New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1916-10-09

Newport. r. l., Oct. s.-Seventy-three
/ first and second cabin passengers most
of them American tourists who spent
the summer in Newfoundland and 'ther
Canadian maritime provinces, were on
hoard the British steamer Stephano'
which was sunk, supposedly by the
German submarine U-53, of Nantucket
Lightship at 490 this afternoon.
As soon as Rear Admiral knight,
/ commandant of the Narragansett naval
district. announced that several de-
( stroyers were on their way to this port
with the passengers and crew, members
/ Of the social set were prompt to eXtend
offers to care for as many of the refu-
gees as possible.
/ Among those who have rendered the
use of their summer homes in caring
for the passengers, large number OF
whom are residents Of New York, were
Mrs. Robert L. Beeckman, wife of Gov
ernor Beeckman, and Mrs. French Van
derbilt.
So many offers were received, Ad-
niral knight declared, ne was sure
more than ample quarters and comforts
would be afforded.
"Ofers of assistance are coming IN
all the time. and if any considerable
number of survivors wish 20 go ashore
I shall call upon these people" he said.
"Also we can take care of few IN the
quarters at the torpedo station
May Stay on Warships.
lie added that the survivors would
be made as comfortable as possible on
the warships, and probably would be
allowed TO remain aboard if they so
desired. although this was a question
for Rear Admiral Cleavcs to decide.
The destroyer Balch. with survivors
aboard is now close to port.
"I am standing by" said Admiral
knight, in sailor-lke phrase, tell
ing Of the preparations made to care
for the survivors. Automobiles have
been commandeered TO carry those able
and wishing TO travel 10 any point
which they may designate. For the
rest accommodations have been pro-
vided at the naval hospital. the train
ing station and the torpedo station.
Great tanks Of coffee have been steam
ing for the Last hour in readiness.
The Balch reported the loss of the
liner by radio Of the naval station he-e,
stating that the ship had been tor
pedoed. The message from the de-
stsoyer said the crew was safe aboard
the Balch. but made no mention Of the
passengers, who, il was thought mere,
were also taken care of. Confirmation
OF their rescue was contained in later
message sent here.
Was in the Regular Service.
The Stephano was in the regular
service Of the Red Cross Line and was
hound from ST. Johns, \. f., to New
York. She was due in New YORK TO-
morrow morning.
The sale Of the Stephano TO the kus-
sian government, winch hhd planned 70
use her as an ice breaker, was rccently
announced. Her sis,cr ship. the Flor
izel. had also been sold to RUSSIA ior
ice work. A.. .,.
,;o, built cspecially for the heavy ice
sondi,ions encountered in winter sail-
nos on the Newfoundland course. ~
, nvncctcd in marine circles thht
,his Ins vas intended as one Of the last Of
The regular sailings Of the Stephsno
urior M 10 departing TO- the White Sea
10 work with large fleet engaged by
Russia TO keep her northcrnmost port
Of Archansel open for the receipt OF
war supplies.
Commanded by Old Employe.
The liner was in command OF Cap
tain Smith, who had been IN the com
pnny's employ for number oil ys1's,
lie il forty eight years old and is