The Cairo bulletin., 1909-01-26

New York, Jan 25.-Less than
seventytwo hours after the crash
between the Republic and the FLOR
ida which eventually sent one to
the bottom and reduced the other 70
a state of staggering helplessness,
the survivors of this thrilling deep
sea tragedy have found haven at
last.
At nightfal tonight, 1850 passen-
gers from the vessels were safe in
this port, brought here by the Baltic
while nearing II were the rescued
officers and crew Of the Republic
-safe. on board the direclect destroyer
Seneca.
Al her dock in brooklyn was the
battered Florida, aboar of which
her crew had remained throughout
the trying experiences,
In 80 Fathoms.
Only the ill-fated Republic was
warting TO complete the list. And
she too, was in port-her last port
of call. what will doubtless prove
her final resting place beneath IS
fathoms of water fifteen miles south
of Nantucket lighlship.
No argosy of olden days, bringing
golden treasure home, was ever
more heartily welcomed than tie
Baltic today. Fren2ied cheers from
thousands at the pier when sne
docked greeted her arrival, tears oil
thaukfuness were shed. aifcctionate
greetings were exchanged and only
here and there did notes of sadness
intrude itself upon the scene. Follow
ing the Baltic up the harDor was the
Florida. battered almost to the sink
ing point herself by force of the
blew she dealt the Republic, and
bearing the bodies Of her own thre
dead. and the injured members o
her crew.
with the work of rescue practic
ally finished attention was turned
to oudoavors TO laern definitely u
rossible how the vessels had come
10 crash into each other.
Two Versions Advanced.
There are two versions of whai
happened on the bridge of the Flor
ida when the Republic loomei mp l.
front of her through the fog. Little
could be learned from Capt Rospin
tonight.
According to others something
went wrong with the Florida's steer
ing wheel when the collision wa'
imminent One story had It that
ouartermastcr had the wheel whel
tho commander yelled for 1t to h'
iammed to starboard. He put 1t Il
mort instead and the liners crashe'
into each other
Captain Felled Helmsman.
Another version Is that the MAJ
drcpped his wheel In panic WheI
danger impended Both version
agree in saving taat the commando
fallea the quartermaster with al
iron spike following what he mus
have considered seaman
Tecreancy. An injured quartermaste
from the Florida was brought 4
mort on the Baltic today. He stoutl
asserted that he was not at th
wheel when the accident occurred.
tufHHE blllld IfttaiFN AtANA w
ouartermaster stuck 20 MS post M
iii the crash came. and was throw
from the wheel by the shock Of tn
collision. He denied that the helms
man hal been feIlei by the captain
Probably not until both the con
matders have made their formi
statement will the actual facts b
known.
Praise For Cant. Sesiby.
ONLY praise for the bravery
Cartain Sealby. of the Republic.
heard and warm words 81 CONNER
gation for the officers and men
The FloriIa are spoken
when the Florida passed. up U
hsri,or late today she looked ever
hit the part OF the ocean batieTin
ram she PLAYED.
Her bows we're crrmbled up froi
tie impact. the plates and team
heinz bueEied and twisted fully thi
E.. anrulaH Irr