The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1913-03-08
SEEK The CAUSE.
Authorities to Investigate Bal
timOre Vessel Explosion.
Latest Report Fixes Death List
at More Than Forty.

Baltimore Md, March S.-Investi-
cations were begun today to ascertain
the cause and fix the blame for the
disastrous explosion of dynamite in
the hold of the British tramp steamer
Alum Chine, lying at anchor in the
lower harbor. which brought death
to more than forty persons and seri-
GUS injury to three more and caused
property loss of more than $25O,000.
one investigation already has been
completed by the city authorities, but
with no definite conclusion reached
because the accident occurred outside
the city limits. Immediately after the
accident the federal authorities at
Washington were apprised of the seri-
Gus damage to the new collier Jason,
which was near the anchorage of the
Inflated Alum Chine, and was, about
to be accepted by the navy depart
ment. Word was received that the
department would inquire into the dis
aster. At the same time it is prob
able an investigation will be under
taken by the interstate commerce
commission, which has jurisdiction
over the shipment of explosives in
American waters.
Because most of the crew of the
destroyed steamer were subjects of
Great Britain, the British consul at
Baltimore, Gilbert Frazer, also will
inquire into the explosion with the
view of protecting the interests of the
families of the killed and wounded
Welchmen, and to make a report to
the British admiralty. The coroner of
Anne Arundel county will impanol a
jury.
May Never Learn Cause.
Authorities express the opinion that
the real cause of the explosion will
1.n dafT tn1x In Ica
those who might inform them are
dead. The general theory is that the
coal in the vessels bunkers was set
on fire by spontaneous combustion
and the flames communicated to the
dynamite.
The explosion was so terrific that
it seriously crippled the coast de-
lenses of the harbor. In many in
stances the concrete foundations of
the heavy guns in Forts Howard,
Armistead and Carroll were cracked,
while the guns themselves were dam
aged by falling pieces of steel from
the wrecked steamer At Armistead
the damage, it is estimated, will reach
several thousand dollars, while at
Fort Carroll the damage is placed at
$4,000.
Early reports of the extent of the
loss of life aboard the destroyed
steamer and other vessels lying in her
immediate vicinity materially differed,
and even yet no accurate list of those
who lost their lives has been compiled.
1t is accepted, however, that the list
will total between forty and fifty dead
and almost as many more injured.
1t is regarded as almost certain
that all the bodies have not yet been
recovered from the waters of the har-
Dor, while others may never be re-
covered. Up to a late hour last night
the number of dead reached twenty
six of which twenty-four had been
identified.
In all the Catholic churches tomor
row prayers will be offered for the
repose of the souls of those killed in
the disaster and for the recovery of
the injured.
Up to noon today there had been no
additional deaths among the injured,
but a number were reported to be in
a precarious condition. The hospital
records show that 43 injured victims
were taken to those institutions. Of
this number one died last night, Is
We're discharged and 81 remain for