Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1915-07-29

While no families We're made dependent
by the disaster as might be the case in Il
food great fire, il was said that many
victims had been working only half time
or less in recent months Several men
who made this report, in requesting aid,
were asked why they started on the ex-
rursion while in poor financial crcum-
stances. They replied that an organiza-
ton of employees gave the picnic and that
experience had taught them il was best
to buy tickets, If they desired preferment
.or work. They said the company had
nothing to do with this condition. or the
management of the excursion, but that
members of the employees organizations
found purchase of tickets for the annual
lake trip almost compulsory
TO RAISE $4,000 FUND
Acting MAYOR Moorhouse and his adj
visers to-day decided to raise a relief fund
Of s2oD,ooo to be distributed by "A sub-com-
mittee acting under the direction of the
National Red Cross, the Associat ted Char
tiles and the municipal health depart
Inent In addition to this the Western
Electric company. whose employees form
I'D the majority of the Inflated excursion
party, announced that $4,000 from 1T;
for relief Numerous private relief funds
were started,
Meanwhile Mayor Thompson. who was
at the Panama Pacific exposition to take
part in the celebration of Illinois day.
was speeding toward Chicago on a special
train to take his place in investigation and
relief work
Coroner Hoffman issued an appeal to
he
whatever dead may remain unidentified.
City officials with one voice declared that
all dead should have proper burial
In churches and homes throughout the
city there were offered prayers for tho
thousands whose hearts have been
pierced by grief The day was one of
gloom. The sky was cloudy and a mist
hung in the air. There was more than
the usual sababth quiet everywhere. and
the crowds Of outdoor pleasure seekers
We're thin. AS was the case Yesterday
baseball games were postponed.
THEORIES AS TO ACCIDENT.
Various theories as to what caused
the Eastland to turn over were dis
cussod, hut without prospect OF a definite
explanation being reached until the off,
'ial Inquiries to bc taken up tomorrow
are finished. The most discussed theories
are four-that the boat was overloaded,
that she was not properly ballasted; that
tug that made fast to warp tho East
land from the dock started pulling too
soon, that congestion Of passengers rush
ing to the port side side attracted by
som" passing sensation tipped the steamer
over
Three investigations We're in fun swing
here to-day, the object of each being To
ascertain the cause of the Eastland
disaster
Rckerson y. Hoover, government
steamboat inspector. and Federal super
visor Charles Westcott arrived from
Washinston and conferred with the Local
inspectors who began to gather facts
for the federal grand Jury. ordered EN-.
Janclled Tuesday.
Marlay Hoyno States attorney. had q
full force of mon locating witnesses tc
go before the county grand jury which
will be empanelled tomorrow.
EVIDENCE OF CRIMINALITy.
The entire police department was active
That evidence of criminal negligence ir
Connection with the wreck had been OBJ
tanned by them was limited by c. c
1iealey, chief of police, He said valu
able information was found in the inspec
ton papers seized yesterday In Capt
Harry Pedersens cabin
Two documents were taken and tn,
captain and 2s officers and members o
the crew arrested These papers accord
ing to the measre information that coul'
be obtained about them, showed that fol
lowing inspection the boat was to be per
crew Of 20. Chief Healey refused to dis
Cuss the papers other than to admit h
bad them and that he would turn then
over to states Attorney Hoyne.
Has there been criminal negligence?
the chief was asked.
There is no doubt of that" Chic
hS1.aN answered