The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1899-11-17

I'll G Dn1fe6
states cruiser Charleston ran aground
near V1gan, on a hidden reef. with
thlrty-tve fathoms of water on both
sides. She worked her machinery for
TWO days and nights in rying to get
@hodt' out a yphoon arising, the crew
were compelled to take to their boats
n seek refuge on a small island five
miles away. The natives are friend
Iy. Lieutenant Mcdonald and a num-
Der Of sailors put off in a small boat
and reached the Callao, which brought
them to Manila. The gunboat Helena
has been dispatched to bring away the
crew.
Lieutenant Mcdonald describes the
Charleston when he last saw her as
lard and fast aground, with her bot
tom badly stove, n well out Of he
water.
ADMIRAL WATSON'S REPORT.
Washington, November 14.-Admiral
watson cables to the navy department
the following official report of the
wreck of the cruiser Charleston:
Manila, November 18th.
1.-THE Charleston wrecked on unchar-
ed coral reef three miles north north
west Of Guinapak rocks, north coast of
LuzOn, at $50 o'clock, on the morning
OF November End. Everybody safely
landed on Kamiguin island, armed with
rifles and two Colts. Natives friendly.
Mcdonald made Lingayen gulf in a
sailing launch. When h left there
had been no opportunity for examina-
ton OF wreck. on account of a north
east monsoon, heavy sea prevailing.
He reports the ship struck easily, then
thumped violently. Fire room COM
partment was flooded: first water
tight doors closed promptly. The ship
lies settled aft. water one foot from
name, we'll out of water forward; ap-
parently on a very steep bank; ten
days provisions, one-half rations,
landed. Helena dispatched from Lin
gayen by Oregon to Kamiguin; due to-
day. WATSON"
There is a discrepancy in the date of
the wreck of the Charleston as given
in Admiral WatsOn's message and the
press dispatches. 1t is probable that
the 18th instant is correct, and Admiral
WatsOn's dispatch was confused in
transmission There was some surprise
expressed that so long u time elapsed
since the wreck before news of the
fact reached the navy department.. It
appears, however, that this delay was
inevitable, owing to the isolated posi-
ton of the wreck. Kamiguin island
is a small island lying about north of
APART, which is the most northerly
port on the island of LuzOn. 1t is dis
tant about $50 miles from Lingayen
gulf, where are stationed the nearest
Of the warshiDs of Watson's fleet.
When Acting Secretary Allen reach
ed the navy department this morning
he communicated with the White house
and then by direction of the president
went over at once, carrying a chart Of
northern Luzon and the cablegram
from Watson.
Admiral Watson appears to have act-
ed at once upOn receipt of the news,
for he informed the navy department
that he had cabled across to Hong
Kong to secure the help of the expe-
hence Wreckers to proceed immedi-
ately to the scene of the accident. The
navy department has already a con-
StructOr on the ground in the person
OF Lieutenant Hobson, who may be
called on to assume charge of the
Wrecking operations.
CHANCE OF SAVING THE CRUISER
A careful reading of the cablegram
from Admiral Watson convinces the Of
ncials tina there is a fair chance Of
saving the Charleston. They say hat
the name Of the ship is painted about
three or four feet below the rail. This
is an indication that the main deck is
above water, which would MAKE the
work of pumping out the hull much
easier. If she is settled down aft. as
there is less danger of injur-
ing the bottom further by pounding.
Much depends, however, on the wealth
err, as the wreck lies IN the full sweep
of the monsoons which prevail at this
season.
For the safety of the officers and
crew not the slightest apprehension eX-
lists. The Helena must already have
reached the island, which is about a
days run from Lingayen, and with the
Oregon. which followed closely, must
have removed the Charleston's crew
several days ago..
INVESTIGATION TO BE MADE.
AS soon as possible a court of in
curry will be called to fix the response
bility for the wrecking of the ship.
This will follow irrespective of any &C
ton of the navy department and Will
be ordered by Admiral Watson. Should
it appear that the wreck was caused
by the negligence of any of the CHAR
leston's officers, a court-mart1al VIII
follow the inquiry; but in view Oh the
exceedingly dangerous character or
the north coast of Luzon and the lack
Of necessary aids to navigation, 1t is
not believed to be probable that any
of the officers will be found severely
~censurable. Captain George W. Pig
man is in command of the ship.
DETAILS OF THE WRECK.
Manila, November AS p. m.-Fur-
Their details regarding the
of the United States cruiser Charleston
show that she struck an la
coral reef ten miles east of kamlguin
island. Her stern was almost SUP
merged and the bow almost out OF the
water. A heavy sea was on n the
cruiser began rolling violently. Inc
water-tight doors were quickly closed
but were stove in under the engine
compartment, the largest Of the snip.
After the first efforts to right her, the
officers feared she might slide on pc
cause of the heavy sea and therefore
the attempt to save her.
They hurried to the launc and boats
and rowed away, prepared to night Ior
I.-a;oc with rwO Colt guns l34 rifles