The Hawaiian gazette. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu, Hawaii]) 1865-1918, 1906-09-18
THE MONGOLIA AGROUND ON MIDWAY


MIDWAY, Sept. Io.-The Pa
cific Mail Steamship Mongolia
made Midway about 9 p. m. Sat.
urday.
She came a little too close &c
the reef and grounded on it,
outer edge.
Part of the cargo was jetti.
soned.
The passengers were landed
today. All are in good health and
spirits.
There was no panic or excite.
ment on board.
This, Sunday, evening the
Mongolia is still fast.
The weather is fine and calm
If these conditions continue,
there is a good chance of getting
the Mongolia off.
There are about $50 passen-
gers, including the steerage.
About 9 O'Clock yesterday morning
the Pacific Mail steamship Mongolia,
sister ship of the Manchuria, and com
manded by Captain w. S. Porter, went
aground on the west shore of Midway
Island, and is still hanging upon the
coral reef, leaking and in critical
position.
The passengers were landed yester-
day afternoon upon the island, safely,
but to meet the exigencies of trying
situation steamers will leave Honolulu
for the scene at once, carrying provi-
sions and other comforts.
Captain Metcalf who successfully
f1oated the Manchuria off the reef at
Waimanalo Bay yesterday, will proceed
to Midway on Wednesday aboard the
cable steamer Restorer and direct oper-
atoms looking to the floating of the
big liner. He will be accompanied by
divers, Triggers, boiler men and machin-
lists, together with the gear that he
has used on the Manchuria. The Unit
ed States tug Iroquois, Captain Carter,
u. s. ~, commanding, will leave for
Midway tomorrow.
MONGOLIA IS ALEAK.
Captain Mctcalf, in the presence of
w. F. Pfotenhauer, F. w. Klebahn and
T.. Duisenberg at the Offices of II. Hack
field G. Co., Pacific Mail agents, made
the following statement last night:
'The Mongolia struck the outer edge
of the reef on the western coast of
Midway, and is drawing IS feet of
water forward in her present position,
and has deep water aft. She was draw
ing 25 feet forward before she struck.
Apparently, from what can
gather, the Mongolia is making water.
provisions have no doubt been
landed from the vessel.
"There are about 600 people ashore
at Midway from the Mongolia to be
accommodated. $500
"The cable steamer will leave for
Midway on Wednesday, coalfng and
provisioning meantime, and VIII carry
myself and assistants. She will alsb
carry provisions for the passengers. to-
gether with my pumps and gear that
/ used on the Manchuria."
METCALF is HOPEFUL.
That Captain Metcalf is hopeful for
the Mongolia, is evidenced by the op-
timistic manner in which he has re-
viewed the Mongolia Is situation.
"We will get over there as soon
as we can, and If everything goes well
we will have her off the reef in short
order. OF course, it Largely depends
on the state of the weather, which is
rather uncertain about Midway"
BUFORD MAY GO.
There is prospect that the United
States army transport Buford, now
lying at the Naval wharf, may be
offered by the United States Govern
ment for the purpose of bringing away
the passengers from Midway and land
ing them at Honolulu. The vessel came
to Honolulu from Seattle recently to
from the transport Sheridan lying
wrecked at Barber's Point, Oahu.
Messrs. H. Hackfeld & Co. take a
rosy view of this prospect and believe
hat Uncle Sam will see the necessity
'or lending a vessel SO well equipped
'Or carrying out this humane plan.
When 1t is understood that Midway
Island Is only sand islet, but few
'eet above the sea level, and with house
for the small cable staff
,nly and help-even the United States
marines there living in tents-some idea
nay be gained as to the manner in
which the passengers from the wreck
ID steamer are to be cared for. 1t Is
that bedding has been sent |
shore from the Mongolia. However,
will be dreary place on which I
o be wrecked. on account OF the utter
ack of accommodations.
The cable station has refrigerator
liant where supplies for six months are
;ep,. This plant supplies the colony
With fresh water. ice and frozen meats.
nut naturally the supplies will run
own low with so many hundreds OF
eople living there.
iSs,SasS aSaSMSsSsSssS