New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-05-22
ERBEN TO USE SOLID SHOT.
HE SENDS A WARNING TO BOATS THAT
VIOLATE THE HARBOR RULES.
THE ADMIRAL AROUSED BY EFFORTS OF CERTAIN
VESSELS TO GO N FORBIDDEN CHANNELS.

THE ADMIRAL AROUSED BY EFFORTS OF CERTAIN
VESSELS TO GO N FORBIDDEN CHANNELS.
Rear Admiral Erben, commanding the Naval
Coast Defence greatly aroused yesterday over
the persistent efforts OF certain vessels 10 go in for
hidden channels over the mine fields planted with
the submarine defences OF the harbor, and decided
10 send sharp letters TO owners The immediate
cause OF his action official communications
to him by Major Adams of the acts OF the Lam
caster. Of the Philadelphia and Reading Company
and the Knickerhocker Of the Cromwell Line
OF the latter Major Adams wrote under date OF
Friday: while working torpedoes this after
noon. the Knickerbocker OF the Cromwell Line.
down Of our surfboats and did serious In
Jury to a group on which we working Two
were slightly injured"
Admiral Erben wrote follows 10 the company:
Having received a report from Major Adams
Corps OF Engineers to the effect that the knlcker
os5 woS norm yo for your future guidance
that after the passage or the PHI now pelore ung
fleet that any vessel violating the harbor regua-
tons will not be simply fred at, but VIII be hred
into
To the agent OF the Philadelphia and Reading
company Admiral Erben
The commander Of the United States steamship
Free Lance one Of our patrol vessels In the Lower
Lancaster OF your line, PASSED through the swash
Channel contrary to the regulations ions Of ne s Wa5
an offence again the patrol vessels VIII not
Are a blank charge but solid shot. Respectfully
HENRY ERBEN. L. s. y.
Admiral Erben said he was thoroughly In earnest
In his determination to protect the harbor. and just
the bill which the Senate amended and
adopted repassed the House and became a law he
would have feet capable Of enforcing the regu-
lations
Al the ONCE of the Cromwell Line. Captain Belts
OF the Knickerbocker said that when coming up
the Gedney Channel on Friday. he saw the derrick
boat used in mine-aylng al work near the channel.
As he passing. English bark bound out
md nil Ia hos loopf N
mel he said for his vessel. Just as he was abreast
Of them he had been told 20 look out, as a boat
was on mis- bow. and he had then the surfboat
mines. lie had at once slowed down: but the tide
had carried his vessel ahead. and the boat mad
struck the Knickerbocker amidships. one man
had fallen overheard. but was rescued, ana ne mao
waited Until he saw that they were all right
=. s Allen. agent Of the company said that he
thought the Government should provide suitable
Some OF his vessels had come in when there was
no one 70 give them any instruction and no way OF
Captain Miller called Admiral Erben yes
terday 10 offer he services Of the Naval militia
on I'VE ss whh had been hT bs f2r sr pat Iot
needed and could not be used down the Bay.
Commander Field said yesterday afternoon that
h rad sent the yacht Viking TO patrol at the Mar
rows last night and to-day she would go
10 Sandy Hook and relieve the Free Lance. which
VIII take her place at the Narrows. The yacht
relieve the Hist from patrol duty there and the
Hist TO Newport FOR harbor patrol duty
No other vessels Will be placed on duty until the
The British steamship Wakefield. chartered by
Rowing * Archibald. was inspected by Admiral
Erbep Beard yesisrday ;or use as collier she
port upon a number Of vessels this week. A list OF
score or more light-draught yachts and tugs;
for Admiral Erben's use. when the appropriation
bill is passed