the hatch. ] saw a cloud OF steam
ascend. proving that the fire was under
control.
kept the ship before the wind anc
sea, and set all hands to work hoistine
up bales of cotton. In about an houi
they reached the place where the FIRE
commenced, aud / had the satisfaction
OF seeing it very soon extinguished. Al
though the passengers were very nucl
frightened. there was but little commo
ton. and | must give them the credit o
manifesting wonderful self-conerol un
der the exciting circumstances
American Review
ONE CENTURY AGO.