New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1892-07-01
TIE COLLISION AND THE RESCUE.


The destruction OF the ship Fred b. Taylor
and the rescue of her crew illustrate at once
the perils of the sea and the heroism which
dimnishes them. At daybreak in dense fog,
without moments warning, the Trave smote
the TAYLOR amidships and cut her in two Here,
il ever. was All excuse for such excitement
rs dismaifes for action and fuliils all the
possible horrors Of a catastrophe. But the
discipline aboard the Trave a. perfect While
she was still making Roadway and leaving the
wreck behind her boats had been made ready
for use, and at the earliest possible moment
they were manned and pulled away into the
fog on their bencfcen; Grand. How swiftly
and skilfully they performed it is proved by
the fact that only one Of the Taylor's crew sank
before help came. though the chief officer was
instantly killed by the collision.
To the unselfshness as well rs the authority
of Captain Hubert of the Taylor this ad
mirable achievement is partly due. Though
crushed and nearly helpless, he insisted that all
of his men should be saved before any attcn-
ton was paid TO him, and by his forttudc, his
words Of encouragement, and by such assist
ance as in his MANNED condition he was able to
render the work of rescue was facilitated. Such
nobility of soul docs not look for the reward
of praise, but the world honOrs itself by giving
to the manifestation of such qualities the most
grateful recognition. Aboard the Trave UNI
stinted kindness and hospitality were shown to
the rescued seamen, and all were landed at
Southampton in comfort except the heroic cap
tain, whose injuries are serious, but it is hoped
not fatal so ended under conditions far less
mOurnful than could have reasonably been ex-
pected another ocean tragedy
This collision in a fog once more illustrates
the greatest peril of navigation. against many
possible risks forcthought can provide, but in
spite Of science and scamanship fog remain,
constant and unsubduable foe to safety.
There is no reason to doubt that the Travo
was making use of all the most approved de-
vices for receiving and communicating ndica-
tons of danger, and that her officers were
guilty of no fault, unless possibly in respect to
the ships rate of progress, which, Judging by
results, must have been great. The question
of justiabc speed in a fog is, ard perhaps al
ways will be, disputed. 1t will be said that if
the Trave had been going more slowly she
would have avoided the Taylor. But it will be
said also that if she had been going faster there
would have been no collision. The argument
on one side is that steamships at sea cannot
anchor, and that, although under such condi-
tons as here prevailed they might move at a
snairs pace it is not certain that they would
secure perfect immunity from danger by so
doing that it is at least conceivable that in
this case such a course might have left the
steamer at the mercy Of the sailing vessel and
made scores Of victims instead of only two, and
that until the possibilities of penetrating dense
fog by sound or sight are enlarged, there will
inevitably be constant risks and occasional dis
asters. But on the other hand, Investigators
who are not influenced by considerations of
profit and loss are generally agreed we be-
licve' that rate Of speed which gives ample
stecragc way and not much more affords the
best chances of safety, and this conviction has
been embodied in the recommendations of the