The Irish standard. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn. ;) 1886-1920, 1899-11-18
LOSS OF THE CHARLESTON.
United States Cruiser Or
Coast of LuzOn.

Manila, Nov. 15.-Further details re-
States cruiser Charleston show that she
struck an unchartered coral reef ten
miles east of Kamiguin island. Her
stern was almost submerged and the
bow almost out of water. A heavy sea
was on, and the cruiser began rolling
violently. The water-tight doors were
quickly closed, but were stove in under
the engine compartment. the largest of
the ship. After the first efforts to right
her, the officers feared she might slide
oil, because of the heavy sea, and there
fore abandoned the attempt to save her.
They hurried to the launches and boats
and rowed away, prepared to fight for
landing, with two colt guns, 1874 rifles
and ten days rations. Some of the Off
GERS and men were dressed only in pa
jamas and their underclothing. The
breechloclls of the cannon were re-
moved before the boats put off. Two
hours after the Charleston struck al,
had gotten away. The report that the
crew remained two days on the vessel
| is inaccurate. A party returned two
/ days later, but found it impossible to
save anything.
The first landing was made on little
island with Il front of barren rocks.
Next day the boats again took TO the
water and proceeded to Kamiguin
island, where a landing was made in he
expectation that fighting would be nee
essary. So far from this being the case,
however, the Charlcston's men found 4
half-savage people. who regarded them
with curiosity rather than hostility.
On the third day the storm had greatly
subsidized, and Lieut.. John d. Mcdonald,
With Boatswain Dominick Glynn and
six men. started for the Gulf of Lingay-
Ell in 30-fcot sailing launch, hoping
to find an American warship, but en-
tirely ignorant of Gen. Whcaton's eNpe-
dition.
Lieut.. Mcdonald was four days anoat
keeping under shelter of the hostile
shore for two days on account Of the
high seas, being most of the time in Il
soaking rain. FINALLY, flying the union
Jack down. clad in their unlrrclolhing
and drcnched TO the skin, the otlicera and
his companions overlook the transpor!
Aztec. which carried them TO the battle.
ship Oregon.
The "unboat Helena was due to ar.
rive at -lami%uin island Monday. The
Charleston was returning from Il five
weeks cruise along the eastern coast
of Luzon, and Admiral Watson was be
ginning to be uneasy. lie supposed
however, that she had joined Gen
Whcaton's expedition.
In naval circles ihc accident is con
sidercd quite unavoidable. The onl,
wonder is that there are not more sucI
disasters in Philippine waters, which
are most inditIcrcntly chartcd. The
Charleston lies practically in the oper
sea, and there is no hope of saving hcl
or the valuable pharaphernalia ant
contents of the cruiser.
Washington, Nov. 15.-Admirnl Wat
son cables to the navy department thu
following official report of the wrecl
of the cruiser Charlcston:
"Manila. Nov. 13.-Char!cston wrecked
uncharted coral reef three miles north
northwest of Gninanal rocks. north coas
Luzon, 500 morning Of November =.
Everybody safely landed kamignin islam
armed with rifles and two Colts Native
friendly. Mcdonald made I.ingnyen gul
Gn) sailing launch. When he left no Oh
portunty for examination of wreck
Northeast monsoon, heavy sea prevailing
Reports ship struck easily; then thumpc,
violently. Fire room completely flooded
first watcr-tight Goors closed promptly
Ship lies settled aft. water one foot iron
name. Well out of water forward; an
parently very steep bank: ten days; pro
visions half rations landed. llclen
dispatched from l.ineayen by Oregon 4
: kamsuin: due to-day.
(Signed) "WATSON."