The daily morning journal and courier., 1907-05-13
CAPTAIN KRECH.
Commander of the "Graf Waldersee"
 Dies at Sea.

A wireless message received at the New York office of the Hamburg Am erican line contained the sad news that Capt Adalbert Krech commanding the steamship Graf Waldersee," died at sea of pneumonia aboard his vessel when the steamer was about 1000 miles from New York. By the demise of Capt. Krech the company has lost one of its oldest and most capable officers, who, during his long and faithful ser- vice not only won the respect of his superiors, but was respected and be- loved by all his subordnates. He was one of the leading figures in the Ger man merchant marine and his popu- larity among passengers was widely known and commented upon.
 Through his inimitable humor and good nature, coupled with sharp native wit, Capt. Krech was always the cen ter of attraction of all social gather- ings, and his talent as story teller, sometimes with tales that savored of Munchausen, and that held his listen- CTS spellbound, established himself in the hearts of many friends. Typical is a scene that was recently enacted at the general offices of the Hamburg American line in Hamburg. Capt. Krech called upon General Director BaIlin and said: Herr Ballin, have heard that we are to have two new steamers, so large that 1t will be pos sible to walk over to America" 'Do not worry about it." Herr Ballin re- joined, you probably want one of the new steamers, eh?" Why, yes, glad ly," returned the captain, and the mat ter was settled then and there. This trip of the Graf Waldersee" on which he found his untimely death, would have been the last on that steamer pre- vious to the transfer to one of the new steamers now building, as his advance ment would have necessitated his pres ence in Hamburg until ready to assume command of the new steamer.
 Capt. Kreoh was born in March lS5S in Berlin and studied at the Fried rich gymnasium, at which his father was director. After receiving his di- ploma, his inclinations for the sea caused him to ship on a Hamburg sail ing vessel. After having completed his military. service in the navy at Kiel he made voyage to Iceland as cap tain of German schooner. After hay ing passed the examinations in Ham burg as mate and captain, he entered the service of the Hamburg American line on March IA, 1883, as fourth officer On January 1st, 1891. he was advanced to the rank of captain in which capa- city he has commanded the following vessels: "Askania," "Hungaria, Gal divia" on her South Pole expedition .'Kobra." "Alesia," columbia" Blu cher" and Graf Waldersee." He was married twice and leaves a widow and two sons one of whom is an officer ant the other lawyer. The deceased was honored with the Royal Prussian order of the Red Eagle, " class; the IInight-C Cross of the Roumanian crown the Turkish Medjidje order, " class a large gold medal from tho Roya . Scottish Geographical society; golt medal from the German emperor fol reseuing ship-wrecked sailors; a low. ing cup from President Cleveland; 2 diploma of honor for rescuing ship. wrecked sailors; the Japanese meda for life-saving and the China Nemoria medal
 His body will be returned to Germany for burial,