The morning call., 1894-05-01
WILL DOCK IMMEDIATELY.
Then Proceed to the Bering Sea
After Poachers.
THE PANAMA RAILROAD DEALS.
All Sorts of Rumors About Its In.
tentions-Its Option on Char.
tered Steamers.

Captain Thomas of the United States
gunboat Benningto did not have much of
an opportunity TO show his vessel to the
people of San Francisco when he arrived
Yesterday morning, because he had orders
to proceed to Mare Island Navy-yard inn
mediately on arrival here.
The Bennington came In during the early
part of the forenoon, but only stopped in
the stream long enough to pay her
respect to the revenue cutter Hartley and
her officers. The reporters who started
out to board her were disappointed 10 see
the vessel steam away before they could
get alongside of her.
In appearance the Bennington is almost
the counterpart Of the cruiser Yorktown.
She is rugged like three-masted schooner
and is classed as what is known as an un-
protected gunboat.
Considering the alleged foul condition of
the BenniDgton's bottom, she made fair
trip from Acapulco, the last port she
stopped at on her way up. The run was
made in few hours over nine days.
There will be no delay in preparing the
gun boat for service in northern waters, as
she will go in the drydock at Mare Island
Immediately, and when cleaned and painted
will start for the Boring Sea to join the
patrol fleet.
AT Valparaiso and Callao the Benning-
ton stopped to take on coal and fresh pro-
visions. From the latter port run was
made direct 10 Acapulco.
When the Bennington Is in good trim
she can make fourteen knots on an aver
age, or seventeen knots when pressed.
Her battery is almost as powerful as that
of vessels much larger than herself. con-
sisting of six 6-inch rifles. two 6-pound
rapid-fire guns. two 3-pound rapid-ire
guns and five magazine pieces.
Not since she was launched in 1891 has
the Bennington visited Pacific waters, and
all OF her crew were shipped on the Allan
tic side, many OF W HON have never visited
this coast before.
The displacement Of the craft is 100
tons and her measurements are as follows: :
Length. 900 feet; breadth, Sc feet; depth
uf hold, IA feet.
Following is the list of the BENIN gton's
officers: Captain Charles NJ. Thomas, coci-
manding; Lieutenant Commander K. T..
Jasper. Lieutenants Chaurey, Thomas
and Fred w. Coffin; Second Lieutenants
Henry Phelps and John B. Bernadou;
Ensigus j. Nj. Elliott. 0. E. Klttele and
r. j. Haturg; Surgeon Thomas III.
Streets, Chief Engineer r. Astor. Past
sistant Engineer Alexander S. Halstead,
Paymaster L. G. Boggs.
The announcement which was made
several months ago that the charter of the
steamers of the Panama Railroad ColI-
pany on the Atlantic side would expire
the 1st Of June did not have the desired
effect of moving the company to placing
new Charters at the time, owing to The un-
settled condition of the business of the
North American Navigation Company.
The Panama Railroads. New York office
has the option. and has had it ever since
the original charters were signed. of re-
cnartering all of the ships that have been
running out of Colon to New York in con-
junction with the Saturn, Progreso and
Keweenaw.
Numerous papers Of the coast have been
wasting much space in giving notice of the
expiration of the charters mentioned, but
the fact in the matter is the Panama line
Is in The same position now relative TO its
leased lines as 1t was one year ago.
The only item of interest and news in
the pending deal Of the railroad company
is that the corporation has tried TO arrange
to enter the wayport business. but has
decided that it cannot overcome the ill.,
JUNCTION that is placed upon it by its