The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1897-08-11

Special Dispatch TO the Post -Inteigigencer.
VICTORIA, b. c., Aug io-In the clear
cold light OF last Thursday morning the
steamer Mexico struck on a ragged rock
at a point In Dtxons entrance. abou.
eleven and half miles northeast
OF east OF Chacon cape, and went down in
sixty-aye fathoms OF water, her crew and
passengers, the latter including a large
company OF Christian Enaeayorer excur-
sionisIs. having just two and one-haif
hours from the time they were aroused
from their slumbers 10 save their lives by
taking To the boats There was no confu-
sion, and every one of the l33 men and
women on board lives To tell the story of
the Aexico's last voyage.
1t was 4:3o O'Clock in the morning when
the disaster occurred. the ship being at
the time on the honeward voyage from
Alaska. She had left Victoria on July u
with numerous party of klondikers,
oddly mixed with joyous holiday makers,
and had discharged the gold seekers safe
~ on the up trip. Then Juneau was visit
ed and a cali made at Sitka for the benefit
OF .se tourists. the steamer being ON her
way 10 the latter port BY the route 1ssial-
~ taken by the Queen, when the disaster
overlook her.
II had been foggy all night, sad but
poor progress was made In consequence
The pilot, Cornell. was in charge OF the
ship, ana the gray cloud over the waters
lifting with the coming of dawn. the Mex
lea was at 40 under full speed. with a
smooth sea before her and q clear view
of the water for mile or more.
Suddenly. TO quote Pilot Cornell, she
drove hard on rock, no sign OF which
appeared on the unruaied surface OF the
sea, siivered and went on.
The engines were Immediately reversed.
but with the way she had on. the ship ran
on for an eighth or a quarter OF a mile
the sound of inrushing water and the set
ting of the vessel told the pilot that her
mortal blow had been received.
Only safety in the Boats.
He had, in the instant after feeling the
blow. headed for the nearest land in the
hope that salvation might be gained by
running for it, Five minutes. however.
showed him tha, in the boats lay the only
safety of those in his charge while tho
time to make use OF this means Of saliva
ton was limited.
The nrst on deck after the alarm was
given was the purser. who tumbled up
just as he had turned out his confortab bls
berth. He only waited long enough TO ask
q single question, then diyed into his
cabin again 10 make hasiy toilet and
throw ais portable belongings into a
valise. Then came q lady passenger. who
also remained on deck just loEg enough
TO inquire II she weuid have time to
dress. Capt Thomas was the third on the
scene and he. too. required bat a glance
10 confirm IN his mind The pilots view OF
the case.
There were enough, however, 10 make a
round Of the cabins and staterooms AID
get together all the hand baggage. which.
with the mails. Was placed on two OF tho
he RATS. ane tnese soS ready for towlas
behind the ship's launch. A hurried
scramble for fresh water and. eataoIes.
and the time to leave the ship had come.
All Embarked in Ten Minutes.
Passengers and crew in equal numbers
wars all on deck within quarter % an
hour. and ten minutes later the work OF
placing the women iu the boats had been
accom- pllshed. Then the male passengers
we're looked after. waiie the porter voIun-
teere3 20 make his way below and bring
Up the letter mail. The newspapers were
abandoned TO ;Aeir fate BY this time the
ship had settled 50 that Z, was far from
pleasant to g. belox. and few cared TO
undertake IL
Jonah On Board
I vas yusr at thiz moment that some
one though. @: Charles Berry. The ind.-
vldual sea-rs 10 bear charmed lie. ard
a. the same time to Se 4 vs-ttabia jonah.
Hs vas on the wuiapa when she rna4s
her eventful voyage 20 the north. which
so abruptly ended by her pIltag or The
rocks on the eastern Island coast A. that
tirzae he had attempted suicide. bur had
been prevented ard after takiEg passage
on tha Mckee his suicidal maria returned
The day before the steamer made Sl;ka
hs had acrr1aghsssS rhs offsGsr on v-tea