The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1910-07-22


NORFOLK. July 22.--It Is unoffi-
cialiy reported at Fortress Monroe that
the explosion Of the big gun there yes
terday resulting in the death of eleven
men. was due to defective safety do
vice and TO improper inspection on
the part of those whose duty it was
to examine such devices before putting
the guns into action.
Fortress Monroe, which yesterday
was gay with anticipation ever an sin-
usual military spectacle. Is now en-
shrouded in deepest gloom. Col. Town
siey today informed the relatives %
those who were killed that he would
await their orders regarding the burial
of the men.
The todies viii be shipped at the ex-
pense Of the Government to the homes
II 1t Is desired. Otherwise they will b
buried at the military cemetery near
by.
Despite the horror OF the accident.
several officers and men who were In
the battery at the time Of the expio-
sion are receiving congratulation to-
day for the heroism they displayed In
going to the rescue OF the injured man.
although they themselves were hurt,
and In prev ting me ignition OF
another charge OF powder. which wae
near the gun awaiting another shot.
Reported for Hsroism.
Colonel Townsley sent the following
official message to the war department.
early today:
In reference to the accident at taE-
get practice the following further par-
ticulars are reported.
Accident due to premature dis
charge OF gun number one. battery De
Russy; breech block blown to rear, dis
charge occurring before rotation OF
block had begun
Captain James Prentice was IN
command Of battery; Lieutenant g. r.
Halves In charge OF smplacement:
Lieutenant G.. L. Van Dusen. tina~
keeper. Discipline at the battery after
accident excellent
Sergeant Brinkley, Corporal HUM
phreys. range setter. and other enlisted
men at gun. although shocked sewers
iy and injured. rendered Immediate AID
under supervision OF officers TO those
who were severely injured or mcrtAlly
wounded.
Lieutenant Van Dusen. struck by -
fragment, which broke his leg. ana
slightly burned by gnsses, supported
| himself on railing OF platform and al
rectsd assistance which was offsred
him to others In the vicinity. some ~
whom were lying helpless with burn-
ing powder In their clothing.
Best Out Firs.
"Liautenant HRwes extinguishe6
with his bare hand burning material
that threatened to ignite second
powder charge which was on its Way
to its emplacement. The safety de-
vices on the guns are intended to ren~s
der an accident OF this kind impossibla.s
The detachment was exceptionally
trained and expert"
It Is probable that special letters "a
commentator for bravery will be -
sued to number Of men whose couxH
age was displayed in the face Of tar
rife outburst OF flames and gAsea- Th4
| unusual heroism OF these men relteB94s
In some slight measure the 0ppreo1to0
which has followed the accident
As . result OF the cAtaatrop6oeS
which Ia ascribed by ordnAnce Axper&e
to be q defect In the safety device oks
the firing mechanism dssigned ~ No.
vent the discharge Of the gnn untal1
1t liz raised above the parapet m im-S
vestigation Of the condition 0G THU
device on all guns In the coast arttEs
| iery>@ furtifiuxtfuh viii probxbly Um
| made. In no other way can the Go
cident be explained. Mn
Tell No Takes.
1t IL impossible 10 teil from ~
gun In Wntch tn6 oxpiosi0n QccukxNMs
whether this device Wa In prop&9
working condition The firing nAeen@
anism was demolished ~ the sxp
zion. the breech block was hurl44
rs yards to the rear. and tn 0d9lxs
men who could have told NAe4A44
the device was working are deAds I'D
The fact that this WAS the nrut lQMl
, tn the gun eliminates the pnnlt
OF tho explosion having been cameo
by a fragment OF burning pOwd@x -
| or hot gases still reInsaning IN
| chambsr--ths usual condittcsI 1
| vaiiins In the case ok = ss6aro hne N K
Immediately after thei acc41mk NJ y
nance, experts of tho nr1nx. WA6 II
| pened 10 DO NJ tlis kor1Fe4o
| thorough inyssttoas ion Qe ~! lI n
II eno 60 4 Waa I'm ~ y