The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1895-04-03
FIRES ABOARD SHIPS
AMERICAN COTTON SEEMS TO BE A
VERY DANGEROUS CARGO.
Forty-Fivc Fires on Vessels Between
Oct. 81 Last and March 3S-Many
Due to Tncendiarfsm.

NEW YORK, April 1.-THE Marine Jour-
nal has compiled record of fires in Amer
lean cotton on shipboard during the season
just closed, which extends from Oct. % last
to March 49, This record shows that forty
five coafiagrations have taken place, as
contrasted with only eight of any note in
the previous season. The Marine Journal
says: ut is impossible to estimate the
actual loss that has occurred through these
fires on board ship. In only a limited num-
Der of cases has the statement of loss been
even Appropriated in the reports available
for compilation. Not only the actual damage
to cargoes on vessels by fire and water
must be included in making up an aggre-
gate statement of such loss, however, but
also the delay and detention to the ship,
etc. 1t is probable, therefore, that this
seasons losses through fires in cargoes of
American cotton will largely exceed a
million dollars. BY contrast with Egyptian
and Indian cotton, this loss is beyond all
comparison, for such thing as fire in
Egyptian or Indian cotton cargoes is prac-
tically unknown. The reason ascribed by
all experts for this state of affairs is be-
cause the American cotton is loosely baled
and carelessly covered and handled where
as the cotton OF the other countries re-
ferred to is baled so tightly that it becomes
practically as imperviouS to combustion as
log of wood. 1t is pointed out, however,
of incendiary origin. The principal fires
We're:
Steamers Castlegarth, Skidby, Baltimore
City, Armenia, Petunia, County Down,
White Field, Delagarth and Stag, all load
ing at Savannah, Nov. 5, had cargoes dam
aged by fire of undoubted incendiary origin.
Combined loss about $50, coo.
Steamer Hajeen, while loading at New
Orleans, Nov 10, for Havre. had part of
her cargo damaged by fire and vessel slight
ly damaged. but proceeded and had to put
into Key West Nov. II with cargo again
on fire.
Steamer Alamo at New York, Nov. %,
from Galveston, had cargo damaged &c.,
steamer Colonia. at Havre. Nov. &c, from
New Orleans. had fire in cargo from the
seventh day out and for thirteen days
of the passage; $50 bales of cotton were
Steamer. Averna, loading, at Galveston,
cotton destroyed by fire and 1000 bales
damaged. Loss about $4,000.
Steamer Masonic loading at Galveston.
Dec. %. for Liverpool had cargo damaged
$4,000 by fire.
steamer Lamnermoor, loading at Charles
Of cotton damaged by fire and water,
Jan. 4.
from New Orleans, had 1900 bales of cotton
and considerable wheat damaged by fire
and water.
Steamer Jessie, at Liverpool, Jan. 20,
from Mobile had 200 bales damaged by
fire, 1.100 bales badly damaged by water
and 1850 bales slightly damaged by steam.
Steamer Ernbiricos. at Bremen, JAM %.
from Galveston, had fire in cargo four days
before arrival and 1900 bales cotton were
damaged.
Steamer laurie at Liverpool. Feb. 2.
from New York. had 500 bales cotton and
other cargo badly damaged by fire caused
by an electric wire
Steamer City of Wakefield. from Calves
ton for Hamburg, put into Halifax Feb.
g. when cargo had been on fire for six
days. Damage $4,000; ship detained TWEEN
ty-four days.
Steamer Cape Corientes, at Havre, Feb.
90 from Galveston, had 1900 bales cotton
damaged by fire and water.