Dastardly Attempt.

Gisborne Times, Volume VI, Issue 220, 23 September 1901, Page 3

Dastardly Attempt.

SUSPECTED BOER TLOT.

New Orleans, August 12,

What is regarded as an attempt of a Boer sympathiser to blow up a British transport occurred shortly after midnight, when there was a terrific explosion at the nock landing, where the Harrison steamer Mechanician is moored. The Mechanician is to carry mules to South Africa.

The explosion shook houses, rattled dishes, and awakened people.

An examination showed a large dent on the starboard side of the ship. Three large plates had been stove in, and 16 rivets had been broken off or knocked completely from their places. Pumps were immediately put to work, and when daylight came it was found the vessel was in no danger of sinking, and that the damage done was not serious. As the ship was making considerable water it was decided to shift the ballast so as to lift the damaged section out of the water. Agent Lo Blanc said the Mechanician will bo loaded with a cargo of mules on Monday, and get- away for South Africa as soon as possible.

A further investigation ot the manner in which the attempt was conducted revealed that the explosive had been attached to a cable of the big steamship with a piece of wire rope, and then permitted to float alongside until it had almost reached amidships before tho explosion came. The wire rope had been carefully fastened and was doubtless accomplished by use of a skiff, that- would be secure from discovery from the deck by reason of the sheer at the bows. It could only have been done by somebody with a knowledgy of explosives, and tho time fuse was worked to such a nicety that the skiff and its crew were out of sight before the crash came. It is estimated that repairs will cost at least £3OOO. Gen. Teai-son, the Boer representative, who has been in the city several times recently trying to prevent the shipment of mules to South Africa by injunction, was seen at bis boardinghouse. lie said he knew nothing of the happening until he read the morning paper. He thought that no Boer sympathiser would have been foolish enough to blow up an empty English ship when there was no chance to blow up either officers or soldiers. He attributed the work to muleteers who were ill-treated. At the same time he expressed a hope that every English ship in service could be blown to atouis.