The mirror. (Stillwater, Minn.) 1894-1925, 1914-03-26
EARTH'S TREMORS
ARE FELT AT SEA
A Graphic Description Of the Sensation
Experienced by Uncle Sans Jackies
Aboard the Marb|ehead During the San
Francisco Earthquake.
THRILLING INCIDENTS
By e. II. E.-412S

completed her spring target practice
at Magdallena Bay, with an average
score that promised to put her well
in the lead of all ships of her class.
The blue jackets were in high
spirits; all wore a smile of self con-
graduation. Many dollar of prize
money had already been spent; by
fancy; in Frisco.
In the wardrooms too, imagination
was fired. Many an air-castle was
built, with its foundation laid on the
exceptional gunnery record so re-
Gently made. Surely, promotion
and transfers to larger and better
ships could be expected for the Of
ficers who had made so enviable a
record with the, Lame Duck of the
Nancy" as the Marblehead was SYM
pathetically called by her greater
and grander sisters.
The early morning watch of April
l8, 1906, found her about seventy
five miles to the westward of the
Farrabone Island heading in for San
Francisco.
Two bells; five o'clock; had been
struck. The men of the mid watch
had gone below, and in their ham,
mocks were getting in their best
licks, with small chance of being dis
turbed until, Rouse ont all you idlers'
at six bells All was calm and peace
full. The men sitting around the
decks, enjoying morning coffee and
smoking their strong black cutties,
tightly packed with, ships" Every
body taking it easy until, Turn to-
at four bells.
The Earthquakes
Then came the shock; ii such it
could be called. A mysterious
something that seemed to take hold
of the ship, crushing her in grip
of steel. All irresistible, intangible
something, felt more mentally than
physically; ghastly, sense gripping
night mare; leaving a feeling of i'm.
pending, dire disaster. The men
were struck dumb. tensely holding
the positions they had assumed the
moment before, while in their faces
reflected the entire play of human
emotion: awe, fear, superstltlous, in
credulity. Then babble; everybody
talked at once, excited comments,
curses, cries of fear, prayers. The
engines had stopped. Below decks
men were dropping out of their ham,
mocks, rushing on deck and joining
their eager, excited questionings to
the general confusion.
Almost Immediately Capt. Bliss
in an extreme state of dishabille,
appeared on deck. His face was
like corpse, but his eye was steady
and his voice without tremor as he
hailed the officer of the deck. Mr..
Houser. sound quarters
Instantly, as the clarion call of
the bugle rang through the ship the
tumult was stilled. At that call,
years of training and discipline
came to the fore, and the men were
themselves again. Many still white
faced and weakened but all clothed
and in their right minds.
On the bridge the captain had
quitely taken charge. Stepping over
to the speaking tubes he called the
engine room and inquired, Every
thing all right down there. Mr.. Nc
Henry?" Receiving an affirmative
reply, he turned just as the naviga-
tor came up the bridge ladder.
Grasping him eagerly by the arm he
asked, what do you make of this
Mr.. Arthur Everything seems to
be all right" A seismic disturb
ance believe sir, tidal wave,"
returned the navigator, as he hurri-
ed into the chart-house. Soon he
reappeared. as l thought, Captain;
my seismograph records disturb
ance. greater than l have ever be-
fore seen. Nothing to alarm us at
present. though l expect there has
been severe earth quake some
where near
News by Wireless
Mr.. Houser," said the captain
sound retreat, get the off watch
below decks. Set your course and
make all possible speed for San
Francisco. Send the wireless oper-
ator to my cabin"
Soon the Marblehead was slipping
through water, vibrating and quiv-
ering from the thrust of the propel-
lers, like thing alive.