New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1895-06-02
TOPICS IN CALIFORNIA.
THE LOSS OF THE COLIMA-MRs. STAN
FORD'S GENEROSITY-DEATH OF JOHN
H. CROCKER-THE DURRANT TRIAL.


fBY TELEGRAPH TO THE TRiBuNE.l
San Francisco. June 1.-The laundering OF
the steamer Colima on the Mexican coast. and
the appalling loss OF life created a profound i'm
preston here. The disaster is the worst that has
happened on this coast for twenty years. The
passengers were mainly made up Of planters and
others engaged in Central American trade. for at
this season the Panama route to New-York has
few attractions for travellers unless they de-
sire rest and a long sea voyage. 1t was for this
reason that Professor Harold Whiting. OF the
State University. engaged passage for his wife
and four children. The Mexican coast is treach-
erous. because of sudden fierce winds and the
strong currents that carry vessels upon rocks.
Such wind proved deadly TO the bark Tahite.
which was loaded with Gilbert Islanders who
had engaged TO work a Guatemala coffee
plantation. The Tahe was capszed near
Guaymas ard not single survivor reached
shore. The Coma well built and she had
recently been thoroughly overhauled. Her mas
ter Captain Taylor. was careful man. who
never took any risks. Everything seems TO have
been done to guard against disaster. yet ten min
utes after the wind struck the vessel che was a
wreck
Much interest has been excited here by Presi-
dent lord; MS statement that Mrs. Stanford has
spent half her private fortune In keeping the
University doors open while the funds Of the
great estate are tied up by Government litiga-
ton The University has done good work in It's
special courses. and by its system of dropping
idle students it has maintained a high grade of
scholarship II is one Of the best institutions in
the country for VIII desires to pursue a
special course IN science mechanics or in horti-
culture.
ANY old San Franciscan will hear with regret Of
the suicide of John II. Croker. one OF the best
known mining-stock brokers in California. Crock
er had been suffering for several years with neu-
ralgia and the pain had affected his mind. This.
Joined with worry over poor business caused him
10 take his own life. Croker came from Massa-
chusetts. served through the war and had been a
So kbroker here for over thirty years He was
honorable and popular. and his death is much
regretted.
Despite the fact that the police have secured
every scrap of evidence in the and the prison
ers lawyers declare they are eager to prove his in
nocence in court. the trial OF young Durrant for
the murder of two girls in the Emanuel Baptist
Church has been postponed till July %. After Sc
curing this date for the trial his counsel minated
they should try for a change Of venue as they re-
garded his chances Of fair trial in San Francisco
slight. 1t now looks as though the trial OF this
fellow for the most atrOcious crimes committed
here in years will be the legal farce as other
murder trials. and that II he Is ever convicted 1t
will be years before he is hanged. This week
Thomas st. Clair. who butchered the mate or the
bark Hesper az sea. received his fifth reprieve
There was no good reason for a single repreve. as
the evidence against him was conclusive.
Plans are now being made for an unusually fine
celebration of the Fourth OF July. All the subur-
ban towns will be asked 10 join with this city The
day here is usually fine. not too warm for pro
cesssion in midday. but heavy fogs are likely to in
terfere with fireworks. For several years the cee-
bration has been poor. so that extra efforts will be
put forth this year to make II a success.
The lease Of China Basin was approved this
week so that now nothing remains 10 prevent
work the new San joaquin Valley Railroad.
which is expected 10 run from this city by way
of Stockton down through the rich San Joaquin
Valley. and ultimately to form the western
terminus Of a new overland railroad. The road
will be built very cheaply. as the contract for
100000 redwood ties has been let FOR twenty
eight cents each
The estate of the l9te w W. Stow for many
years prominent railroad official. and latterly
an efficient park commissioner. amounts 10 over
100000. most Of II In good paying STOCKS ana
bonds and city real estate.
Ysaye gave two extra concerts this week "a
crowded houses. At the theatres there was moth
ing striking. The Frawlet stock company. at
the Columbia. brought out "All the Comforts OF
Home" and at the Tivoli given the light
opera THE May Queen.
Heavy showers have fallen several times this
week. doing small damage to cherries and to hay
that was cut but greatly helping all other fruit
and wheat The ripening Of fruit has been re-
tarded by cold nights. which is an advantage. as
very warm weather would have brought 90 much
to maturity at time TO glut the market
and swamp transportation. The apricot cror
will not be over One-half an average yield. but
the quality will be fine. Peaches and pears viii
also be only half crop but the yield Of grapes
will be very large.