The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1913-01-08
L. s. Officials at Newport News
to Fix Blame for
Shipwreck.
VESSEL STILL is ON BEACH
Every Survivor of Luckenbacf
Will Make Affidavit or APP
pear as Witness.

Washington. January 1.--Invesuga-
ton of the sinking of the steamer Julia
Luckenbach in Chesapeake Bay by the
British steamer Indrakuala- resulting
in the death OF fifteen persons. was
started to-day by the United States
Steamboat Inspection Service.
Inspector-General George Uhler is in
Newport News laying the foundations
for the investig CATION oy the district
inspectors at Norfolk. AS soon as the
Indrakuala is fioated and reaches New
port News for dry docking and repairs.
her CAPTAIN and crew Will be exam
ined 70 determine the responsibility for
the disaster.
Inspectors of the service at Ball-
NOR and New York will take up the
investigation at those places. In New
York the inspectors will examine the
members Of the crew of the Lucken-
bach. First Officer Frederick Aunt, OF
the Iuckenbach, lives 'n Brooklyn, and
A.ven others of the Luckenbach's crew
went there after having been rescued
General Uhler went to Newport News
TO insure that the investigation VIII
be thorough. 1t IS to include every
phase Of the collision, and the facts are
nor Captain Smith. of the Indrakuala,
refused 10 stand by the Luck enbach.
1t has been charged by individuals
of the Luckenbachs crew that no ap-
parent effort was made by the officers
of the Indrakuala to save the sailors
clinging to the rigging of the Ameri-
can ship Every officer and sailor OF
the Indrakuala will be called TO the
witness stand, and every survivor OF
the Luckenbach will either make an
affidavit or be summoned to appear
before the Norfolk inspectors.
Though no statement has been made
BY Captain Smith or his crew. IL is
the belief of navigators that Captain
Smith steamed of to beach MS own
vessel fearing for her safety.
If it is found that the British cap
tain violated the rules for standing
nv no penalty can be inflicted by the
American authorities. Such an opin-
ion. however would be sent 10 the
maritime authorities for their action
There seems 10 be no doubt in the
minds of the inspectors of the govern
ment but that the crew OF the Indra-
kuaIa will voluntarily appear before
the board.
The crew is safe in It's present posi-
tion and unless we are sure there will
bs a tendency 70 evade the investiga-
,ion we Will await their pleasure" Mt
Taplev said to-day. They will come
to us as soon as they land-of that
! feel sure.
should the master Of the Indrakuala
seek to evade investigation. United
States marshal with a subpoena will be
dispatched to the scene Of the wreck
and force the unwilling witnesses TO
accompany him
The investigation We are about 20
begin will be an informal one. prelfmi-
nary 10 the real trial which will be fol-
lowed ~ IL he deemed necessary Should
the preliminary Investigation warrant
il. We Will prefer charges against the
officers involved and try them Win
view Of fixing the responsibility"
! According to Mr.. Tapleys account
u would appear that in the impenoihs
! investigation and trial. should the lat
ter be necessary. the Norfolk board
will be prosecuting attorney, judge,
and Jury. because the Indrakuala VIII
he brought TO Newport News for dry
dock when she is finally noateo- me
! British consul at that port, Hush fii--
gerald will look out for the interests
of Captain smith. master OF the shP'
As yet. however. his ONCE mas not Oeeh
in communication with him.
IF Captain Smith has need OF us ne
will cali upon US" said the assistant
/ consul to-day.
The Merritt-Chapman people also
diSpatched A tug to-day to where the
Jr!ia Luckenbach lies in hfty-two tee'
81 water. to survey the wreck win q
view 70 raising her. Directions 10 tn4'
| ea.ct were received from the New
work Office Of the Luckenoach's agents