New-York tribune., 1896-02-05
THE ST. PAUL SAVED.

Tho release of the St Paul from the tenacious
New-Jersey sand has doubtless produced strong
feelnr Of satisfaction everywhere, and espe-
cIallv in this country, which is proud Of the
superb vessels which fly its flag. The American
Line is Justly congratulated not merely because
a difficult rescue has been effected, but chiefly
because no apparent injury has been done 10
the shin. This is a valuable proof Of stanchness,
though it must be admitted that, on the whole,
the conditions have been singularly favorable
ever since the St Paul went aground The
onerations Of the wreckng companies, 1t Is true,
were unsuccessful for ten days, but at last they
got lust the combination OF wind ana tdc mat
they needed and in the mean time escaped every
misfortune except delay Such storm as would
have made the situation hopeless II 1t had not
broken the ship to pieces. was an ehtlrely prop
able dispensation at this time OF year. ana all
concerned will doubtless realize that profound
gratitude Is far more becoming than complaints
because q strong east wind did not Dow sooner.
The officials, Of course, are not absolutely certain
for the moment that the st. Paul has suffered no
harm except a little loss Of paint, but she came
IN TO her pier under her own steam, and her
appearance justifes their confidence.
Whether or not such an inspection OF the
steamship as can be made only In drydock Is
found 10 be necessary. It is certain that there
must be a searching investigation Into all the
circumstances of the accident 1t Is essential
that competent authority should determine
whether an error of nineteen miles as TO the
shjp's position indicates careless or unskilful
combinations, the weather being taken INTO ac-
count 1t will have to be considered also
whether soundings were taken with sufficient
frequency during the last few hours. The captain
has made the official statement that shortly be-
fore his ship grounded seventeen fathoms OF
water were reported, but 1t Is not yet positively
known whether this was an error or an unrecoS-
nized proof Of treacherous conditions at that
point We sincerely hope that brave com
mander, who has enjoyed a high repute for skili
and fidelity, will be able TO show conclusVely
that he was not at fault.
When these questions and others OF similar
import have been answered II will still be prop
or 10 INQUIRE how much has been left undone 10
render the sea approach to NcwYork reasonably
safe An effort is being made at Washington
TO secure the establishment Of another light
house off Fire Island. considerably further out
than the existing one That additional safe
guard Is strongly recomfnehucu' anu uo""''H'
would he highly useful But two other suSEcs-
tlons which may be equally deserving OF con
sideration have been made. one Is that power
full seacoing boat should be put In service 10
patrol the coast and give assistance TO vessels
IN danger and distress. The other proposes an
equipment for audible signals which might be
heard at long distance through foss such as
no light could penetrate, and whose fixed station
would afford Il basis for determining the pSi-
ton Of n ship with more certainty than IS now
possible A dense fox at sea Is, ana perhaps
will always remain, the navigators worst ioe'
but It Is reasonable 10 suppose that something
can still be done 10 diminish its pcrlls