The San Francisco call., 1909-12-04
FIREMAN MAY
NAME CAUSE OF
ST. CROIX FIRE
Inspectors Decide TO Reopen In
quiry After Receiving Notice
of New Evidence
Attorney Offers to Produce For
mer EmpIOye on Vessel and
End Mystery

The Investigation into the burning of
the Schubach- Hamilton steamer ST.
Croix formally closed yesterday after
noon, is to be reopened today and
searching inquiry, based on evidence
that came 10 the knowledge of the
federal inspectors after yesterdays
session ended. viii be made into the
cause of the FIRE that destroyed the
vessel. This has remained mystery
through days of testimony and the
sudden decision to prosecute the in
vestigation afresh has caused SEN
sation in shipping circle.
When Q. F. BoIle and John X. Bulger,
the inspectors Of hulIs and boilers. re-
turned to their Offices after closing the
case they were surprised 20 find letter
awaiting them from Attorney Henry B.
Lister. in which lIe stated that a client
of his, q former fireman on the St
Crfoix. was certain he could clear up
The fire mystery. In the letter Lister
decline dto give the mans name, but it
was learned privately and subpenas
were issued for both attorney and
client to appear before the inspectors
this morning at 10 O'Clock
MORE WITNESSES APPEAR
Several passengers and a pantry boy
also appeared TO testify after the in
NestgaIion had closed and this
strengthened the inspectors decision 10
reopen the case.
Charles +. Lowe, chief engineer of
The St Croix, vas recalled TO the wit
was brief. explaining few miaor
points that arose after he first testi-
ned. lie said he started the fire pumps
at 1910 O'Clock and from a tap on the
pipe line knew that water was being
forced through the fire nose. Lowe
denied having gone to Captain Fred
warmers room twice TO notify him
that the ship was on FIRE. Lowe was
unable 10 account for the fire contend
ing that the officers and crew did all
ln their power 10 eNtinguish the flames.
He said that after the fire gained head
way II was impossible TO put it out. as
the st. Croix was wooden vessel
painted with enamel paint and var
nished.
NATE CoNTRADICTS WITNESS
First Officer Frank Mills contradicted
the statement made by \. Cummings
a passenger that he was drunk and
was throwing water on the fire all
the time, the stream being so strong
that he had to hold the nozzle between
his knees.
The possibility of the fire having
caught from the wireless spar was
thoroughly gone into. It was said
that the wireless plant was too far
from the place where the fire starte
10 have and direct connection. The
mate testified that no message was
sent because the dynamo blew out
shortly after the fire was discovered
and the water thrown into the hold of
the vessel caused short circuit.
CAPTAIN SAVED PAPERS
In an anonymous letter Captain
Warner had been accused of bringing
them al Santa Monica This he de-
MED on the witness stand, explain
ing that he had q few Of the ships
he gave to a woman, and his sextant,
OF the officers and he afterwards
found on the beach where they landed.
According TO Captain Warner the
Purser did not save the money that
was in the safe.
Captain Warner said the vessel was
worth $4,000 and was insured for
$lT5.000.
Edwin 1. Woods. secretary of the
marine insurance underwriters, said
Yesterday that no action rega riding the
St Croix had been decided on by his
board.