Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-05-22
HAPPENINGS IN ALEXANDRIA
CLOSE OF INQUIRY REGARDING
SINKING OF STEAMER.
Publication Of Findings May Be De-
layed-Rechabites to Entertain.
General and Personal.
Special Correspondence OF The Star.

Special Correspondence OF The Star.
ALEXANDRIA. Va. May %, 1908.
The government investigation of the
sinking of the steamer Trenton. which
was begun yesterday morning at the GUS
ton house in this city by c. w. Wright
and Edwin F. White. United States
steamboat inspector of the Baltimore dis
trict, was closed shortly before noon to-
day with an argument by Luther B.
Dow of Brooklyn. n. Y. who, with. c. L.
Warwick of Baltimore, members of the
Association Of Masters and Pilots. repre-
scented Capt. w. l.. Davis and Mate
Beach. Three minutes were given Mr..
Dow in which to make his argument, and
among other things he said that the sink
ing of the steamer was due to the open
ing of the portfolios by a colored deck
hand, who had admitted he did 1t. and
that no blame could be attached to Capt.
Davis or Mate Beach. In the sinking OF
the boat he said. one life was lost. and
none deplores 1t more than do Capt. Davis
and Mate Beach. He asked the board
for a dismissal of the charge against the
officers.
The board waited this morning until
II 80 O'Clock for Mr. John e. Taylor.
president of the Potomac Navigation
Company. who last night appeared as le-
gal counsel for Engineer I. II. Hewitt. II
being expected that he would have some
additional evidence to submit. Mr.. HeW-
lit. however, told the board that he was
willing to have his case closed, ana II
was so ordered.
A session Of the board was held last
night until 10 O'Clock. and IN all about
ten witnesses were examined.
Following the closing OF the case today
the members of the board departed for
Baltimore 1t was said they will not
proba bly, reach a conclusion soon, owing
to the fact that several other important
cases are pending.
AS previously stated. the. findings will
be reported to Supervising Inspector
General George Uhler. Washington. The
officers are charged with negligence and
inattention in permitting the steamer to
sink.
The board has the power to revoke the
license of the officers, to suspend or to
acquit them. 4 report OF the findings
will be made public by Mr.. Ihler. Off,
GERS of the boat have the right to appeal
from the decision Of the board. should 1t
be necessary in their interest
Society Holds Debate.
At meeting of the Young Mems Senate
last night in the Young Peoples building
of the Methodist Episcopal Church South.
the question as to whether the new mill
tary company. just organized, or the
Alexandria Light Infantry has a right to
use Armory Hall was the subject Of dis
cussion. H. Noel Garner and L. y.
Duffey took the Affirmative side. while
the negative was taken by Wilbert Bag
gett and ]. o. Gillian. BY small vote
those for the affirmative won out
Perseverance Tent No. 1923. Rechabites.
has completed arrangements for enter
tanning the High Tent officers Of North
America at Its hall tonight. 1t is expect
ed that large delegation will be present
including many from Washington. Dur
ing the evening musical and literary
program will be given. .Afterward re-
freshments will be served and during the
evening speeches will be made.
Fifteen of the seventeen delegates
elected by Post r. Travellers Protective
Association to attnd the annual conven-
ton Of the state organization of that
body left last night for Roanoke, Va,