Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1905-07-27
the last body had been deposited in the
trench.
NAVY DEPARTMENT BUSY
Onicera at Their Posts to RENDER Aid
to the BenningtOn victims-Rcar
Admiral Goodrich Has Power
to Investigate.

Washington, July 23-Officcrs of tho
bureau of navigation were at the navy de-
partment today to receive kilograms from
San Diego regarding the Bennington dis
aston and were prepared to meet any
requests that might come from that city,
where many sailors are IN hospitals as
q result of the explosion. Acting Secretary
Of the Navy Darling was at the depart
mcnt today. He has sent to the President
copies OF all kilograms received from
the naval officers at San Diego and
full account of all that the department
has done.
Rear Admiral Goodrich, cominandcr-in-
chief of the Pacific station who is OK
pected to reach San Diego Thursday
has full authority to order such nestiga-
ton as he may deem necessary, either
by n board of officers or by Il court of
inquiry, which will determine what
further action may be necessary. with
his flagship the Chicago. and the Iris at
San Diego. he will have u sufficient
number of officers from which to APP
point an investigating board. 1t Is ex-
pccted that nc will he in constant COM
munication with the department from
tho moment he takes hold at San Diego,
fully advising the officials here of the
steps he may take.
CAPT. DRAKE REPORTS
Following is one of the kilograms re-
ccived by the department from Captain
Drake:
Find Bennington lying easy on mud
bank. gun deck aft awash Mt high watef.
Centrifugal pump lowered water SO as to
recover bodies in fire room. Expect to
plug bottom blow and eventually ship,
stopping minor leaks. VIII ship TO Mare
island per Iris all unnecessary equipment.
ammunition. guns. mounts, except main
battery Board of investigation ordered
to determine extent of damage to hull and
engines. Find all officers and crew doing
noble work. viii require at least two
more watch officers to relieve present ex-
nauston from constant vigil and work.
Officers live on bcar. Crews quarters
not habitahlo, chartered and fed by con-
tract in army barracks adjacent to ship
Working parties on board constantly"
MANY IN SERIOUS CONDITION.
Another telegram from Captain Drake
follows:
Past Assistant Surgeons Peck and
Smith have made inspection of wounded
in hospitals under my orders. Present
condition If many patients serious. Strict
medical attention urgent. Request au-
thority to employ such civilian doctors
las necessity demands under supervision
of Smith, whom I have placed in charge
of the wounded, to purchase such medical
and surgical dressings ase required. Have
visited the wounded in army barracks
Agnews and St. Joseph sanitariums.
Wounded who can he moved will be con-
contracted in army barracks. Serious
cases left in present hospitals until able
To be moved Am at present proceeding
under above conditions us the necessity
demands it,"
The following telegram was sent to
Captain Drake.
You are given full authority to employ
civilian doctors, purchase such medical
supplies as may be necessary and take
any measure IN your discretion for ALE
waiting the suffering of the wounded ana
caring for the dead.
(SrupdD