The Mena weekly star., 1907-08-01
REACH OREGON 1T LAST ].
Steamer Elder Arrives at Astoria With Survivors of the Ill.,
 Fated Columbia.
MISSING RAfTS AND BOATS NOT SIGHTED
boats on Voyage from Eureka Hundreds of People Waited on Docks All Night to Greet Their Loved Ones.

AstOrla, ore, July Zo.-All nlgnt long an eager throng waited on the docks for the arrival of the steamer George W. Elder, which had on board many of the survivors of the ill-fated Columbia, which was sunk in a col lision with the steam schooner San Pedro near Shelter Cove, Cal, early Sunday morning. Hundreds of peo- pie, relatives and friends of the surviv- OTIS, came from Portland and various towns in Oregon and Washington to greet their loved ones. Patiently they waited on the docks throughout the night, huddled in groups, their faces illumined with happiness and chatting happily of the reunion of the morrow.
 The scene, however, was not with out it's sorrow. Here and there an expectant wife, loving father, brother or a sister, hoping against hope, sat huddled and disconsolate. They were awaiting news of the miss ing, perhaps of the dead. It was the presence of the bereaved that held the throngs in check and here and there some man or woman more thoughtful of the rest, endeavored to console the poor folk whose eyes scanned the sea so anxiously for a glimpse of the Elder,
 At last the lookout at Hammond telephoned in that the Elder was off the bar and at 4:45 o'clock another message came that the Elder was almost inside. A great cheer greeted the news and the watchers began to pace up and down the pier, nervously scanning the harbor to catch 8 glimpse of the steamer. When at last the Elder finally was discerned in the glow of the early morning there was cheer after cheer. Hundreds of people from all parts of the city weee added to the expectant crowds. Long before the Elder was within earshot people on the docks began fusillade of questions, but it was useless.
 It was not long, however before people on the dock recognized, or thought they could recognize, their loved ones and the excitement grew more tense and demon ttratiye.
 The scene on the Elder was per haps more animated. Crowds of eager people were gathered on the decks and a long row of happy faces shown over the rail Hats were waved and the cheers of the rescued mingled with the watchers on shore.
 Shouts of greeting went back and forth as the Elder came to her dock and cries of How are you?" and Are you all right?" and punctuated now then with the cry of mother or father appealing for news of loved ones
 There were pitiful scenes when it was learned that the Elder had picked up none of the Columbia's lifeboats or rafts. All hope had departed for some and they slipped away from the merrymakers to hide their sorrow as best they might It was only too true best they might. It was only too true the Elder had not sighted any of the missing rafts or boats and had picked up none of the victims after leaving Eureka.
 As the gang plank of the Elder was swung out upon the dock there was mad rush to get on board the vessel, but Captain lessen, reluctant as he was to restrain the union of his pas sengers and friends and relatives on shore. was obliged to maintain discip- line. When all was ready, the suryiv- ors were permitted to go ashore. II was curious crowd that thronged down the gangplank. Attired in all sorts of misfit garments, the passen- gers presented an odd appearance, There were some who had fitted out in Eureka, but it was not difficult to recognize the survivors of the Colum- l bia disaster The scene upon the dock was almost beyond words. Every possible demonstration of joy was spent and the hugging and kissing continued for many minutes. Some | few were overcome by the excitement | of the meeting and some women faint | ed but were soon revived. Some of the rescued were carried off their feet by friends. They were taken care | of by others and made welcome by the good people of Astoria. Flowers were distributed and hot coffee and other good things were there for those who needed them.
 The Cof.tr,hfa nisasfer