The silver blade. (Rathdrum, Idaho) 1895-1903, 1899-11-18
CRUISER CHARLESTON SUNK.
EVERY ONE SAFELY LANDED
Cruiser Charleston Wrecked ON .
Coral Reef-Heavy Sea Prevailed
Saved Some Of the Guns-Mtght
save the Ship-A Court Of Inquiry.

Washington, Nov l5.--Admiral Watson
cables to the navy department the follow.
ing official report of the wreck of the
cruiser Charleston:
"The Charleston was wrecked on an un-
charted coral reef three miles northwest
Of Guianapak rocks, on the north coast Of
Luzon. Everybody was safely landed on
Kamaguin island, with the rifles and two
Colts Natives are friendly. Mcdonald
has made Lingayen gulf in sailing
launch. When he left there was no op.
portunity for an examinS Stion of the wreck.
A northeast monsoon aiA heavy sea WAS
prevailing. Reports state that the ship
struck easily and then thumped violently.
1.-The fireroom compartment was flooded,
but the first watertight doors were closed
promptly. The ship lies SO that she has
settled aft, and the water is one foot from
the name. She is well out of water for
ward, but it is apparently very steep
bank. Ten days provisions and 100 ra'
tions were landed"
There was some surprise expressed that
80 long time has elapsed since the wreck
l VI Juea IL ulSeI SudtlCotOn OClOAV ASSVS ~
the fact reached the navy department. 1t
appears, however, that this delay was in
evitable, owing to the isolated position oi
the wreck. Kamaguin island is small
island lying about north of Appari, which
is the most northerly port on the island
of Luzon. 1t is distant about $50 milea
from Lingayen gulf, where are stationed
the nearest of Watsons feet.
i Watson appears to have acted at onc'
upon receipt Of the news, for he informed
the navy department that be has cablet
to Hong Kong to secure the help OF ex
perienced wreckers to proceed at once t
the scene of the wreck. The navy de
, partment has already constructor on tn
ground in the person of Lieut. Hobson
, who may be called upon to assume charg
/ Of wrecking operations.
A careful reading Of the cablegram frog
, Watson convinces the officials that ther
is a fair chance of saving the Charleston
They say that the name of the ship
D painted about three or four feet below tn
l rail. This is an indication that the mai
, deck is above water, which would max
0 the work of pumping out the hull muc
Y easier. If she is settled down aft, as n
ported, there is less danger of injury
g the bottom by further pounding. Muc
l. depends, however, on the weather, as II
T. wreck lies in the full sweep OF the mol
g soons, which prevail at this season
r For the safety Of the officers and I'll
crew not the slightest apprehension exist
8 The Helena must already have reache
y the island, which is about days ~
$. from Lingayen, and with the Orego
o which followed closely, must have reno
" ed the Charleston's crew several days ag
As soon as possible a court OF inqui
'e will be called to fix the responsibility I
'e the wrecking Of the ship. This will follc
10 irrespective Of any action Of the navy
se partment, and will be ordered by Admin
IL Watson.
se Should it appear that it was caused
negligence of any of the Charleston's o.
GERS, a court t-martial will follow the
n quiry, but in view Of the exceedingly da
e. gerous character Of the north coast
n Luzon and lack of necessary aids to ma
IN CATION, it is not believed probable tn
OF any of the officers will be found severe
DO oaneurah1o