Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1915-08-03

parations for tests of the stability of
excursion steamships sailing out Of the
port of Chicago. This board is COM
posed of w. J. Wood, naval architect;
Henry A. Allen. William N. Nelson,
Herbert H. Evans. Adam F. Weckler
and F. H. Avery. Sandbags weighing
as much as a full quota of passengers
will be placed on one side of the steam
day as means of ascertaining the
seaworthiness of that vessel.
The federal grand jury today resum-
ed the taking Of evidence regarding the
alleged cranky" performance OF the
its dock week ago Saturday. 1t Is de-
clared that twelve or fifteen indict-
ments are being drawn, and will be
completed within a week.
Federal Inquiry Resumed.
Secretary Redfield today resumed his
inquiry into the disaster and avoided
conflict with the federal courts by call
ing witnesses who have not been sub
poenaed by the federal grand jury.
Edward C. Gillette Of Washington,
D. c., superintendent of naval construc-
ton Of the light house service of the
Department Of Commerce. was the first
witness called today by Secretary Red
field.
The witness expressed the opinion
that water ballast Is dangerous If not
properly handled. He said the govern
ment Is now building lighthouse ten
der with water ballast tanks for use in
Alaskan waters. He said the chief
characteristic of the new boat, which
will carry heavy weights over its sides
In all kinds Of rough weather, will be
stability.
It's water ballast tanks will have a
capacity of 100000 gallons and contain
swash plates to prevent the danger Of
free water rushing from one part of
the tanks to another.
Gillette said he had examined the
wreck of the steamer Eastland and
was of the opinion that the estimated
load it carried at the time Of the acct
dent was not too great for the boat
II the water ballast had bee Improperly
handled.
The witness admitted in reply to
questions by Lieut.. Gov. OHara that a
water ballasted vessel had capsized at
her dock in Milwaukee in 1912. Gill
lette said the air ports on the Eastland
were not more than fourteen inches
above the water line and that small
list would bring the gangways awash.
Opposes Water Ballast.
Gillette said that of the 113 vessels
under his Jurisdiction only three use
water ballast. He said he would de-
sign all boats to be safe without the
use Of water ballast
Have you ever allowed boat to
pass your inspection for government
service which depended on water bal
last for stability" asked Lieut.. Gov.
O'Hara.
II never have" replied the witness.
DO you think it would be feasible
for the government to pass law fix
ing the number of passengers to be
carried on any boat. no matter what
the size of the boat?'
Il would not attempt to answer that
question"
He is no lawyer" Interrupted So
licitor A. l.: Thurman. How does he
know whether Congress has the power
to make such a law"
DO you think an inspector should
license boat for more passengers than
the vessel can carry safely in the most
severe Storm"
That is matter of the inspector s
judgment"
Solicitation of funds for sufferers
from the Eastland disaster practically
ceased today following a statement by
Mayor Thompson and the relief COM
Gent to care for the needs of the rela-
tives of the victims. 1t was announced
that subscriptions now are in excess OF
$330.0O0. and that benefits to be given
in the next few days will considera bly,
increase that figure.
1t was announced that an advisory
committee of business men, consisting
of P. b. Foulke of st. Louis, Charles c.
"A.
Cormick of New Brunswick, N j., would
assist Secretary of Commerce Redfeld
in his investigation of the United States
steamboat service for the last fifteen
years.
Conflict Arises.
Conflict between the federal Depart
ment of Commerce and Maclay Hoyne,
states attorney. arose yesterday be-
cause Robert Reid and c. c. Eckliff,
federal steamboat inspectors, who gave
the Eastland its last license. were
brought before Secretary of Commerce
Redield and the steamboat inspection
service board handcuffed together.
Application for writ of habeas
corpus to take the inspectors from
state officers was filed in the United
States district court by the inspectors
attorney after a consultation with A.
L. Thurman. solicitor of the Depart
ment of Commerce.
During the day several members OF
the steamboat inspection service gave
testimony before Secretary Redfield
who is conducting an inquiry as pro-
vided by the rules of his department
field. inspector of hulls at Chicago. was
testifying, Inspectors Reid and Eckliff
who had been arrested on a coroner's
mitimus. were brought into the room
handcuffed to a deputy sheriff.
Inspectors Handcuhed.
The inspectors walked up in front OF
Secretary Redfield and raised their hand.
while the deputy sheriff removed the
manacles.
IF these government inspectors are tc
be handcuffed and treated in this manner
by state officers" said Solicitor Thurman
Il shall start fight for jurisdiction ovea
them"
States Attorney Hoyne was called t.
4 confer with United States District Attor