New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1893-10-28

door or hatch that might carry draught to
the flames tightly sealed The fire was
in the after hold. under the deck ordinarily
occupied by steeIase passengers, but on TINS
VOYAGE only used as a baggage storeroon
Above this deck the saloon, around and
near which the frst-class passengers were
lodged.
Before the extent Of the fire or its exact To-
cation could be determined smoke began TO
ESCAPE into the engine-room. evidently drawn
IN by the draught of the furnaces To do away
with this, the engines were stopped
The floor of the saloon deck was of iron with
q wooden covering, on which carpet was laid
IN this holes were cut through which to pass
lines of hose SO thick and fast came the
smoke. however that it became evident that
The inward draught would soon render the
fire uncomfortable and the openings were
tightly closed again. and a halt called to awai,
daylight. All passengers were given berths
forward but few cared to avail themselves OF
them The morning dawned cold and gray, and
saw the passengers straining their eyes for
some welcome sail or trail Of steamers smoke
en- the horizon. which might reassure their
frightened h-arts. But none was IN sight.
THE SHIPS SIDE EEDHoT
Then II was discovered that the fire was eat
the saloon was becoming rapidly higher. At
any moment the deck beams might warp and
give way and the flames burst through. The
saloon carpets were taken up, the passengers
assisting in the work. soaked in sea water,
and laid again. In the retained hope OF smother
ing the fire. The day passed drearily enough
in continued efforts to close every crack and
Granny taking air to the afterhold, but still
the heat increased. and still its area spread.
Then il was discovered that the side plates Of
the ship were hot so hot that they began to
take on a dull red color Captain kaenpff
looked grave. The hold was rapidly becoming
a gigantic furnace. likely TO expand and 1orce
out its own rivets. Then the seams would
open the water rush in. and then-but this
was as far Captain Kaempn got in his re-
fections. The next moment he had half the
crew hard at work. hoistng water and pouring
IL over the plates. They must be kept cool at
any cost.
So the night came and passed, and another
day dawned without Improvement In the stua-
ton. Clearly. something had failed; now heroic
measures must be taken All the lines of
hose the ship were connected and taken to
the main hatch. One portion of the crew
stood ready. while others tore the hatch from
its fastenings. Instantly the sailors dropped
into the smoke and steam and heat of the
hold and turned the water on the fire Every
few moments men climbed out. smoke -begrmed.
painting. exhausted. while others undauntedly
took their places. All day long the fierce fight
continued, until with the shades of night the
fire abated. and all knew that the battle had
been won. Through the night few streams
OF water were kept playing on, the smouldering
cargo to prevent IL again becoming danger
GUS while the rest of the crew and passengers
took their much-needed rest
SOME OF THE CARGO THROWN OVERHEARD.
Early on the next morning, Wednesday. the
men set to work to hoist out the cargo at
the seat Of the fire. Some Of it still
burning Altogether forty tons Of merchandise.
Of unknown value. were jettisoned.
The fire had been caused by spontaneous COM
bustion. Part of the cargo consisted Of millet in
bales. While II was being loaded rain was fall
lng, and the grain became slightly damp. Then
In the warm hold 1t germinated. and thus