The free lance. (Fredericksburg, Va.) 1885-1926, 1903-08-11
The River Steamers.
To The Free Lance:

Il lie itt ifbu''s
received on yesterday a letter from q
gentleman who lives on the Rappahan-
nock River. AS he states in his communi-
cation. he has hitherto taken no part In
the controversy As to the right OF the
PEOPLES Steamboat Company t. navi-
gate the Rappahannock and make land.
inys at wharyes thereon. Iheconduct OF
the officers of the Caroline, which he de
scribes, Is OF common occurrence, and Ia
one of the contemplate expedients which
the Weems Line management has regu-
larly permitted it's captains, serving on
the Caroline, TO resort To. AZ IN the IN
yestigation into the cause OF the collision
last May near Port Royal, Captain Shen.
ton would no doubt go upon the stand
and swear that he gave the first signals,
when the contrary was abundantly
proven by men OF unimpeachable veraci-
~, who were nearby eye witnesses to
the occurrence, but who. unfortunately,
were not personally known to the In
spectors Captain Shenton might say,
and swee-. that he held his course, and
did not attempt To crowd upon the
Tourists course unnecessarily. His
statement would be as near true az was
his testimony before. Neither would
weigh against the statements OF the
gentlemen who contradict him, 10 any
community, or before any tribunal,
where all the parties were equally well
known.
My correspondent says: This evening
as the steamers Caroline and Tourist
passed the buoy above Saunders Wharf,
the Caroline being in the lead, the lou-
rist blew sigma, and started 10 pass the
Caroline, being the faster boat, when the
Caroline deliberately turned and ran
across the bow of the Tourist. The
Tourist then attempted To pass on the
other side, when the Caroline again ran
across her bow. The Tourist again at.
tempted to pass on the other side, anu
the Caroline again deliberately and with
malice turned square across the DOW OF
the Tourist, and it was only due To- the
prudence and iorbearance OF the officers
of the Tourist that collision Was
avoided.
This species of rowdyism and law less
ness is 80 new TO this section that am
unwilling for it TO continue without en-
tering a vigorous protest against II.
and do not consider any man NJ 10
command steamer who has 50 little
regard for the lives and the decent care
of passengers, especially refined ladies.
The gentleman whose name Il signed
to the letter quoted from above known
throughout the State Of Virginia. lie II
prominent in Tidewater, and were TO
give his name il would settle the ques-
ton ~ 10 the facts OF the occurrence be
narrates a. happening under his personal
observation. For reasons OF his own he
requests that his name BE- not published
now. II necessary he will speak hereafter
aud his word will fall heavily upon those
he condemns as ruilians, towards and
rowdies.
Having in my possession the state
ment quoted. written aud signed. | as
sumo personal responsibility Tor this
publication. My correspondent. being n
gentleman advanced in years. oil large
experience in public az well a. private
affairs. the language be employs il mod
est and moderate. Several Others, men
OF force and prominence, have also ex-
pressed their views OF the habitual con.
| duet OF the make-shiit commanders OF
the Caroline. and their comments would
not mend the character left by my cor
respondent 10 those officers.
Vim d. Carter.