The San Francisco call., 1895-10-09
ALONG THE WATER FRONT,
The Steamer City of Panama
Considerably Damaged
by Fire.
LEFT WITH a FULL CARGO.
Pacific Coast Steamship Company
Given Exclusive Use of the
Broadway Docks.

The arrival of the Jeanie, the steam ten
der to the Arctic whaling fleet, excited
some interest on the front and on Change
yesterday. Merchants and agents inter
ested in the whaling industry were
around in crowds anxious to hear the lat
est news of the catch, and relatives and
friends of the men on the fleet wanted to
hear an account of everything that had
been done during the long winter months.
The steamer went direct to the Arctic OIL
Works, and there the forty-nine passen-
gers vino came down on her were soon be-
sIeged by an anxious crowd of inquirers.
Everybody was informed that the outlook
was gloomy.
The City of Panama left here September
with very heavy general cargo, princi-
pally for Central America. Between
Tonala and San Benito it was discovered
that the cargo was on fire. The news was
kept from the few passengers on board
and everything was battened down. The
engines were put at full speed and race
against the fire began. In the meantime
stream of water was worked in through
one of the bulkheads and played continu-
ously on the smoldering mass, the sailors
relieving each other as the smoke over.
came them.
When the City of Panama reached port
| the matches were opened and it did not
| take long to put the fire out. The damage
TO the cargo was very considerable and the
shippers will, be heavy, losers. A great
deal OF the cargo was not touched by the
! flames, but the water and SIN moke ruined
more than the fire. The steamer arrived
in Panama last Monday and the news was
at once communicated to the Pacific Mai
Steamship Company.
The Harbor Commissioners met yester-
day. President Colnon gave an account q
the trip around the bay of the Congress
| sional committee appointed to examine
the rivers and harbors. He said that {
conclusion had been arrived at to the effec
that Arch and Shag rocks should be re
moved, as they were a menace 10 naviga
| ton. To remove Arch Rock, Mr.. Colnor
| estimated, would cost $4,000, but as tC
Shag Rock no figures could be quoted.
The Pacific Coast Steamship Company
! applied for the exclusive use of Broadway
wharves. Hitherto the Harbor Commits
| sioners have been using the south side o.
| Broadway l for schooners and steamers
The request of the steamship company wa
granted, and hereafter they will pay $3.50 {
| month for the exclusive use of both docks
The case OF the barkentine Klikitat anC
the British ship Crofton Hall was alsC
discussed. The master of the forme
wanted S159 60 damages because the Brit
isher refused to move and allow HIM to ge
out. Captain Parker and his mate wer'
each fined $50 for refusing to obey the chic
wharfnger and move their ship, but tha
will not pay the claim of the Klikitat
The matter was submitted to the board =
attorney.
The largest check of the year was drawn
in payment of 25 per cent "hold back
on the ferry foundation contract. 1t wa,
for $59,944 40 on the harbor improvement
fund.
The Pacific Mail Company's steamer
City of Peking has received thorough
overhauiing on the Hunters Point dry.
dock. She.has been cleaned and painted