Delaware gazette and state journal. (Wilmington, Del.) 1883-1902, 1901-09-12
PROBING RIVER HORROR,
Federal Inspectors Investigate Stcame
City of Trenton Explosion.

City of Trenton Explosion.
Philadelphia, Pa, Sept. 10.--Eight
members OF the crew OF the steamer
City of Trenton, which blew. up on
August 28th at cost Of 90 lives, testi-
fled concerning the explosion yesterday
morning before the Federal authorities.
The hearing was held in the Pustofiice
Building, and was conducted by In-
spector of llulls Garrison A. Thompson
and Inspector of Boilers CHRISTOPHER
Vert. The evidence adduced went to
show that there was sufficient supply
Of water in the port boiler when the
explosion occurred and to disprove the
theory held that the injection of cold
water into partially empty boiler was
the cause Of the explosion.
Interest centred In the examination
of Chief Engineer Edward Murphy and
Oilef John A. Bryson. both Of whom
stoutly maintained that close watch
was kept on the water supply of the
boilers from the time the boat left the
Arch street wharf at Las p. no. until
she was off Hampton Court. Murphy
said:
mot more than five minutes before
the explosion occurred examined the
gauge cook at the forward end of the
port boiler. 1t reg gistered one and one
half gauges equivalent to seven inches
of water in the boiler). Three minutes
later examined the gauge at the after
end Of the boiler and 1t corresponded.
1t carried l55 pounds OF steam at the
time Of the explosion.
How often did you examine the
boiler gauges ?'' was asked by Inspec-
tor ThomIsou
about every five minutes" was the
reply.
ibid you depend ON the water gauges
or the gauge oocks?"
"Both, declared the engineer.
EVERY other time that | looked at
the water gauges 1 would open tho
gauge-cocks to test the accuracy of the
former. y
"Did the boiler lift her water
much?" questioned Inspector Vert
"Not much, sir"
"Did you have the water so low at
any time that you we're compelled to
draw your fire?"
mo, sir. -
"was the water ever out Of sight in
the gauges?"
Never. The lowest was AZ inches
above the crown sheet. :"
Oier Bryscn 8 testimony was corrobor.
ative and backed up Engineer Murphy
In every detail. The other witnesses
we're: Captain William A. Worrell
Pilot Edward Curry, Mate j. W. Van.
devere, Steward Bert Bates and Deck
Hands John Il. Hall and Frank ID.
Warren. The testimony was unimpor-
tant. Engineer Murphy admitted that
a part of his formal report to the in
spectors, submitted on September Sd,
was written by Captain Worrell.
After the witnesses had all been ex-
amined they were recalled one at
time and their testimony reread to
them by the Official stenographer, who
was assisted IN correcting mistakes by
another stenographer present in the in.
terest of q private corporation. The
hearing adjourned without any expert
testimony having Eeen introduced by
the inspectors.
"Our report goes to Washington, I"
said Mr.. Thompson. Whether more
witnesses will be called remains to be
determined. Any criminal negligence
discovered will be reported to the
United States district attorney" t'f
The investigation into the disaster
by the municipal authorities will have
no connection with the Federal prob
ing Coroner Dugan will hold an in
quest into the deaths OF the 26 passen.
gers and employees the last Of this week.
He said yesterday:
"The Jury empaneled will be com.
rosed OF EXPERT boilermakers and men
who are thoroughly informed on boiler