New-York tribune., 1905-07-25
A BENNINGTON INQUIRY.
Mr. Bonaparte Says Disaster VII
Be Thoroughly Investigated.

Washington. July 24-Secretary Bonaparte re-
turned to the Navy Department to-day and
made the following statement regarding the
Bennington disaster:
The public may rest assured that this die
tressing affair will be most thoroughly tnvesti-
gated and that whatever action the results OF
this investigation may show TO be proper viii
be taken by the department promptly and ef-
fectually.
Beyond this can say nothing at present, be-
cause as yet the material facts are but very i'm
perfectly understood deprecate the puhlica-
tion OF conjectures or speculations as 70 the
possible cause of the disaster. But think this
department may reasonably ask OF an lnduigent
public that IL be trusted TO do what Is needed
under the circumstances hereafter shown 10
have existed. whether as a matter OF justice
toward individuals or of precaution against sim
liar rlisfortunes in the future.
Mr. BOnaparte held a long conference with
Assistant Secretary Darling, and found that
everything possible had been done p alleviate
the suferings of the wounded and properly care
for the dead. we'll to lay the foundation
for an investigation Of the explosion. When ad-
vised that Rear Admiral Goodrich had been or
dered to San Diego Secretary Bonaparte asked
as to the number Of officers available on the ad
uairaPs arrival from whom proper investigat-
ing body could be convened He was assured
that with the officers on the ground and those
on the flagship Chicago and the supply ship Iris
there will be ample material for board or for
a court of inquiry. The Secretary expects a
most thorough investigation.
When Admiral Goodrich reaches San Diego
all the facts developed pending his arrival will
be reported to him. and it is expected that the
board OF investigation which Captain Drake or
dered to determine the extent Of damage TO the
hull and engines also will report the results OF
the investigation TO the admiral. Admiral Good
rich can then determine the steps TO be taken.
but it was made manifest to-day that Mr.. Bona
parte expects the inquiry to be exhaustive. and
such as will develop every possible fact 1t was
suggested at the department to-day thai some OF
the steam engineering records of the Bennington
may have been destroyed when the sSip was
blown UP. The quarterly report covering -he Pc
riod from March 80 to June 80 had not been re-
ceived at the bureau of steam engineering up to
the hour of closing to-day. II is possible that
the mailing of the report may have been delayed
and that it was aboard the ship at the tine Of
the explosion
The department to-day telegraphed to Cap
tain Drake for list Of the survivors. This was
done because of the numerous inquiries which
have come from relatives Of the sailors who have
not been reported among the dead or injured
The department has directed that report be
sent daily from San Diego.
MESSAGES OF CoNDoLENCE
Admiral Dewey to-day received from Vice Ad-
nniraI Lord Charles Beresford. commanding the
British Mediterranean fleet stationed at Glib
raltar the following message of condolences;
Admirals captains. officers aand ships COM
panies Of British Mediterranean feet send warm
with United States navy and nation
in terrible calamity to Bennington
CHARLES BERESFORD-
Admiral Dewey's reply follows:
Deeply grateful 20 you and adnirals. captains.
officers and men OF your feet for sympathy over
loss Of life in Bennington disaster.
The following expression came to Assistant
Secretary Darling from Bennington. Vt.
In behalf Of the citizens Of Bennington.
tender you heartfelt sympathy and sorrow for
the suffering and death caused by the grievoUs
disaster 70 the good ship Bennington, named
after this old historic town. manned by heroic
souls, whose fOrtitude and bravery have just been
so fully shown. We have always regarded this
gallant ship with more than ordinary interest.
and this terrible misfortune calls forth deep
pressions OF sorrow, coincidence and sympathy
A J. COOPER,
President Of Bennington Village.
Mr.. Darling's reply follows
In behalf of the sufferers and the friends OF
those who died in the terrible accident the
United States gunboat Bennington I wish