Rensselaer Journal, Volume 12, Number 14, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 11 September 1902 — GERMANS SINK REBEL GUNBOAT [ARTICLE]

GERMANS SINK REBEL GUNBOAT

Firminist Vessel Sent to the Bottom by the Warship Panther.

ESCAPING CREW STARTS FIRE United States Not Likely to Be Involved in International Difficulties With Kaiser’s Government, as Monroe Doctrine Is Not Affected! The gunboat Crete-a-Pierrot, which was in the service of the Firminist party, has been sunk at the entrance of the harbor of Gonaives by the German gunboat' Panther. The crew of the Crete-a-Pierrot left her before she went down. The Panther arrived at Port au Prince Sept. 5 and received instructions from the German government to capture the Crete-a-Pierrot. She started immediately for Gonaives, the seat of the Firminist government. Demands Surrender. The Panther found the Crete-a-Pier-rot in the harbor of Gonaives and the commander of the German gunboat informed Admiral Killick on the Crete-a-Pierrot that he must remove his crew and surrender his vessel in five minutes time. Admiral Killick asked that this time be extended to fifteen minutes. This request was granted on the condition that the arms and ammunition on board the Crete-a-Pierrot should be abandoned when her crew left her. Rebels Fire Vessel. The crew of the Crete-a-Pierrot left that vessel amid great disorder. At the end of fifteen minutes the Panther sent a small boat, carrying an officer and twenty sailors, who were to take possession of the Firminist gunboat. When these men had arrived at a point about thirty yards from the Crete-a-Pierrot flames were seen to break out on board of her. She had been fired by her crew before they left her. Sunk by the Panther. The Panther then fired on the Crete-a-Pierrot until she was completely immersed. Thirty shots all told were fired. w There is much feeling at Cape Haytien against the Flrminists, and their cause is considered to be a bad one. Soldiers are leaving there to attack St. Marc. Port au Prince is calm.