The morning call., 1894-03-07
OPIUM THAT WASN'T FOUND
Still Believed to Be on Board the
Steamer.
A GIGANTIC LUMBER-CARRIER
The John Emo Will Carry an Enor.
nous Cargo to Australia.
Marine Notes.

When the steamer Empire cast off from
the wharf yesterday morning there was
marked activity on board the revenue cut
ter Corwin.
When the captain of the Empire smoked
his pipe, took hitch in his trousers and
looked seward, then Captain Munger OF
the CorwiH looked over the side of his
vessel to see whether there were any re.
porters near by in boats and whispered
something to his chief engineer.
There was evidently some sort of mys-
terry brewing on board of the revenue cut
ter Corwin, but with that careful attention
to the details of good discipline which has
all along emphasized the characteristics of
Captain Munger. the commander was con-
tent to pace the bridge, keeping wealth er
eye on the steamer Empire.
When the clock in the engine-room of
the Empire struck the hour of 3. when
bawsers had been cast off, and everything
made ready for departure TO Nanaimo, the
COrwin was observed to weigh anchor. and
several minutes later both vessels were
rushing through the Golden Gate, the Cor
win poor second.
On the recent trip of the Empire from
the north quantity Of opium was seized
on board Of her.
Unfortuns tely for the smugglers the
Custom-house officers received private
tip that large consignment of contra band
dope" was on board, which had not been
landed. This opium is still believed to be
hidden on the vessel, and il is thought
that the CorwiD followed the steamer out
side to see that nothing was dropped over
board from her Tor convenient sailboats to
pick up.
No information was given out as to the
cause for the sudden departure of the Cor
win. but CALL reporter was told that
adylces were received by the Custom
house from an unknown quarter, and that
there is still secreted In some part of the
Empire an undiscovered consignment of
opium.
None of the officers of the Empire are
suspected of smuggling. Ii there really is
any o um on board of the vessel it is be-
lieved to have been placed there by outside
parties. who, perhaps, have bribed some
EN- loye OF the steamer to aid them in de-
frauding the Government
When the Waterman of the Empire was
| detected smuggling some weeks ago be
| had only few cans OF opium on his per.
son. Ii is thought that there was fully
| $1,000 worth of the drug on board at the
| time hat his man was apprehended
Perhaps the Corwin can keep up with
| the Empire, but seamen seem to think
that she will have to give up the race
when once both boats are outside.
John Enc locked at Folsom wharf 2 She
will take on ballast there, then sail Tor the
Sound, where she will load one of the
| largest cargoes of lumber ever put on
| board of sailing vessel. The Emo ia a
! four-masted iron ship of L glish build
and can carry between decks 2, 800 600 feet
Of lumber. Her ultimate destination is
| Australia.
To-day the bark John Bailey win take
IN cargo for Kahulu. Ali difficulties be-
tween the charterers and owners OF the
! Bailey have been amicably settled, and
the vessel will proceed on her voyage to
! The islands without any interruption on
account of litigation.
Captain Haritwen of the schooner Teresa
| reports that on January 81, when tryiu z
10 make shore near Koolau, Hawaii. his
vessel got in dangerous proximity TO reef.
! Boats were lowered and the schooner
kedged off and brought out of danger.
Six vacancies on the revenue cutters of
the Atlantic and Pacific service will
shorty be filed. Applicants for examina-
| ton must be between IS and % years of
| age. Successful candidates will have to
pass two years on schoolship, after W ich
they will be graded as third lieutenant,
with monthly pay of 500.
The o'clock Tiburon ferry took on board
! Sheriff Mathews of Petaluma, who had in
charge Amos Virgin. the Salinas robber of
| dual-life fame.
Virgin was dressed neatly, but his
progress was impeded by an Oregon boot.
| which attracted almost as much attent ton
! from onlookers as ths convict himself.
To-day the ship Pyth0mene leaves Port
| Costa for the stream, and tomorrow the
bark Gatherer goes from the stream to
Oakland.