The Jersey City news., 1899-11-14
Our LOST CRUISER
Admiral Watson Tells Of the
Charleston's Wreck on
a Coral Reef.
NOT ON ANY CHART.
Officers and Grew on Half
Rations Aid Swiftly
Despatched

WASHINGTON, D. c., Nov A. $780,
Admiral Watson cables to the Navy De-
partment the following official report Of
the wreck of the cruiser Charleston:
ssManila, Nov. 13.--Charleston wrecked
uncharted coral reef three miles north
west of Guinapak Rocks, north coast
Luzon, $50 morning of November 2.
Everybody safely landed Kamiguin Island
armed with rifles and two Colts. Natives
friendly Mcdonald made Lingayen Gulf
(in) sailing launch. When he left no OPP
portunity for examination of wreck.
Northeast monsoon heavy sea prevailing.
Reports ship struck easily; then tilumped
violently. Fire room compartment flooded
first water tight doors closed promptly.
Ship lies settled aft water one foot from
name Well out of water forward; APP
parently very steep bank; ten days pro-
visions one-half rations landed. Helena
dispatched from Lingayen by Oregon to
Kamignen. due today.
"6Signed9 WATSON"
There is discrepancy in the date of
the wreck of the Charleston as given In
Admiral Watson's message and In the
press dispatches. 1t is probable that the
seventh instant is correct and Admiral
WatsoT's dispatch was confused in trans
mission.
There was some surprise expressed that
so long time elapsed since the wreck
before news Of the fact reached the Navy
Department. 1t appears, however, that
this delay was inevitable owing to the
isolated position of the wreck. Kami-
gum Island is small island lying about
49, ~ xxty1to nh fc "a 0cr y10rff-
erly port on the Island Of Luzon. 1t Is
distant about $50 miles from Lingaye
Gulf. where are stationed the nearest of
the warships of Watson's feet.
When Acting Secretary Allen reached
the Navy Department, this morning, he
communicated with the White House and
then by direction went over at once carry
ing a chart of Northern Luzon and the
cablegram from Watson.
: Admiral Watson appears to have acted
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 experienced wreckers to pro-
ceed at once to the scene of the accident.
Tn Navy Department has alrady con-
structor on the ground in the person of
Lieut.. Hobson, who may be called on to
assume charge of the Wrecking opera
tions.
a careful reading of the cablegram from
Admiral Watson convinees the officials
that there is a fair chance of saving the
Charleston. They say that 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 reported.
there is less danger of injuring the bottom
further by pounding. Much depends,
however, on the weather. 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 exists.
The Helena must have already reached
the island. which is about days run
from Ldngayen, and with the Oregon,
which followed closely, must have re-
moved to Charleston's crew several days
ago.
AS soon as possible a court of inquiry
will be called to fix the responsibility for
the wrecking of the ship. This will fol-
low irrespective of any action 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
Charleston's orricers, court-martial will
follow the inquiry but in view of the
exceedingly dangerous character of the
north coast of Luzon, and the lack of
necessary aids to navigation it is believed
to be probable that any of the officers
will be found severely censurable.