Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1914-08-07
Receives Warning

At l1.a0 o'clock wednesday night, the
Mauritania, while off Sable island,
was warned by the British cruiser Es-
sex to change her course without de-
lay for Halifax. The helm was shifted
so quickly that many passengers. jolt
ed by the shock as she heeled sharp
ly, believed the ship was turning tur-
tie
Under the highest pressure of her
turbine engines, with all her ports
blanketed and not a light showing,
she sped over the 14o miles that lay
between her and safety from German
cruisers, with her protector behind her,
the searchlghts OF the Essex being
Seen streaking across the horizon as
she scanned the waters for the enemy.
The Mauretanias passengers were
not officially informed of what had &C.
CURED. They had received no intima-
ton OF the declaration of war, from
the officers.
Sailed Aug. I
The Mauretania sailed from Liver
pool at Abs P. NJ. on Aug / amid the
utmost excitement. Many would be
passengers were left behind on the
pier. From the moment the big liner
left British shores the officers were
on the alert and Halifax was held in
mind as an alternative port of contin-
gencies demanded.
Somewhere lurking In the darkness
and fog was a German cruiser, but
watching guard over the lanes of trav-
Ell along which commerce was speed
Ing were British warships warning the
liners by wireless where danger lurked
for them.
A Long Journey
This distance was much heightened
by the steamer having first taken the
New York route and having to change
her course to direct north when ad-
vised by the Essex that danger lay
further south. The actual time to Hal
flax was four days and 10 hours,
which could have been reduced six
hours by the time lost on the indirect
route. Besides this. six hours were
lost In steaming owing to fog and
lodging steamers and cruisers, there
by bringing down to three days and
20 hours the time in which the fleet
Cunarder could have covered the dis
lance from Liverpool to Halifax. Had
she continued to New York under
forced speed she would not have reach
ed there until after midnight Thurs
day. eaeis
Great Average Speed
Under pressure the Mauritania made
the marvellous run of II 1-2 knots dur
ing the early hours Of this morning.
Her average speed was 2s.06 knots.
When the purpose of the change of
course was learned, there was marked
excitement among the passengers. In
the first class cabin there were 500 trav-
elers. many of them prominent
Twenty-three Of the passengers will be
held in Halifax as prisoners Of war and
handed over to the proper authorities.
Those passengers are of all classes.
There was a sensational report going
the rounds Of the ship that late last
night fash of light was seen over the
stern Of the cruiser followed by the re-
port of gun, and it was believed by
many that they had approached close to
some ship which had fired on the liner
None Of the officers could substantiate
this, as they were on the bridge, but
several Of them believed 1t to be true.
Neither the officers of the ship nor the
company officials would say what would
be done with the Mauretania.
Congressman Loft said that the first
class passengers all signed resolution
thanking Capt Charles, the commander,
and his assistants for the efficient manner
in which they had carried them through
safely under trying circumstances sur
rounding them.