New-York tribune., 1906-04-15
SEVEN KILLED ON KEARSARGE
Explosion in Forward l3-Inch Gun Turet Fatal to
Two Officers and Five Sailors.
CAUSE OF DISASTER NOT YET KNOWN
Occurring After Target Practice, Endangered 40 MnPowdr
Hoist from Magazine qnted

different from that in the case of the Kearsarge,
for the Missouri turret breechblock was swung
open before the burning powder gases had es-
capped resulting in the ignition of the powder
in the turret- The ordnance officers were quick
guard against a repetition of an accident of
that kind by fitting the big turret guns In
the battleship with automatic spraying devices
and air blasts. which made it impossible TO have
a bareback"
Lieutenant Graeme. who was mentioned an
being in a very critical state at the time the
dispatch was sent, did not belong the COM
pany of the kearsarge. He attached 10 the
Maryland and was aboard the Kearsarge as an
umpire, TO check off and record the performs
ance of the Sunners. a necessary function in
view OF the keen spirit OF rivalry between tbs.
crews of the big battleships in the matter OF
efficiency at target practice.
Naval regulations prescribe exactly what is
10 be done in case Of an accident of this kind.
The admiral in command orders Immediately a
court of inquiry TO ascertain the cause of the
accident and place the responsibility therefor,
and martial will follow If any one 10
found at fault
The Kearsarge. while not one of the latest Is
regarded one Of the best battleships in tho
American fleet. She is commanded by Captain
WnsIow. is of 11.520 tons displacement, 375
feet in length. - feet in breadth and 23i. feet
in draft. with a speed record of 1852 knots
and battery of twenty-five guns four inches
and more in calibre and thrty-four guns below
that size. She was launched in 1898 and COM
missioned in 1900.
THE OFFICERS RECORDS.
Lieutenant John NJ. Hudgins the only officer
who lost his life by the explosion. was a native
of Virginia and appointed to the Naval
Academy from that state on September S. 1890
He was assigned to the engineer corps on leav-
ing the academy in 1894 because Of his partic-
uIar aptitude for engineering and his mechanical
skill He took an especial interest I'm the sub
ject OF wireless telegraphy. and became expert
in that line He Was personally Identified with
the development of the wireless system as now
in use by the navy. having been attached to the
bureau OF equipment during the experiments
and inauguration Of the system.
After a short service in 1895 he was sent 10
London for A special course of instruction and
while in that city was attached 10 the Aneri-
can Embassy. Since then he has served re-
spectIvelv on the New Orleans. the Glacier. the
Manila and the Petrol. and in October 1898
began his service on the Kearsarge. He reached
the grade of lieutenant in September. 1901. Lieu
tenant Fiudeinss wife lives with her parents in
this city.
Lieutenant Craer1e was appointed 10 the Ma
val Academy from Pennsylvania on September
s 1S93 He served at the Washington Navy
Ward from November 10 1902. until April II.
1905 when he was assigned 10 the cruiser Mary"
land He is a son of Thomas Graeme, OF Wilkes
Barre. Penn. He is married and his wife, ac-
cor,Ifn. 10 the departments information, is with
his father.
MESSAGE To VICTIMS KIN.
Following is a copy OF the telegraphic message
sent TO the next of kin OF each of the victims
of the disaster:
The department regrets 20 inform you tnstG
- died from results Of injuries caused Oy an
explOsion of powder on the I. : :. kearSargo
on the afternoon of April IS His body has been
buried at Guantanamo. You have the slncere
sympathy of the department
The names of the victims. besides the officers,
with their rank homes and next OF kin. follow:
THE DEAD.
EORTFRC Peter gnner's rata third class: houle Se~
YORK city; Of kin. Margaret Noroers. mother,
Sar.lsvaIL sweden.
NAEGELY. theodore. seaman: home. Elizabeth n u
Of kin. Louis Graf guardian No se4 Elza0e't
TFORsON Anton CLAUS. ordinary seamaui home. New
York CITY of kin. Elias rhorson Iather WyokotS
avenue. Broadway BROOKLYN y Y
home Chicago; OF kin, John Peterson uncle, No
$40 Was: Huron street. Chicago
ATTIEY. Ellis Homer seaman; home. Pa-ksrsnu7st
" Va: next OF kin ". L Athey father No 7oGo
21st street. Parkersburg ". Va
pANGEROUsIY INJURED.
KING William ordinary seaman: Applenton City.
No. next kin. Mrs. Alice Cox. Applenton CITY Mo-