Daily press. [volume] (Newport News, Va.) 1896-current, 1909-01-24
Transfer Of Passengers.

eI
Transfer Of Passengers.
In the middle of the afternoon the
transfer of passengers to the Flor
ida was made and although the fog
was very dense. unusually calm
weather for this season of the year
in the North Atlantic enabled the
transfer to be made without acct
dent.
! Only human beings were taken in
the life beats which made the pas
| sage between the two vessels, all
baggage being left on board of the
Republic.
| By noon the Baltic and La LOr-
raine were close to the scene of the
collision, but on account Of the dense
fog. were unable to locate the Re-
public although sugmarine bells could
be heard frequently.
Fears Are Ailayed.
| During the forenoon the fears OF
the thousands Of friends of passen-
gers on board. many OF whom had
beseiged the officers of the White
Star Line. we've somewhat allayed
iby the receipt of an assuring mes
| sage from the captain.
| After this came the still more en-
!couraging repcr TT that the Florida had
taken off the passengers without &C
cident.
The Florida is about two thirds the
size ofthe Republic and about four
tyears old
Probably Will be Beached.
| 1t is learned that Captain Sealby
| and his crew are still aboard the
damaged liner which has now drifted
to a point about ten miles south OF
Nantucket light.
| Two revenue cutters are standing
by the Republic and tug is being
| sent to the vessel with the object OF
taking her in tow and beacnlng her.
Captain Still Aboard.
Captain Sealby refused to quit his
vessel and was still standing by.
1t is known that the New York, OF
the American Line. was less than 100
miles from the scene of the collision
at 8 O'Clock.
BY midnight the New York must
have reached point very near the
Nantucket light ship. SO 1t is pre-
sumed that Captain Ransom has call
ed on the American liner for aid.
Passengers Again Transferred.
| Passengers of the White Star
lined Republic. which were taken on
board the steamer Florida, OF the
Loyd-Italiano Line after the COLI
sion early today. southwest of Nam
tucket lightship. when the Republic
received what will probably prove
her death wound. are oeing trans
ferred late tonight to the steamer
Baltic. White Star boat. which was
called to the assistance of her sister
ship by wireless telegraph.
After standing by the Republic for
several hours. Captain Ransom. OF
the Baltic. decided it would be ad-
yisable to take the passengers of the
Florida, and the fog having lifted.
transfer was begun shortly before
midnight.
All Aboard the Baltic.
In addition to the passengers Of the
Il hepuDilC, tUOsc VI TIC TAoahNO ~'~o
will go aboard the Baltic.
The F1oridas passengers number
800, and those OF the Republic 442.
The fact that 1t was deemed advisa.
BILE to take on the passengers Of the
Florida. indicates that the latter
steamer was also seriously damaged
in collidihg with the Republic.
All vessels have drifted eastward
in the last few hours.
Shortly before midnight the Repub'
lie was reported to be about ten miles
south CT the Nantucket light ship
having drifted between 10 and %
miles from the point where the col
lision occurred.
i The Republics length is 3sl feet:
her breadth 4S feet and her draft %
feet
The Republics passengers found
500 returning italians. many Of them
survivors OF the earthquake on board
the Florida. which left Naples on
January Q.
Prompt Work Saves Republic.
The prompt closing Of the keP"o
lies water-tieht compartments. which
kept her af'oat and undoubtedly savei
the lives of many Of those on board
i Later in the afternoon IL was learn
ed from the Baltic that these compart
ments were still holding the vessel
above the water but that, the bulk
heads and compartment doors wers
under a fearful strain and likely te
give way at any moment.
j Message from capt@n.
NEW YORK, Jan. 23.-The White
Star Line officials In this city have
received the following message
| fram can.aio Scalby of the steamc'