Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1904-07-20
THE DROWNING OF LEE
Inquiry Into the Circum-
stances Today.
A CORONER'S INQUEST
MANY WITNESSES GAVE TESTI-
MoNY AS TO THE ACCIDENT.
INSPECTORS Tell of Regulations as to
Lights-Evidence of Those on
the Dinkey and Yacht.

LlgntS-EVlucuCc VI AhoSo VA
the Dinkey and Yacht.
More than ordinary interest was SHOWN
in the inquest which was held al the
morgue today to pass upon the death Oh
Edward G.. Lee. the paperhanger, VINO was
aboard the naphtha tender of the pleasure
yacht Mist when the small craft was
struck by the steamer Harry Randall sun
day night. The hearing was held IN 'he
room set apart for such Investigations, ana
there was large attendance OF spectators
Some of them were friends of the deceased
and members of the Capital Yacht Club.
owners of the boat in which Lee was rid
ing at the time of the accident. Others
were attracted there through curiosity
" lille many river men were in attendance
to listen to what might be said concern
ing the nautical laws and the question OF
what kind of craft has the right of way
and the lights they should carry. Coroner
hewitt announced yesterday that he wanted
the fullest investigation possible made of
the affair. and. with this object in view. he
asked the Department of Commerce and
Labor to furnish what testimony they
could which would be of assistance to the
jury in reaching a sensible conclusion. Two
the expenses of their attendance will be
betrayed from the personal funds of the
coroner.
Hearing Held Under Difficulties.
The hearing was held under condi-
tons which rendered the taking of testi-
mony rather difficult and which gave the
jurymen some trouble in hearing. There
is perhaps other section of the city in
which 50 much noise is made as the section
where the morgue Is located. Occasional
ly the voice of a witness would be drowned
by the blowing of the whistle of a pass
ing steamer. In addition to these noises,
street car bells on three lines of cars and
the constant moving of vehicles caused a
condition which was calulated to make
the work of conducting the investigation
burden and detrdct from the solemnity OF
such an occasion. The six members of the
Jury went to the house OF the parents OF
the deceased. joS 18th street southwest,
and viewed the body. 1t was while stand
ing about the casket that they were told
of the death of the young man and were
sworn TO inquire into the facts surround
ing his sudden taking off and render true
verdict according to the testimony
Capt. F. S. Randall. president of the RAN
dali line of steamers, was an interested
spectator. Attorneys Brandenburg * Bran
denburg were in attendance as the legal
representatives of the widow of the vic
tim of the accident. while Attorney John
F. Taylor. secretary of the. Capital Yacht
Club. was on hand looking after the inter-
ests of the club and owner of the tender
The hearing was not concluded when this
report closed.
Went Over the Course.
Before the taking of testimony was be-
gun the coroner, deputy coroner and jurors
were taken on the police boat over the
course followed by the steamers Pentz and
Randall Sunday night. Coroner hewitt took
his position in the pilot house and pointed
out the places of interest to the Jury He
explained how the steamers are in the
hdbit OF coming into the slips from near
the arsenal under one bell and how it is
necessary for them to make turns from
the channel in order to reach the wharves
Then the party visited the Randall wharf
at the foot OF Sth street and the jurors
were shown the position of the pilot house
on the steamer Harry Randall. They were
also shown the wreck of the little naphtha
launch on which Lee was riding at the
time the collision occurred. Russell Dean.
plot or the police boat, pointed out the spot
opposite the power house of the CAPITAL
Traction line where the body OF Lee was
found.
The witnesses were excluded from the
room Capt. Randalrs request that Capt
Barker be permitted to remain In the room
was refused. Deputy Coroner Glazebrook
the hrst witness examined. told of the re-
suit of the autopsy He told of bruises on
the left arm and hip of the deceased and
OF the cut over the right eye There was
no fracture of the skull His death, the
witness stated. was due to drowning.
Inspector Wright's Testimony.
Charles w. Wright. 423 Hanover street,
Baltimore. United States local inspector of
hulis of steam vessels. testified that he was
present by direction of the Department OF
Commerce and Labor. Witness presented
copy of rules concerning the carrying of
IA
graph to show that the words steam yes
sells and steamers meant any vessel pro-
PEELED by machinery.
DR.. hewitt then asked the witness to in
form the jury of the laws governing lights
ON vessels. more particularly about the
boats entering port.
The witness stated that the accident will
be Investigated by the inspectors and he
preferred not to state any opinion or saw
anything which would have any bearing
upon the subsequent investigation that is
to he made.
Coroner hewitt explained to the witness
that he would have to require him to an
swer any question which might have q
bearing upon the case under investigation
Then. said the inspector. you would
better ask specific questions"
Witness then explained how steamboats,
make landings and told of the precautions
that are necessary. He explained that q
lookout is required in the day and lights
at night.
4He might VI way.
HAS a steamer the right of way over a
sailing vessel or small craft?" the coroner
asked.
"A sailing vessel" he answered general
~ has the right of way"
Asked about what effect the towing of a
sailing vessel would have. the witness said
the answer might involve an opinion. He
explained that a towing steamer shall have
certain lights The vessel that is being
lowed is required TO have a green light on
the starboard side and red light on the port
SIDE. and the lights TO be arranged IN
the manner prescribed in the regula tons.
Witness said he knew OF no law or rule
that will permit a motor boat to navigate
without light. Motor boats of fifteeI
tons or more are required to have certain
officers in charge and also have to be Ia
spected. Boats under fifteen tons do no
come within the provisions of this law
The lookout on boats. he stated. is required
to be near the bow Of the vessel at a pla {,
ether than the pilot house The use of
searchlight in entering port Is not required
by law. but is optional with the owners
The only thing he knew bearing uDOI