Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1893-09-09
BUTCHERED BY PIRATES,
Massacre of n Steamers Crew-Many
Passengers Drowned.

EasSeuSerS DrOwneO.
A special dispatch from Victoria, B. c.,
says The coast of Acheen has been haunted
for six months by a band of native pirates
who in frequent encounters, even with Euro
peans. have shown themselves to have
courage as well cunning.
Their operations reached a climax on
August 4. when the private steamer of the
Chinese Consul at Pening fell into their
hands. "a men aboard being murdered, Is
seriously injured and $4,000 falling into the
hands of the lawless horde
Particulars received by the steamship En-
press of China this att moon are as follows:
The Helmsmnn Cut Down.
The Consurs steamer left Telop. Femawe,
July 81. at O'Clock. and three days later
one of a gang of twelve Cinnamon who en-
barked as passengers went on the bridge
and asked the man at the wheel If they
were then passing Fling Pang OHM. Receiv-
Ing an affirmative answer. Chinaman
who was armed with a klewang, instantly
cut the helmsman down. and Mr.. Alexander.
of Brooklyn. standing near. shared the same
fate Immediately afterward.
Chinaman then took the helm and tried
to shift head toward the shore. where she
grounded shortly afterward.
General Massacre.
A general massacre along the ships deck
followed. passengers and crew being indis-
u,
who had been lying down in the cabin. came
up on sounds of the disturbance reaching
him, and was attacked and MORALLY wound
ed. He seems to have had just sufficient
strength to regain the deck and lock the
door.
Chief Engineer Anchant, fortunately for
him. was in the engine room when a China
man called for him to come UP. Having
heard the cries Of "Orang amok" he was in
no hurry to comply, but removed the engine
room ladder and extinguished the lights
Second Officer Baptist had a narrow escape.
He owed his salvation to his presence of
mind. He was sleeping when the massacre
commenced. and awoke to see his servant
killed. He put out the lights in his cabin
and opened the door, keeping quiet in the
dark.
Helped Themselves to Cash.
The Chinese afterward rushed through
the saloon. killing as they went. and help
ing themselves to cash only, securing about
$4,000 in American money. Then they quit
ted the vessel in two of the ships boats
taking with them some of the passengers,
a japanese, two Chinese and two American
women.
Finding the ship deserted Anchant came
out of the engine room and fired two rock
cts and then proposed that he and some
others proceed in the remaining ships boat
to secure assistance of men-of-war
No sooner. however. was the boat lowered
than about eighteen of the passengers who
idu cSCdpeu assaults OF the
pirates and were afraid of being left behind
rushed into 1t. causing the boat to sink,
with the result that all were drowned
The Chinese Return.
The Dutch gunboat Madura, which had
sighted signals of distress raised by the r..
K. Atjeh. came UP and sent men to take
charge of the vessel. Shortly after the gun
boat steamed away, having rescued the per
sons aboard. the Chinese returned, drunk
with wine, to renew the work of plumber
but met with such a reception from the blue
jackets that they reiterated in haste with a
loss of ten of their number.
The steamer Graap Van Byland, bound
from Edie to Telck. stood-by at noon on the
following day and received a portion of the
Atjeh's cargo. the balance of which Is now
being discharged in lighters, SO that the ship
may get of with next spring tide.
The Dutch warship Is on the track of
these pirates and Will infiict quick and decis-
I've punishment. The Chinese were regarded
with suspicion when they came aboard and
were searched without result for weapons.
II IS now understood that weapons were
smuCgled aboard by a Chinese woman, who
carried a bolster and bedding which were
not overhauled
Mate Alexander, coming to his CAPTAIN s
rescue. was slashed with a kris and died on
the spot. Captain Woods body was found
in his cabin chair when the door of his room
was forced by the gunboat's officers His
body and that of the mate We're taken 70
sea and given burial by officers of the
Madura.