The Seattle star. [volume] (Seattle, Wash.) 1899-1947, 1922-10-16
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SHIP STORY
STARTS ON PAGE ONE

Many Of the men were wrapped in
army blankets TO make up for cloth
Ing they had lost or given away. and
women had been given similar xarb
TO shield them from the weather. Hut
none showed the marks OF suffering
or hardship so often attendant upon
such disasters.
within half an hour after the
Thomas landed all had been whiskcd
away TO hotels or homes
One woman. Mrs. Louise Mcclos-
key. believed to have become men.
tally derauged. altho not necessarily
from her experiences in the fire. was
taken to tho psychopathic ward at
the hospital here for observation.
She was the only person for whom
an ambulance was called.
Two unfortunate survivors were
greeted b. police and not By rela-
tives.
They were Leslie ID. Atkinson. for
whom the officers held warrant
charging ernhezxiement NJ the Pearl
Harbor. T. H.. navy base. and Pri.
waite Goumell. a stowaway. said 20
be wanted by postal authorities In
Honolulu.
Soon after the transport rounded
the breakwater and came TO rest
In port. messages were conveyed
to those on shore assuring them
that their near and dear ones on
the vessel were safe and comfort
nbic.
Port authorities and officials OF
tho steamship line were soon aboard
the Thomas.
The decks OF the Thomas were
crowded with men and women
swathed in blankets who answered
halls from boats. waving and show.
ing no signs of exhaustion from the
narrowing experiences which were
now ended.
.Uroffcialiy the fire was said 70
be due to crossed electric wires. and
official statements of officers gave
greatest credit to crew and passen-
gers Of the City Of Honolulu for
their conduct during the disaster.
Too much praise cannot be
given 10 Officers and men for
their heroic work during the
fire." said Captain II. X. Les
ter OF the burned steamer.
Also 10 the passengers for
their composure In the ordeal"
Passengers also were unani-
nous In their praise OF the
liners officers.
First Officer w. n. Burst. who
personally directed the fighting Of
tho fire Up 70 the last moment
and was overcome by smoke. was
hailed az one OF tho heroes OF the
catastrophe.
Mrs. Mabel Taylor, stewardess.
and Miss Betty Stanhope. teIe
phone girl, were given unstinted
praise for fbe cool manner In
which they inspired confidence
among women passengers and
looked after their needs.
Captain Lester. FIRST officer Burst,
Chief Operator w. p. Bell and two
Fsiiors remained aboard tho Homo.
lulu several hours. quitting the yes.
sci only when the heat became I'm.
bearabie. II was said.
The whole experience was taken
more in the spirit OF a tremendous
adventure than terrifying disaster,
sccordlng 10 all accounts.
Fire was discovered Mt a. m.
In tho unoccupied second cabin.
Crew and officers mt once began
combating II, while passengers
we're notified and breakfastsd
eaisnly as the flames gained
Roadway.
a sharp list Of the ship gave the
iirst hint Of the impending danger
and AT $40 Captain Lester ordered
'ns first boat lowered The lifcboats
we're fllled and swung over tho ships
sne without incident. while the ships
Ichsstra, wearing life preservers.
piayed Jazz music.
ohe passenger with n ukels led
n,slhg during the long hours when
H'p was awaited.
eard playing furnished amusement
~ many Of the boats, and in no In
ncs was there any manifestation
~ night o. hysteria. The women,
spsciaux we're pralsed for their