The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1903-08-24
He Opposed Attempt to Move ILL.,
Fated Craft, but His Advice
Was Overruled.
HAD BEEN A HOT DISCUSSION
ONE HUNDRED PEOPLE LEFT BOAT
WHEN DECISION WAS MADE.
A Similar Accident Three Years Ago
at the Ripple Was Fresh i'm
Their Minds.

As result of the decision of the 'Vene-
tian Night committee of the indianapolis
Aquatic Club, to move the hcuseboat Sat
urday evening from its old mooring on the
east shore to n point across the river, il
has been learned that William I'll. Robson,
captain of the houseboat, will resign his
position. Although the fact is not gener-
ally known, even among the members of
the club, it leaked out indirectly Saturday
night and was confirmed yesterday.
When the plan to move the boat was pre-
sented to Captain Robson. he objected
firmly. The matter was argued at length.
Certain members of the committee who
were in favor of moving the boat insisted
that it should be done and adopted the
motion to shift the moorings over the head
of Captain Robson. After it had been
finally decided, Captain Robson signified
his intention of resigning as the boats
the committee to-day.
WE'RE SET ON SHORE.
The question of moving the houseboat
had been hotly discussed for several days
previous to the event and even i'm the even
ing when the work was begun, there was
much objection raised by members of the
club and men with families aboard When
it was learned by the guests on the boat
that 1t was to be moved, more than a hun
dred people asked to be taken off and were
set on shore Captain Robson was on board
at the time. and after the moving was be-
gun lent his assistance, although it was
against his will. When the committee de-
cided to move the boat il did not for a
minute believe 1t was a dangerous under
taking. The houseboat is large and a great
many more people than were aboard Sat
urday have been on it at various times.
The warning of Captain Robson was
thought to be groundless, and the
committee was anxious to make a
great display on the evening of the
Venetian demonstration. 1t was stated
that the houseboat at its old moor
ings rested completely in the water and the
danger of its settling would be no greater
on the ether side of the river. However.
such was evidently not the case. as when
the boat was pushed out towards the middle
of the stream ii settled several feet lower
in the water. 1t had been standing un-
moved for over year and the sun had
warped the seams in its sides, into which
the water poured and filled the hulk. After
that nothing could be done and il went to
the bottom, fortunately before it had been
pushed far from shore.
CLASH is REGRETTABLE
The clash between Captain Robson and
the committee is lamentable to both parties
and his resignation will be regretted by
He mas been captain of the boat for many
years and had many friends both i'm and out
OF the club. who placed much confidence
in his marine ability and knowledge of
the Ripple. Captain Robson was a witness
of almost similar accident three years
ago, when the houseboat came near going
down with a large crowd on board, and
he was backed by a great many of the club
members in his stand against the danger of
a second moving with guests on board
During the day yesterday the boat set
tied about five feet deeper in the river bot
tom and the entire lower deck is completely
submerged. Many of the club members
visited the park yesterday to view the
wrecked vessel, and TO lend their assistance
if an attempt should be made to raise it,
large crowd of curious spectators were
also attracted to the park by the news of
the sunken boat. The work of raising the
houseboat Is to be- placed i'm the hands OF
wrecking company. which will probably
begin this afternoon. No efforts were made
yesterday towards getting the boat out
IL Is stuck deep and fast In the mud and
will cost the club at least $3.50 before IL is
removed. The loss Of the lower deck will
amount TO a great deal more