The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1899-05-22

FALMOUTH, May 21.-The Ameri-
can line steamer Paris, Captain
Watkins Watkins. from southampton YllIo t,,,nt1 and
on an outlying ridge of the mana
cles early this morning at point halt
a mile from where the wrecked At
1antic transport line Mohegan lies, and
five miles from Falmouth. The Paris,
which sailed from Southampton yes
terday, called at Cherbourg and picked
up fifty passengers. She left Cher
bourg at 6 o'clock last evening. Soon
after l O'Clock this morning at ht@h
tide and in a dense fog she ran ashore.
From the first there was no danger.
Lifeboats and tugs were soon literally
swarming around the vessel rendering
assistance. A majority of the pas
sengers, who numbered $50, were
brought to Falmouth, where they OBJ
tanned lodgings for the night.
Captain Watkins reported that his
ship was lying comfortably in smooth
water and there was no occasion for
any alarming reports. He reported the
passengers and crew all well.
The first indication of the vessels
striking the rocks was a slight grating
sound. which was followed by a second
and more pronounced shock. The look
out shouted that there was something
looming ahead, but before there was
time to reverse the engines the ship
had gone on the rocks, 200 yards from
the shore Assistance was summoned
by means of rockets, and the coast
guards promptly telephoned to the life
saving station for boats.
A majority Of the passengers were
not aware that an accident had hap
pened until they were called up by the
stewards. On reaching the deck they
found the ships boats in perfect readi-
ness for their reception. The sea was
perfectly calm, and the only discom-
fort that the passengers experienced
was caused by the slight rain that was
falling at the time. Owing to the calm
ness Of the sea, the boats could be man
aged with entire safety.
Perfect order prevailed aboard the
vessel. Captain Watkins stood on the
bridge giving orders, and his perfect
self-possession and calmness of de-
meanor had a reassuring effect upon
the Messengers. In accordance with the
instruction of the captain, the women
y I'd children were the first to be taken
off the ship. Such perfect order was
maintained that a passenger described
the scene as simply slow procession, of
women and children walking in single
file to the boats.
At daybreak the position of the vessel
could be better discerned. The brilliant
St Anthony light, at the entrance of
Falmouth harbor, could be dis e.
guished plainly through the mistyE
and the still standing masts of
fated Mohegan could be seen NJ
1t is said that a Falmouth pilot
showed a warning signal to the Paris,
telling the captain that he would put
the vessel on top of the Mohegan If he
did not alter the course of the ship.
The warning, however, came too late
and the Paris struck on ridge to the
westward of the manacles.
1t is suggested that as this is only
their second trip from Cherbourg, the
officers of the Paris were not familiar
with the course. The crew Of the Paris
are still aboard the vessel.
1t is believed that the steamer has a
large rent in her bottom in the forward
part Of the ship. Tugs are standing
by her and will assist in an effort to, get
her off the rocks.
Further details of the disaster show
that when the vessel struck the
grew were summoned on deck. The
Passengers appearing were met in the
companionway with comforting words
and assurances of their safety. Ex-
ceptional coolness was shown on all
sides, the stewards distributing coffee
and stimulants to all who desired them
Captain Watkins had his gig lowered