Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1917-12-15
NO GERMANS
Continued from Page One)
4 the government inquiry into the ex
'losion.
Captain and Pilot on Bridge
Forwarding Soldier Votes


So far as he knew the captain and
pilot were both on the bridge of the
ship until after the collision occurred.
The Mont Blanc was struck on the
starboard bow. he said. He had motto
ed no change in the limos course prior
to the collision, he testified Twenty
minutes elapsed after the collision
before the explosion occurred, he said.
Second Officer Bjorssen of the limo
said he did not know the Mont Blanc
was carrying munitions. He recalled
that While he was below after the col
lision to see if the limo was leaking he
overheard Third officer Jonnas say the
French ship could not be carrying
munitions or she would be flying a red
flag. Piorssen stated if the limo had
not gone astern the French ship would
have rammed her near the stern on
the port side.
He said the Mont Blanc changed her
course after the three blasts on the
whistle swinging over to the Halifax
side Of the channel
limo Blew Three Blasts
Edward McCroSSan, a seaman who
was the nearest eye witness of the ey-
piosion from his position on a steam
er in the harbor, said the limo struck
the Mont Blanc near her No. hatch
As the lmn backed out she blew three
blasts on her whistle. Less than a min
ute later, McCrossan said he saw
smoke rising from the deck of the
French ship. AS the two ships drifted
apart, McCrOssan noticed tiny flame
on the munitions ship, just at the wa
ter's edge.
From where he was the fame did not
seem to be more than q couple of in
ches in extent. but it grew larger and
larger as the Mont Blanc drifted in
toward the pier. where she blew up.
The seaman was able to give era PHI
ic picture of the disaster
Bay State Unit Leaves
With the relief situation so well in
hand that its services no longer were
required, the Massachusetts unit, first
on the ground here. after the great fire
and explosion. went today. TEe de-
parture of the delegates, members Of
the committee declared. mean: that the
city of Halifax, profiting by its help
and its counsel. was prepared now. to
handle its own problem
This * evident throughout the city.
Each passing day has seen great pro-
gross made. The continued cold. how
ever, has retarded work in the strip of
territory laid bare 10y the blast of a
nunition ship and il will be days. per
APPS, before the snow has thawed suf-
ticiently TO enable soldiers and work.
men to drag the ruins for bodies known
tn, no Jr
marking and rebuilding the homes in
two and half square mile area hard
ly can be accomplished in a year, it
is believed by the committee directing
that activity.
Public Funeral Monday
\ big public funeral service planned
for today was postponed until Monday
because of the difficulty Of opening
graves After the Burial of the dead
from the fire zone, Camp Hill cemetery,
where lie hundreds of those lost on the
Titanic and the Bourgogne. will be
filled and closed.
Perhaps the most touching after
math Of the disaster is the fear that is
expressed by citizens today that for
the first time in history Halifax this
store buildings are dark within and
only those familiar with the lay of
the town are able to locate without diff
ficulty shops of landmark type.
Business generally was suspended
for days, only those establishments
manufacturing food and clothing be-
ing operated ON full time. Some effort
will be made to make the Yuletide the
happiest possible under the circum
stances for the destitute and for the
bulk Of the wounded. who will he in
hospitals long after the holiday sea-
SON Let this be a Christmas for the
destitute" seems to he the universal
thought Of committees actively in
charge of every branch OF relief
Many of the New England surgeons
and nurses probably will pass Christ
mas here. Already they have planned
for a real New England Christmas in
the hospitals. especially in those in
stitutions crowded with children, the
majority Of whom may he blind for
life.
With its nerve back to normal again.
Halifax has started on its great re-