The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1900-12-14
GARONNE GOES ON ROCKS,
Seattle Man Receives Letter From
Member of Transport Crew In
Philippimee,

Oliver f. Burns. formerly resident OF
this city. but now employed aboard the
United states army transport Garonne as
one of the engineers writes Boyd j. Tall
man very interesting account OF recent
experiences of the vessel In Philippine
waters. where she is now employed. He
states that short time ago the Garonne
was twice on che rocks and narrowly es-
capped serious injury. He also gives a
graphic description OF hard march sue
eessfully completed by a large detach-
ment of United States soldiers
MIR. Burns letter is dated Philippine
islands. October 30" and stated that at
that time the Garonne had on board the
first detachment of the Fifth infantry,
which was being landed at vigan, In
Northern Luzon The Garonne had made
trips on government business to q number
OF important military stations throughout
the islands. and on a recent expedition
had met the accidents mentioned.
While near poiiilo. with a large number
OF soldiers on board. the Garonne ran her
nose against reef and remained fast for
twelve hours, being hauled on by the
Yorktown after hard struggle. The ex-
petition then continued toward Binango-
nan. when the Garonne struck another
reef. sticking fast amidships. AT that
time the Yorktown was out OF sight I'm a
ing but after about four hours OF sns-
pense the Yorktown reappeared and by
using a two-inch wire cable succeeded In
again freeing the Garonne from her dim
Guilty. peculiar accident occurred just
as the Garonne was freed from the reef
She attempted TO use her own engines ana
started the propeliers. when the slack
cable was caught In the blades and twelve
hours work was necessary before she
could be released. After that experience
the expedition proceeded with less dlffi-
Guilty and the troopers were safely landed
at their destination.
Mr.. Burns writes that during October
Gen. Hall accomplished one OF the most
difficult and dangerous marches chron-
icied during the campaign HIS route Law
between Siniloan and Bfnang0nan. a dls-
lance OF forty-five miles. but six days
time was consumed In completing the
march. The tran lay over the Siniloan
used and 30 natives were employed az
packers The Pasig river and Its trfbu-
taries were crossed foFty-five times RAIN
fell day and night, ard the food was 80
watcrsoakea that II was unni for use.
The men were carrying complete equip
ments and 100 rounds OF ammunition and
the loss OF their food greatly f1crea sef
their suffering. When they finally reached
the open beach near the waiting trans
ports they were exhausted BY hunger.
by the undcrbrush through which they
had passed, and they were physically
worn out. They were taken aboard the
transports aud for three days i65 men
were under medical treatment as the re-
suit OF their march.
Mr.. Burns believes that the Philippines
should be held at all cost, and gives an
excellent description OF the agricultural
climatic and natural resources. such n.
hardwoods and minerals He could not
state at the time OF writing when the Ga
rome would be ready to return 70 this
Coast. but wrote that he had gathered a
number Of curioA that he hoped would
prove OF intcrest'ts Seattle people when
he returns and can exhibit them
A ~