The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1899-11-16
women and Children Forced TO Quit
the Vessel I'm such Haste They
Had Little Clothing.
SAILORS ALL ACTED BRAvELY
ASSISTED ALL THE PASSENGERS INTO
THE SMALL BOATS,
And Refused to Leave the burning
ship while She Was Ahoat-Attempt
TO Beach Her Near Dover

LONDON, Nov. 1.-THE Hamburg-Amer-
lean steamer Patria. Captain Frolich, which
left New York Nov. for Hamburg ana
passed the Lizard yesterday, Is on fire near
Dover All the passengers were rescued
and have arrived at Dover.
The Russian steamer Ceres sighted the
Patria, showing signals. Of distress and de-
manding immediate help. about twelve
miles from North Hinder lightship. The
liner was enveloped in smoke. Putting on
full steam, the Ceres soon reached the Pat
ria, and sending a boat, learned that Cap
tain Frolch was in urgent need OF as
sistance. The boats were got out, and with
great difficulty all the Patria's passengers.
numbering $50. were transferred to the
Ceres. which proceeded for Dover, where
she arrived just before midnight.
Francis w. Prescott, the United States
consul at Dover. was notified and he con-
suited with the harbor authorities. who ar
ranged 10 send out the harbor tug Lady
Vita, which brought the rescued ashore.
Among the saved are many ladies and chill
dren, as well as six babes in arms. The
hurry of the rescue was indicated by the
fact that most of them were enveloped in
blankets only. They were rapidly distrib-
uted among the hotels or sent TO the Sail
ors' Home. and everything possible is being
done for their comfort.
According to interviews with some Of the
passengers, which ELECTED the fact that
most of them are American citizens whc
have come for a vacation in Europe, all
were ordered on deck at o'clock Wednes-
day morning. when they were in 'ormed that
a disastrous fire had broken oUt among the
general cargo. and, as the crew was unable
to master it, the captain said he considered
it advisable for the passengers TO take ~
the boats.
WORKED LIKE HEROES.
AT this time 1t was evident the fire had
obtained a thorough hold upon the cargo.
Smoke and flames were ascending with
overpowering force and causing the greatest
alarm. The crew worked like heroes In their
endeavors to keep the flames under. but tn
great quantity of linseed among the cargo
and the oil supplied by this made all their
efforts hopeless.
1neIe was very sTtdl tAClltmtIL among
the women and children, but the example
set by the GOODNESS of Captain Frolich and
the crew had calming effect on the pas
selgers generally. The boats were prompt-
ly got over the side, the crew working IL
they were at drill The safety Of the women
and children the first consideration.
AS the fire had by this time consumed the
greater part of the passengers belongings
they had to get into the boats as they had
come up from their hunks, and some In very
light raiment.
The scene was a striking one, with some
touching aspects, as husbands and fathers
parted from wives and children. Although
everything was carried out under the most
trying conditions, thanks TO the coolness OF
the captain and crew, there was no panic,
all Of the passengers being got into the
boats and into two fishing boats said to
belong TO Yarmouth, which had come In
the meantime.
Just as this had been effected a large
steamer was seen 10 be making towards
the burning liner. She proved to be the
Ceres, which first sent boat and then
picked up all the Patria's passengers. The
Ceres offered also TO take Captain Frolich
and the crew. but the latter preferred to re-
main by the vessel long as there was
any chance OF saving her. although there
was the greatest danger in doing so. her
hull being redhot at the time and there be-
| ing every evidence that she would burn for
| a considerable period.
The passengers say they learned from the
| officers that Captain Frolich hopes to put
| his steamer ashore at some point on the
coast where there will be a possibility Of
salving her. The scheme is bold one. and
does credit to a gallant crew. and il is hoped
may be successful.
The passengers, who had had nothing TO
cat since nalf past o'clock Wednesday
morning, were treated with the greatest
kindness on being landed at Dover. Among
| them were twenty-four women and about
| twenty children. who looked very wretched
| as they landed at the Admiralty pier.
The crew Of the liner Is said TO consist
chiefly of Americans.
:.