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4 The Marine Review March, 1914 tributions were immediate, so that within a few days over $75, 000 was pledged for the relief of the bereaved families. During the natural excitement that prevailed after the results of the great storm became definitely known, considerable criticism was leveled against the warnings issued by the weather bureau. There is no sound reason, however, for criticizing the weather bureau, as it had sent out its customary storm warnings, and there is no reason to believe that the bureau could have foreseen the unprecedented situation which existed in Lake Huron. The storm sprang up in that lake with great suddenness and violence and while its direction was generally from the northwest on other lakes, it ap- of carrying away their pilot houses, and it was absolutely impossible to go either forward or aft on any of them, owing to the heavy seas continually breaking over the vessels. As usual, there was much criticism from uniformed sources concerning owners who sent their boats out in such perilous weather. As a matter of fact, no owner gives sailing orders to his master. The navigation of the ship is left entirely to the master's judgment and it is neither expected nor desired of him that he should put out if weather conditions are unfavorable for safe navigation. No language could be plainer than the following, which is taken from a fleet circular letter issued last September: "Do not overload your vessel. See issued to the masters by all of the leading companies on the Great Lakes. The heavy loss of life and property was undoubtedly due to the unprecedented character of the storm. All sorts of theories are advanced as to the cause of so many vessels foundering, but obviously everything is as yet conjecture. The vessels destroyed represented not only the best of lake practice, but of English and Scotch yards as well. Three of the vessels were British-built and while the Regina was constructed after the lake model, the Wexford and Leafield were typical British tramps, designed to go anywhere in the world. There is this point to be considered, that so violent a storm is not usually so prolonged. It was cyclonic in character THE STEAMER JAMES CARRUTHERS. WHICH FOUNDERED IN LAKE HURON. THIS SPLENDID STEAMER WAS BUILT DURING THE PRESENT YEAR AT THE YARD OF THE COLLINGWOOD SHIP BUILDING CO., COLLINGWOOD ONT. pears to have struck Lake Huron from a north or northeasterly direction, apparently changing direction suddenly as the wind was frequently blowing one way while the sea was running another way. Masters of vessels that lived through it all testified that it was the worst storm in their experience and that their ships were never pounded so before. Heavy seas were constantly breaking over the vessels. Vessels coming down the lakes were continually boarded by following seas which tore away the after quarters or kept them constantly flooded to a depth of several feet, sweeping everything portable overboard. Considerable water also found its way by this means into the engine room. Vessels heading into the sea stood in danger to it that you always have an abundance of fuel on board. Be careful that your hatches are properly secured and your ship is seaworthy before leaving port, even though you might suffer some delay doing so. Remember, I am relying upon your judgment as to when to seek shelter. "The safety of the lives and property entrusted to your care must be your first consideration. See that you have oil bags and a supply of sea oil on hand for fall weather. "I want to caution the masters of all our vessels, particularly the smaller steamers and barges, not to overload them. Keep your boat at all times so that she will have plenty of buoyancy for the fall gales. " Similar instructions are practically with an average velocity of 60 miles an hour, accompanied by frequent spurts, in which the wind reached a maximum of 79 miles an hour. This condition continued well over 12 hours, whipping up tremendous seas, such probably as have never been encountered on the lakes. One theory is that the vessels were gradually blown into the trough and that they rolled so heavily as to capsize through shifting of cargo. Another theory is that water may have got into the hold through the hatches or sufficient admitted through sprung rivets as to cause the vessels to finally fill and founder. As all of the casualties on Lake Huron occurred in a very congested area, and as no one could see through the blinding snow, there is a