davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1895-06-07
AyILES' SWORN STORY.
He Says the Wind Caused the
Wreck and Not the
CARGO.

The following is the sworn statement in
part made by Raymond Aviles, engi-
neer's storekeeper, in regard to the wreck
of the Colima:
l went as a coal-passer, but the chief engi-
neer put me in charge of the engineers store
70 ON as storekeeper.
l attended to the engineers storeroom when
the ship left here and everything was all right
from San Francisco to Manzanillo After we
left Manzanillo we had heavy sea but very
little wind. At 10 O'Clock at night woke up
and noticed there was q strong wind and that
the engines had slowed down. Went down to
work about O'Clock in the morning and
stayed from O'Clock to a quarter of IL. 1
lost my breakfast because 1 had no time
to come up and eat it. The ship was rolling
so heavily that the tools in the storeroom all
got adrift. The chief was up and down from
the engine-room all the time. At quarter of
IL all the engineers were on watch and he
sent me up to have the coal passers and iremen
sent below. I came up on the steerage deck
and found the water up to my knees. Icalled
the chief engineer and told him 1 was afraid to
go forward, and the chief came up and he was
not scared at all, but said: "It's all right, you
shut this door and the freroom door and go
forward through the fireroom ladder" then
went up through this passage and found six or
seven fellows belonging to the engine-room
force on the main deck. / told them the chief
wanted them down below. The fellows said
"All right; We'll go down" Right then q
heavy sea came along and lifted the ship over,
and one side OF the ship filed with water, the
starboard side. Then could not get below. I
The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1895-06-07

to leave the ship, and saw plainly how
she went down.
when was cutting away the lashings
OF boat got clout over my eye here
But it was not the deckload that caused
the wreck. All the matches were thoroughly
blocked. l think it was something that
burst below in the hold, may be the coal,
or something slowed away down there.
at was becoming a terrible hurricane
and the ship lay in the trough of the sea.
The captain could not get her around, so
she stayed there and the big waves came
down on top of us and swept the deck
houses and everything else on deck away.
Soon after that she jumped up like and
sank stern foremost in minute.
81 was twenty-three hours in the water
when the San Juan came along and picked
me up. got on a raft-that is piece of
the deck-house-this man and me-" point
ing at Seaman Thomas Fries, land when
we got out of the wreckage and the storm
we flew red flag. Three other men got
on the raft with us and held on, and five
OF US were saved by the old deck. house"
He would not go into particulars about
the disaster, nor would he discuss the
question of loading or alleged negligence.
The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1895-06-07

1.-The company seems to take advantage
of the fact that it is the only line of steam
ers by which one can get to Central Amer
lea" continued Mr.. Brewer. "There have
been many complaints made by merchants
on the coast of packages having been
opened en- route. There is in the City of
Mexico to-day life-preserver of the
steamer Alaska, which was found in case
supposed to contain silks, consigned to
Antonio Bado & Co. Many times l have
received cases of wines empty, which just
shows that goods and merchandise are
sometimes opened. When we receive con-
signments, if there is anything in dispute,
and complaint is made, all the answer we
can get is: oh, we haven't time to count
the goods 1t is never delivered. l can
prove that by my bills of lading. must
say that things have been better since
Schwerin has been in the company, very
little better. say that because believe
in giving every man his due. Such things
as have been done by the Pacific Mail Com
pany would not be tolerated in Europe,
and l think the United States Government
should interfere in the matter and prevent
the overlooking of their steamers"
Mr.. Brewer expressed himself as unde-
sirous of saying anything which might
make trouble. At the request of the CALL
reporter he affixed his signature to the
statement accredited to him. Then he de-
cided to consult his attorney. Mr.. Gillette
was called in. He advised his client to
make no statement for the press, and act
ing under the instruction of this lawyer,
Mr.. Brewer retained the statement which
he had voluntarily made and signed but a
few moments before, Mr.. Gillette declar-
ing that he would himself make state
ment to the press in day or two.
AS Attorney Gillette absolutely refused
to allow his client to return the statement
second copy was made from the steno-
graphic notes taken during the interview
with Mr.. Brewer.
The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1895-06-07
1tent of 100000 per annum. Mr.. Brewer

said:
" In my opinion the cause of the dis
aster was the fearful overlooking which
TOOK place. In this view l am confirmed
by all the passengers with whom 1 have
come in contact. l have been on steam
ers OF the line myself which have been
topheavy. l was passenger on the
steamer Colon last August, and on that
very trip evidence was visible that the
ship was overloaded. She nearly capsized
near Ocos, and the captain had to take the
vessel to San Jose and unload some of her
freight. This is a proof that she was
topheavy.
" Why did not the San Juan continue
cruising around the scene of the wreck?"
he asked. I" If she had done this goodness
knows how many more might have been
saved. The companys action in this
matter was inexcusable. Then they de-
layed in supplying me and the other
people interested with news for several
days, and this on the most trivial of pleas.
land then the accommodations and the
food on board was of the cheapest and
commonest character. The wines and
liquors were of poor quality, and if any of
the passengers desired to have anything fit
to drink they had to bring it on board with
them. 1t was found necessary, if one
wanted to get service of any kind, to tip
right and left. The moment one got on
board one had to dive down in ones
pocket. To prove to you that am not ex-
aggerating, 1 will hand you a copy of a
protest which was signed by many of the
passengers on board the San Juan"
This protest, which Mr.. Brewer exhib-
tied, reads as follows:
The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1895-06-07
SAVED ON A DECKHoUsE
Albert Carpenter. Seaman, Says He
Thinks an Explosion Finished
the Wreck

Albert Carpenter, sailor on the Colima,
was among the survivors who came here
on the San Juan. He was dressed in suit
that fell around him in rather ludicrous
fashion, for it was made up of the second
change that some generous sailor of the
San Juan had to offer. Across his fore
head was ragged and long scar, another
stretched across the back of his head and
his left arm was still helpless from the
buffetlng he received.
after We left Manzanillo at P. NJ. the
wind began to freshen till daylight the
next morning. 1t blew a gale all night
and the gale grew worse till the Colima
went down. Now, ] have been twenty
four years at.sea, but never saw nything
like it.
"When we got a list every roll took us
over more until she foundered."
"How did she founder?"
"She went on her side to an angle like
that" indicating with his hand an incline
of about forty-five degrees. II was for
ward in the stateroom, where I belonged,
just before she went down. There was no
time to launch boats from the moment the
signal was given for every one to save
himself. l think l was about the last man
The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1895-06-07
FILING PROTEST,
The Patrons of the Pacific Mail
Steamship Company Are Dis
satisfied With 1t,

Edward Ketchum, passenger that came
up from Central America on the San Juan,
speaks of the intense dissatisfaction that
exists in the Mexican and Central Ameri.
can ports regarding the service which the
Pacific Mail Company gives them.
'"They are irregular in making the ports, -
said he. keeping passengers waiting on
expense at hotels for the steamers to put
in an appearance. Their accommodations
are poor, and they even go to sea short of
supplies for the saloon tables, simply be-
cause food is dear on those coasts.
81 hear that citizens of those countries
who are forced to patronize that company
are filing protests with their respective
Governments against the policy which the
Pacific Mail pursues in its work of
transportation in that locality.
Coming up talked freely with the
survivors of the wreck and they were loud
in their denunciation of the manner in
which the Colima and her passengers were
sacrificed
The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1895-06-07

San Juan was that Captain Long, who
was coming up as passenger, went to
Captain Pitts and asked if he would lower
another boat, Captain Long saying he
would take charge of it and would man it
with a volunteer crew of the Aztec's sail
ors. Captain Pitts said No Captain
Long then went to the purser (Menton)
and asked him. The purser said: Go
ahead, and Captain Long with the Aztec
sailors picked up most OF the sixteen men
saved.''
Six of the rescued, due to Captain Longs
good work, Mr.. Oriel named for certain.
He had the names of three of the crew OF
the San Juan on a piece of paper as his
(OriePs) friends They are William Martin.
1900 Post street; David Gibbs, 40 Tehama
street, and Patrick McEntee, 500 Second
street. Whether these were his informants
he did not say.
Oriel, Rowan and Boyd went to the
Market-street Office of the Pacific Mail
Company during the afternoon and Pas.
senger Agent Avery refunded their fare
and gave them 500 each besides. The 500
Mr.. Avery explained, was paid to them BY
the company voluntarily to cover THEN
wants considering their restitution. and he
said it would not operate as bar to any
claims they might have against the com
pany.
Each of the three men said they had lost
a great deal more than 500 worth in cloth
ing and valuables. Oriel had lost an expen
sive toolchest, Rowan some fine violin:
and Boyd lot of valuable iewelry, so they
said.
Mr.. Oriel's home is at 1929 South Sar
Juan street Stockton
The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1895-06-07
CENSURES THE COMPANY
"A vigorous Denunclation by a
Wealthy Coffee Planter
of Mexico

L. H. Brewer, wealthy coffee-planter
OF Mexico, who resides on the border line
OF Guatemala. lost his wife and three chill
dren in the Colima disaster. His family
resided on California street in this City for
several years antecedent to the accident
When seen at the Occidental Hotel yes
terday Mr.. Brewer was in a very excited
frame of mind. He paced up and down
his room as he spoke bitterly OF the Pacific
Mail Company's way of doing business and
of its conduct in the Colima matter He
considered himself peculiarly qualified to
speak upon the subject, as all his business
in the way of freight and shipping passes
through the company, sometimes to the
The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1895-06-07
Did she come up to the sea any better9

Yes.
Did she come up to the sea any better?
No.
Are you sure that her rudder was working7
Yes.
Was any notice sent to the passengers to call
their attention?
Not that 1 know Of The captain gave the
know what they were.
Were there any passengers on deck after
o'clock?
did not see any after O'Clock.
Where were you when the ship listed to star
board?
was on the starboard side of the forecastle
head, cutting away the awning stanchions.
When she listed did her hurricane deck go
under water?
Yes; at 1915. when we lost the three life
boats. After she rolled the three life-boats on
the starboard side were lost.
Did the deck houses start?
No.
Where was the captain when she listed7
On the bridge.
Was he alone7
The chief officer was with him.
What did the captain do when she listed?
Blew three short blasts of the whistle.
How long from the time she listed did she
| sink out of sight?
About five to six minutes as near as I can
judge.
When you say "capsized" do you mean that
she listed and sank, or do you mean that she
went clean over?
She listed over with her masts in the water
filled and sank.
Did you hear the captain say anything about
the cargo on board on leaving San Francisco
No.
Or at any time up to the time she sank?
No.
Ii there had been any fault found with the
| slowing of the cargo in San Francisco, do you
think you would have heard of it?
Yes.
Where were you stationed when the ship
went over the San Francisco bar?
On the bridge.
Was there heavy swell on the bar?
Yes, pretty heavy swell.
How did she behave in this swell?
She behaved very we'll; she pitched, but did
not roll any.
Would you say that she made good weather
of it or bad weather?
Good weather of it.
To the best of your knowledge do you think
she touched reef?
No.
The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1895-06-07
To the best of your know ledge did her engines

| To the best of your know ledge did her engines
break down?
No.
To the best of your knowledge did any ex-
plosion occur on the ship?
Just before she sank there were some steam
pipes of the boiler that exploded.
Was there any time to lower Hfeboats and
get them away?
No.
the lives of the passengers of that ship?
No-nothing whatever.
Did you hear any other officer on board the
ship say anything about the storage of the
cargo?
No.
Had there been any discussion In your pres
ence about the slowing of the ship?
No.
If you were ordered to the Colima to-morrdS
and her cargo slowed the same as it was on her
last voyage on leaving San Francisco, would
you hesitate in going to sea in her?
No; would not hesitate moment.
During the twenty-five months that you have
been on the Colima, have you ever seen the
| company careless in thestowage of cargo Of the
| ship or the care of passene ers?
| No.
Do you consider the Colima well found when
| she went to sea?
Yes
What is your opinion of the discipline on
board that ship?
Good.
Did the captain have full control of his OH
GERS and crew?
| Yes.
Was there a ready obedience of the orders
| given by the captain of that ship?
| Yes.
Did you ever see Captain Taylor derelict in
| his duty?
No.
Did he always take charge of the ship when
| it was his duty to do SO?
Yes
| Do you consider him a careful navigator?
| Yes
Would you be willing to sail with Captain
Taylor again?
! Yes.
Do you think that everything was done on
| board that ship that could be done to protect
life and property?
| Do you think that anything could have been
done to avert this disaster?
| No.
| Do you know how much lumber she had on
her topgallant forecastle?
| About forty tons.
| Do you think that this lumber on her deck
had anything to do with her disaster?
| 1t had nothing to do with her disaster.
| In your opinion do you think she could have
| carried larger deckload of lumber?
| Yes.
! Where was this lumber slowed?
| Forward on the upper deck, forward on the
cargo hatch, from the after shroud of the fore
! rigging to the capstan. about the height of the
rail running around the ship, leaving about
| three feet passage way between the lumber and
! the rail. There was nothing slowed over the
| hatch.
Did the cattle get adrift that was slowed on
| the main deck?
| No-except six that were cut adrift about two
minutes before the ship capsized.
| AS far as you could see, did any of the cargo
start before she listed?
| No.
| AS near as you can remember, how was she
! heading when she listed?
| About south by west by compass.
In what direction was the swell?
The swell was southeast; very heavy swell
| from the east.
! What direction was the wind?
! East-southeast to southeast.
| Do you consider that 1t was hurricane?
! Yes.
| What was the reading of the glass?
| 1t was 1915 at 8 O'Clock and went down 500
! in half an hour from 80 to 8.
Was the weather clear overhead?
No, cloudy.
| Any rain?
| Yes, little rain and squally.
The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1895-06-07

number of officials of the Pacific Mail
Company will be called upon to testify.
In fact, no stone will be left unturned in
order to arrive at the truth and fix the
blame for the terrible loss of life where it
belongs.
The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1895-06-07

undersigned
nc board
simply
The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1895-06-07

ness and irregularities. The smile and
good spirits take fight. 1t is time to
accept the help offered in DR.. Pierce's
Favorite Prescription. It's a medicine
which was discovered and used by a
prominent physician for many years in
all cases of u female complaint" and the
nervous disorders which arise from
it. The Prescription is a powerful
uterine tonic and nervine, especially
adapted to woman's delicate wants for
it regulates and promotes all the nat
ural functions, builds up, invigorates
and cures
Many women suffer from nervous
prostration, or exhaustion, owing to
congestion or to disorder of the special
functions. The waste products should
be quickly got rid of, the local source
of irritation relieved and the system in
vigorated with the Prescription. Do
not take the so-called celery compounds,
and nervines which only put the nerves
to sleep, but get a lasting cure with DR..
Pierce's Favorite Prescription.
Mrs. WILLIAM HOOVER, of BelLy1lle,
The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1895-06-07

RtChfGHd Co., a.,
writes: 81 had
been a great suf-
ferer from fe-
male weakness >
I tried three doc
tors j; they did
me no good; I
thought 1 was an
invalid forever.
But I heard of
DR.. Pierce's Fa-
vorite Prescrip-
ton, and then I
wrote to him and
he told me just
how to take 1t.
r <o11~ o;rLt h>f<
The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1895-06-07
ON Society

w ON en- often
feel the effect
of too m c b
gayety-balls,
theatres, a n d
teas in rapid
succession find
them worn out,
or " rundown :"
by the end of
the season.
TIL ey S uffer
from nervous
ness, sleepless.
TtT
The Mason County journal. [volume] (Shelton, W.T.) 1886-1927, 1895-04-12
If.

Was there ever word, so small and
yet so eternally in the way?
/ 1t would pay that debt if; l would
visit the sick one if; would save some
money for rainy day if; would speak
more kindly of my neighbor if; always
and forever the old story if. And vet
the old world goes on its way; people
are dying, coming and going, and the
old debt is not paid, the sick are not
visited, the kind word is unspoken,
and all at once when too late, our sum-
mons comes and we are launched into
the great hereafter, to be judged for
the deeds done On earth.
When will we learn that today is
the time and perhaps the only time we
will have to do good, be kind to the
unfortunate and charitable to the
afflicted?
1t is an unfortunate habit that ali
people have of living in the future
and neglecting to enjoy the everyday
pleasure until some future time, and
when that time comes we find ourse1-
yes too old or too much engrossed in
cares to get any pleasure then. Let
us change all these things and see
how much pleasure we can get out of
each day as it passes Washington.
The Mason County journal. [volume] (Shelton, W.T.) 1886-1927, 1895-04-12
Deafness cannot be Cured

by local applications, as they cannot reach the
diseased portion of the ear. There is only one
way to cure Deafness, and that is by eonstitu-
tional remedies. Deafness is caused by an in
famed condition of the mucous lining of the
Eustachian Tnbe. When this tube gets inf1am-
ed YOU hear rumbling sound or imperfect hear
ing. and when it is entirely closed Deafness Is
the result, and unless the Inflammation can be
taken out and this tube restored to its normal
COZ dition, hearing will be destroyed forever;
nine cases out of ten are caused by catarrh.
which is nothing but an infamed condition OF
the mucous surfaces.
We will give One Hundred Dollars Tor any
case of Deafness Caused by .catarrh) that can
not be cured by Halls Catarrh Cure Send Tor
circulars, free.
F. CHENEY & CO., Props, Toledo o.
cR-Sold by all Druggists, 75c
The Mason County journal. [volume] (Shelton, W.T.) 1886-1927, 1895-04-12
Instruments filed for Record.
In the Office of the Auditor of Mason County
WASH, for the week ending April 10th, 1895.


In the Office of the Auditor of Mason County,
WASH, for the week ending April 10th, 1895.
DEEDS.
U. 8. A to Antonio ]. Moreira patent, SwH
Ne14 and sel4 of Nw14, Sec H. TIP %, 8 west.
Antonio Moreira to J. L. deCosta. W d, Sea OF
NwN same-s4OO.
g. C. Angle, ct Tx, to Mrs. Catherine Walter,
PLACER MINING CLAIMS LOCATIONS.
NJ. B. Jones and Chas. Leake, E Clark Nels
Johnson John G Johnson (2), Judd T. Todd,
w Daily 90, E McReavy, H Loasly, E c
McReavy, John McReavy, Robt Tuttle. W
Kennicott, H Haines, Stephen Ferris, Geo
W Beers, Thos Little, Chas Mcdonald, Thos
Purdy, placers mining locations on Mission
Greek, in TIP %, r 2 west.
MORTGAGES AND DISCHARGES.
G. w, Hartman, ct ux, Jas. G. Kennedy, ct ux
lis pendens.
Same vs. w D Baldwin, ct Tx, lis pendens.
&C Higgans to Lester Turner, chattlc mortg,
s draft horses, scrapers and grading outft-sl7oO
y G Flanagan to VIM Hartman, satisfaction of
mortgage. land in Sec. 80, TIP 20, R west-$2OO.
Frank Tuell to Chas. Lippincott 4 Co. chattle
mortg, soda fountain.
Louisa NJ. Wright We John Malaney, notice of
levy, lot 4 and Sea Se11, NJ swN Sea sec 2. TIP
20, ranges west-s1357
LIENS
August Larsen VS. Geo Cunningham, loggers
lien, logs in Dewattc Bay.
A McKelvy VS. same, same.
The Mason County journal. [volume] (Shelton, W.T.) 1886-1927, 1895-04-12
Spring time

Is when every one feels the need of
some blood purifying, strength invigor-
ating and health producing medicine.
The real merit of Hoods Sarsapari11a
is the reason of it's widespread popu1-
arity It's lnequalled success is its best
recommendation. The whole system
is susceptible to the most good from
a medicine like Hoods Sarsaparilla
taken at this time, and we would lay
stress upon the time and remedy, for
history has it recorded that delays are
dangerous. The remarkable success
achieved by Hoods Sarsaparil1a and
the many words of praise it has
received, make it worthy of your
confidence. We ask you to give this
medicine fair trial.
The Mason County journal. [volume] (Shelton, W.T.) 1886-1927, 1895-04-12
The Horticulture Society.

The Mason County Horticultural Society will
convene in the Court House in shelton, on
Saturday, April 9th, at 10 o'clock A. NJ. In adj
dition to the regular business of the Society the
following matters will be discussed:
Grating and budding, by A Emmott.
What fruit isit desirable to raise in this eli
mate, by Danl. Myers.
Benefits to be derived from the application of
lime to the soil. best method of application, and
what price can be paid for lime in order that il
may be profitable, by Frank Binns.
Which is the better for planting. trees of a
large growth from very rich soil, or trees of a
less vigorous growth from dry and less prolific
soil, by A. swanson.
What would be the best fertilizer for the diff
ferent varieties Of fruit trees and the best meth
DDS Of application. Drainage and the best
methods on different soils, by w. Roienberger
| All persons interested are cordially invited to
attend and give their views and experience on
the above topics.
l. W. WooDs, F. BINNs,
] secty. Chair.