Evening Republican, Volume 19, Number 110, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 10 May 1915 — FACTS OF INTEREST ABOUT LUSITANIA [ARTICLE]

FACTS OF INTEREST ABOUT LUSITANIA

Great Ocean Liner Sunk Near Irish Coast Was One of the Greaest Sea Palaces Ever Built. The Lusitania, a great ocean liner sunk by one or more German submarines off the coast of Ireland Friday, was one of the greatest palaces of the sea, being magnificent in every appointment and made with a view to securing every luxury possible in the largest and mots modern hotels on land.

It cost about $10,000,000 and was insured for $7,500,000 or three-fourths of its cost. It required a crew of 650 to run it and there were 1,251 passengers on boa when it was torpedoed. There were 188 Americans on board. Fifty-eight of these were from Chicago. Based upon information compiled in the Cunard offices and by. press bureaus, the number of persons who lost their lives was Of these ... were Americans. The vessel was struck by two, possibly three torpedoes. It sank in 21 minutes from the time it was first struck. Many passengers declined to put on life preservers, believing they would be saved by the life boats. Several of these boats were jarred from their fastenings and fell into the sea when the vessel was torpedoed. Others were difficult to launch because the Lusitania listed to the port side and the rescue boats were cramped into positions from which they could scarcely be removed. Much praise is given the crew of the Lusitania for their work and their sacrifices. But few of the crew were rescued.

There was no provision made for protecting the steamer by either warships or hydro-aeroplanes. 'lt was from two Jo (three hours after the distress signal was given before the first vessels arrived to give aid. Many were saved who put life preservers on, after they had floated about for two hours or more. The vessel’s cargo was valued at $735,000. There were 4,200 cases of ammunition and cartridges consigned to the British government at London. Its value was $152,400. There were furs to the value of $119,000. There were 250 bags of mail. The strong box of the Lusitania contained money and exchange to the value of $5,000,000. As a precaution much of the exchange was made in duplicate. Among the prominent Americans on the boat who are presumed to have lost their lives were:

Alfred G. Vanderbilt, a capitalist worth $100,000,000. Charles Frohman, theatrical managed. Elbert Hubbard, editor of The Fra ancLThe Phillistine. Mrs. Hubbard, his wife. Charles Klein, playwright. Herbert Stewart Stone, pubilsher. Dr. Fred Stark Pearson, engineer. Order a flower for some sick friend. Nothing so fine as a blooming plant. —J. H. Holden.