New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1912-10-02
Lieutenant Donald P. Morrison
and Two Men Victims of
Explosion in Speed Test
Off Newport.
SIX OTHERS ARE INJURED
Forward End of Port Turbine
and It's Steam Chest Blow Out
Grew Braves Danger
to Rescue Wounded
from Engine Room.

Nevport. r. l.. oct. 1.-The explosion
OF the forward end of the port turbine
together with the steam chest on the
torpedo boat destroyer Wake, off
Brenton's Reef Lightship. to- lay in
stantly killed Lieutenant Donald +.
Morrison, the chief engineer officer, an3
wounded eight others, two Of whom,
J. w. Rumpf and II. l.. Wilder. both
machinist's mates Of the first class.
died tonight on board the hospital
ship Solace
T. B. Crawford, gunner's mate Of the
destroyer Patterson. one of The UNI
pires named to watch the speed tests Of
the Wake. and John Delaney, first
class fireman Of the Wake, were said
TO be in a critical condition tonight.
Others injured are:
Lieutenant Robert L. Montgomery, of
the destroyer Tanning, and umpire OF
the speed tests d. S. Kelly, chief ma
chinist's mate; w. L. Kraus, oiler, and
F. B. Conway, oiler.
The explosion came just as the Wake
started on a full speed contest in COM
pany with other destroyers Of The third
group. A heavy southerly gale was
blowing and the sea was rough. so that
when the Wakes sister ship, the Per
kins, came up in answer to call for
help II was necessary for the Wakes
crew TO pour oil on the water before a
small boat could venture alongside.
Crew Rescue Comrades.
The discipline of the crew Is said to
have been perfect. and their conduct In
leaping down into the steam-filled en-
gine room to carry out their wounded
comrades brought the highest praise
from their superiors Lieutenant
Charles T.. Train. the commanding OFF,
Ger. on the bridge at the time of the ex-
plosion, handled the situation in a way
70 gain personal commendation from
Rear Admiral Hugo Osterhaus, COM
mander Of the Atlantic fleet. who
boarded the destroyer later.
A board Of inquest held on board the
Wake found that her port turbine was
DESTROYED. She came into the harbOr
under her own steam, and Will go to
the New York Navy Yard for repairs
II is believed she will he able to take
part in the great naval review in New
York this month.
The Wake was driving ahead
through the heavy seas with the full
power Of her engines when Lieuten-
ant Train, on the bridge. heard a
muffled roar and felt the destroyer
culver beneath his feet. At once her
speed slackened and she began to roll
heavily. while steam poured up the
hatchways in volumes.
Everybody on board knew instantly
what had happened. Somebody, with
out awaiting an order had turned off
the steam in both engine rooms, while
on deck Lieutenant Train. with his
ship for the moment unmanageable,
gave the command that started the
rescuers at work. All warships In the
American navy have a plentiful supply
Of oil and blankets for just such acci-
dents as this. and Lieutenant Louis
F. Thibault quickly headed the crew
in bringing out this equipment.
Wounded Rolled in Blankets.
Blankets were soaked with the sooth-
ing liquid and the rescuers went down
into the scalding, suffocating atmos-
phere. They located the explosion VIC
tims sprawled about the forward part
Of tbs snSine room. Rolling their ship
Continued on second page, seventh column