New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1913-05-09
MAJESTIC IN WITH
CHIEF OFFICER A HERO
Passengers Cheer David Blair,
Who RiSked Life in Fog
to Save Fireman.
OWED IN MID0CEAN
Women Weep as Gallant Sailor
and Man for Whom He
Jumped Are Helped
Over Side.

There ne rs now off YOUR starbuard
bow. Captain Kclk I think he's sinking "
Having shouted these words 10 the mas
ter Of the White Star liner Majestic, AZ
1910 A. m. Tue sday. David Blair, chief
officer. pulled of his trousers and coat
and dived into the Atlantic The Majestic
was then about eight hundred miles east
Of Sandy Hook. and the water was as
cold as when the Titanic victims persisted
I'm tina, vicinity year ago.
William Kcoun. fireman. crazcd by
the heat OF the stoke hole had jumped
overheard and Blair plunged from the
promenade deck. "A height of fort. feet. 10
save him.
Everybody on board except Blair him
self. wanted to tell about the rescue yes
to-day. and Captain I<clk said he felt
mighty proud OF his chief Officer.
Kcoun lost his wife month ago, and
brooded over her death. Worry. aug
mented by the heat OF tho freroom. af-
fected his mind temporarily. and on Tues
day he ran up TO the main deck and
jumped.
Sought Victim in Mist.
Hardly had his body hit the surface
when the cry Of Man overheard. rang
throughout the ship. Captain kclk
stopped his engines. and soon had his
propellers turning fun speed astorn, but
for all mis- promptness the Majcstic's
momentum had carried her n half-mle
ahead. Everybody rushed to the star
board side. Passengers and crew alike
poercd into a hay atmosphere in the
hope Of seeing the fireman
Captain kelk put the liner astern over
the same course he had come. dropping
= few hundred feet Ia the south TO avoid
hitting the fireman with the propellers
The starboard emergency lifeboat was
ready with men 10 be dropped the mo-
mcnt the fireman was sighted.
Mr. Blair. who had been reused from
sleep by the cry Of Man overheard"
pulled his trousers oyer his pajamas and
grasping his binoculars rushed forward to
a place on the promenade deck just under
the bridge lie never took his eyes from
the sea until he shouted to the skipper
that he saw the helpless fireman.
The passengers said Blair made perfect
dive. When he came To the surface he
looked to the bridge. and seeing Kelk
pointing in the direction Of the fireman.
got his bearings and struck out for the
man he could not then sec.
once nc got a glimpse Of the uncon-
scious Keoun as tho fireman was tossed
IN on a wave. but patch of fog onvel-
oped him. and from that time untl he
himself was rescued Blair saw nothing
but sea and mist
Thoueht Of Fireman First.
He Kept bravcly on. with nothing to
guide him. until the lifeboat came by in
search Of the fireman. Those in the boat
called TO Blair TO climb in. but he shouted.
I'm all right. Get that fireman first lie
should be somewhere about here
Presently the fog patch passed and the
rcscuers saw keoun floating face down
ward. lie was hauled in. not moment
too soon. for when the lifeboat picked up
Blair the chief officer was chilled and OK
hausted.
Cheers attended the hauling up Of the
boat and its dronched occupants Women
Messengers went a. Blair was helped to
the deck and men crowded about him with
words of praise. l<eoun was IN bad
WAY and only the persistent efforts Of the
shtp's surgeon restored him TO conscious
ness.
BEFORE Blair had time TO doff his wet
togs subscription Was under way among
the passengers, and when the vessel locked
Yesterday $50 had been collected. II Will
be used for the purchase of medal and
q nair Of binoculars commemorative ~ his
bravery.
Saturday a trimmer named Turner dis
appeared from the Majestic. II is thought
no i,Imped into the sea i'm the night.
WANT CATTLE ON FREE LIST.
The New York and New Jersey Live
Stock Exchange has sent resolution 10
President Wilson asking that livestock