The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1899-10-02
PARISS CAPTAIN ANGRY.
COMES OYER TO FIGHT Hrs TWO
FEARS SUSPENSION.

Admits That IL Was His Mistake That Put
the Paris on the Rocks and Explains 1t,
but Says the American steam Vessel Iu-
spectors Here Treated Him Unfairly,
CAPT. Frederick Watkins. who was in com
mand OF the American Liner Paris when she
went on the rocks near the Manacles off the
coast Of Cornwall. on May n. arrived yesterday
from Southampton aboard the American Liner
New York. The Board OF Steam Vessel In
spectors here found Capt Watkins guilty OF
carelessness and suspended his license two
years. The Captain had this to say about tho
Paris and his case:
II left the Paris at Milford Haven They are
considering whether or not they will lift the
port engine in order to repair it properly. The
job can be done. but 1t is big undertaking
and will cause 4 good deal OF trouble. Tho
ship Is all right to within six feet OF her keel.
Even the lowest tier OF staterooms is In perfect
condition. She will undoubtedly be returned
to tho American Line.
Ny main reason for coming back at this
time is to fight the decision OF the United States
Steam Weasel Inspectors in suspending my
license. Friends have written to me advising
NE to take some sort of action in the matter.
First. want to see what car be done. l regard
Il as COMPOUNDED imnudence on the part Of
the British Board OF Trade that 1t should put
its nose into my affairs. 1t sent a communiea-
was going to be an investigation in America.
and II there wasn't 1t said 1t would hold one.
The Ambassador. 30 l learned, wrote to the
Secretary Of the Treasury and he wrote to the
Board OF Steam Vessel Inspectors in New York.
NY friends eo5mmuncated with Gen Dumont
ot the United states steamboat Inspection Scr
friends seemed to think that a suspension Of
two months was enough. Gen. Dumant said
10 them; oh. well; Watkins is more than 10
years old Now Dumont himself is more than
was not 40. for when applied for my license
1 gave my age. Then understand. tho GEN
eral said the American Line wanted mo sus-
pended. The American Line denied this. and
finally the General said 1t was the wish OF the
Secretary Of the Treasury.
What the British Board OF Trade should
mind to. 1t could have investigated my case
and and, deprived me Of my English LICENSE, In its
decision the local Board OF Steam Vessel Inspec-
my statements. They came to their findings
apparently by reasoning them out. Because 1
did not mention the tide in my affidavit they
Not to calculate on the tide would not only be
mistake. but very gross neglect.
!, admit that the Paris went on the rocks
Cherbourg one OF the officers entersd in the
book that the Paris passed La Hague at 6:35.
Another onicer. when we passed the CasQuets,
wrote In the book opposite the name. 7:35.
This last entry was made in full. distinct
hand. and the preceding entry was faint When
picked IN the record to make the calculation.
and read the more conspicuous record and
made the calculation from that. That threw
me seventeen miles on my course. | calculated
TO pass two miles off the Lizard. When / got
ihshore the current was running strong, and
then it was no use. had been in the habit OF
submitting my calculations in thick weather
TO my chief officer. he having no watches to
look after: but 1t was not thick when we passed
the CasQuetS,"