The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1893-04-28
DIR. PARhER's LIFE BOAT.
Experience of Its Passengers in the Roads
During u Severe Storm.

During Severe Storm.
The life boat invented by DR.. W. w.
Parker, AMI constructed under his direc-
ton. arrived in this city on board Of the
steamer Ariel from Old Point, where she
had been taken a week ago 10 be on ex-
hibiton during the Naval Rendezvous.
When 1 called on DR.. Parker last even
ing TO obtain a brief statement OF his
experience with the life boat he told the
following:
This boat, as has been stated in The
Times, was kindly taken in tow by a
tug Of Messrs. Goodman x Brothers last
week, along with a big schooner from the
Richmond and Danyille railroad wharf.
opposite this city, and was started down
the river on Wednesday week ago at .
p. NJ. At city Point other vessels were
taken in tow.
Before reaching Newport News. where
the life boat was 10 be cut loose. vio-
lent storm arose. and 1t was very dark
and not thought safe 10 land. The boat,
therefore, continued her way TO Norfolk.
Messrs. Roberts and Stone, who were in
charge of the boat and made the trip in
her. said while crossing the roads the
pitching Of the boat was very violent.
of the water, only TO be thrown back
into the trough Of the sea. Everybody
became sea sick. DR.. Parker's three sons
and Mr.. Charles Lorraine. who were pas
sengers. lay helpless in the bottom or
the boat
II was expected 10 reach Old Point by
Thursday at =. NJ. and the navigatOrs,
therefore, failed 10 take anything with
them in the line Of food except some
bread. Thirsty. but not hungry, they
arrived at Norfolk about A. NJ. The
whole party said afterwards that they
will never forget the trip.
When they met DR.. Parker the next
day at Old Point their looks showed
plainly what a time they did have. They
were completely exhausted. Fearing that
the ring bolt might be jerked out OF the
boat and set them adrift. Messrs.
Roberts and Stone had to hold on TO the
tow line all night.
The storm must have been very severe,
as large trees were blown up by
the roots at Hampton In all this rag
ing OF the pillows the little boat did
take in no water, although the sleeves
to the Oar-locks were not in place.
On Saturday DR.. Parker went to Hamp-
ton TO get crew Of seven men TO visit
the ships. but when Sambo saw the COW
cred boat he said: BOSS. Isn't that the
boat wherein they drowned two men at
Virginia Beach," and. although he was
assured that II was not he shook his
head and said: 'If de wind abate. l will
call later"
II was blowing quite hard. and the
boat was afterwards taken out and at
tached 10 one OF the buoys OF the big
pier.
A negro woman. when looking at the
boat. exclaimed: Lord, that's PIN
cushion on the water"
IL was stated I'm The Times last week
that the boat would only weigh 200
pounds. II has since been ascertained,
however, that the actual weight is Loo
pounds. II will be a very easy matter
to reduce the weight about $50 pounds,
and this will be done at once.
While at Old Point Or. Parker offered
TO give the boat 10 any one who could
upset her. but he found no one able TO
comply with his suggestion.
DR.. Parker had been I'm correspondence
with the Secretary of the Navy, and In
tended to show the latter the workings OF
his boat. But Secretary Herbert never
landed. and did not see It.
The boat was not quite finished when
taken down the river, but IL will at once
be completed and few additional ribs
placed in tie top. After being put In
perfect condition the boat will be taken
before the steamboat commissioners In
the United States navy, who examine All
toats TO he carried on board vessels
Eventually II will go Before the COM
missioner who examines all boats des-
tined for LIES saving service.