New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-02-28
American Woman Honored
AS Heroine of Laconia

Queenstown, Feb. 27.-There was an
unusual scene on the docks when the
Laconia survivors landed at III o'clock
in the evening. AS the ship was made
fast huge crowd of civilians, soldiers,
sailors and nurses began cheering and
singing under the leadership of shrill-
voiced feminine cheer leader in the uni
form of the Women's National Service
organization.
The first passenger to land was an
American woman. Mrs. F. +. Harris,
who was accorded this honor by the
captains order because of her heroism
| in supervising the departure OF the
women and children from the sinking
I ship.
She was the last passenger to leave
| the Laconia, standing by the side of the
captain and going the rounds with him,
carefully checking off the women and
children passengers to see that they
were all in their places and provided
with clothing. blankets and tarpaulins.
Cling TO Lifebelts
After Mrs. Harris on the landing
stage came other women and children
from the Laconia, all clinging still TO
their lifebelts, and then the men pas
senpers. some with lifebelts and some
wearing lifesaving waistcoats.
A string of automobiles was waiting
for the party, and its members were
conveyed swiftly to the Queens Hotel,
where military nurses provided dry
clothing and warm baths. In halt
hour the men, women and children VINO
had come off the rescue sloop IN
varied state of disarray were ready Tor
q really sumptuous meal OF brotn' sal,
mon, turkey and champagne whlch had
been prepared for them during inc
evening.
Although the passengers showed the
eFec+s of the ordeal, they put a merry
fsce nm the misfortune for the most
nart The nurses insisted on the sur
yivors retiring, wrapped UP in warm
blankets and with hot water bottles'
even for the men passengers.
Most of the passengers expect 70
reach London on Wednesday morning.
Talked with U-Boat Captain
"When the submarine came TO the
surface" said Mrs. Willis, passenger,
"after having fully made sure OF the
Laconia's destruction, one gentleman III
a hoat said TO the submarine com
mander: Don't you know you are tor,
nedoinp a ship containing women ana
rb;Idrenp To this the commander OF
the submarine replied: ON, they are
ali right for O few hours, and patroi
hoat will take them all up.
Cedric p. Ivat, theatrical manager
who was a passenger on the Leconia'
, died of exposure. Mr.. lvat was resi-
dent Of London.
when the Lsconia entered the danger
zone her lifeboats were swung out
/ readv for immediate use. When the
nnssengers had provided themselves
with life belts they went to the boats
assigned to them. There was iittic
The captain, chief engineer, ,purser
and wireless operator were the last 10
/ leave the ship. They jumped from the
| deck 10 a lifeboat, but missed IL ana
! SeIl into the sea. They were picked up.
Torpedo Endangered Boats
-Four passengers are among tnose
seut 10 the hospital here. Their IN
iuyics arc slight. Among the four is
| DR.. Hawke, a resident OF San Francisco:
who said he was playing game OF
bridge in the ships surgeons room
whom ne heard the crash.
! "The second torpedo, mind you. was
fired although the lifeboats were close
\ 20 the vessel and the crew OF the sub
marine could not have failed TO see US,
aa n was moonlight" said DR.. Hawke.
Father wsreing and hr. Gibbons sad
4 the Lacona sank In about twelve MIN
utcs.