New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1893-07-28
ADMIRAL TRYON RESPONSIBLE.
VERDICT OF THE VICTORIA COURl'MAh
TIAL.
CAPTAIN BOURKE AND THE OTHER sCRNlNiN"
OFFICERS OF THE LOST BATTLEshlf
ACQUITTED OF ALL BLAME-AD-
MIEAL MARKHAM'S ACTION
REGRETTED.


Valetta Malta July 27.-The court-martlai ap-
pointed to inquire into the loss Of the batue'"lp
Victoria to-day rendered its decision in the '''e
of Maurice A. Bourke. captain Of the Nlc'o' 'a a.
The court found that no responsibility attache" ~
Captain BOurke for the disaster ana he'"d9 "
fore acquitted of all blame.
The verdict of the court-martial was tha' .
accident was entirely due to the order given ny
Vice-Admral Tryon. All the survivors were ac-
quilted.
The prosecution closed yesterday. and 'ap'aih
Bourke at the opening of the court this morning
read his defence. lie reviewed the evidence III u'
tail paying particular attention TO the tes'inonS
that had been given regarding the responsibility
for the disaster He said that the question Was
whether he, with Vice. Admiral Tryon beside hii'
on the charthouse of the Victoria, ought TO nave
acted Independently. The court alone could answer
this question He could not say what ne shou'"
have done If Vice-Admral Tryon had not pech
there. but his feeling was that he should nave
taken strenuous action at an early periou
Of the manoeuvre without the sanction OF the
Vice-Admira and should have sent ait ana III
formed him OF what he had done
CAPTAIN Bourke further said that when he was
talking with Vice Admiral Tryon just before the
collision he told the Admiral that eight cable
lengths would be better distance to be observed
by the two columns than six cable lengths Ihe
Vice Admiral did not consult him. He never con-
Bourke left the cabin. not knowing what was gong
to happen. He apprehensive of the result OF
the order, but his faith in Nice-Admral Iryon
master mind reassured him. The signal was spe-
cIGc and its meaning could not have been mistaken
Vice. Admiral Tryon himself ordered 1t to be
hoistcd.
Il urged the Vice-Admiral repeatedly" said cap
tain Bourke when collision appeared imminent,
TO do something" At this point Captain Bourke
was overcome by grief. and it was some time be-
fore he proceeded.
When he continued the reading Of his defence ne
referred to the Vctora's midshipman in warm words
OF praise He touchngly alluded TO the Rev. SaTnuel
Morris the chaplain OF the Victoria. who was on
deck 10 the end exhorting the crew to be STEADY.
and who perished while trying TO save others. ne
concluded with glowing eulOgy OF Vice Admral
Tryon. referring TO him as my best ana kihdes'
friend" . a. -.
CAPTAIN Bourke's sword was returned TO him py
Vice Admiral Sir Michael Culme-Seymour, COM
mander- in Chief Of the Mediterranean squadron ana
president of the court. amid general congratuia-
tOns. ,,,,
The court expressed regret that Rear Admiral
Markham did not carry out his original intention
and ignore the signal displayed by the victoria ~
attempting 10 obey which the Camperdown rammed
and sank the Victoria The court added, however
that II would be fatal 10 the best interests OF he
service 10 saw that he to blame for carrying
ont the directions OF the Commander-in-Chiei' VINO
was present in person.