To the Editor of the "Nonrs-Cama Datty News."
Stz,—It is obvious that the mercantile marine service of North China—eventually of South China also—is thrown upon ite own resources to destroy the mines that are promiscuously floating about the Yellow Sea.and farther. It is therefore difficult to understand that any vossel—other than a jank—should be content to report the mines without making an effort
that no means are supplied to the ship for to destroy them. It might be pleaded the destruction of the infernal machines, but there must be a shame-facedness with such a plea after the splendid examples of many coasting steamers in doing their best for the general security, and if owners of vessels are too blind to their own interests to refuse to supply the guns and ammunition, they are greatly to be blamed and should be held up for opprobrium.
Another question of equal importance is: What are the I. M. Customs cruisers doing in idle waters whereas they could be usefully employed in searching and exploding the mines? The perils have in now the foggy season has sot in and this makes the case more urgent. The torpedo-boat of four funnels at Taku—supposed to have been deputed for that object some mouths sgo—is still at Taku and the vessel, or rather those in command of her, are 80 sensitive of its value that the merchant coaster is signal-Jed to "go slow" when passing her in the river, It must be conceded that the Chinese Government carries out the principle of the signal to its fullest application and causes the greatest irritation to all perilously concerned.
It is now ascertained to certainty that a "tipping" mine will sink with a Leo Metford bullet rightly placed, and a od mine will go off with any projective that strikes the easily snapped glass tube. There is no excuse for any not to do their best to rid the seas of this great danger; whether merchantman or cruiser.
Lam, ete, 12th May.
To the Editor of the "Nonts-Cmmva Dary News."
Sm,—We, the undermentioned pas-songers, just arrived from Tientsin by the 8, Heinchi, wish once more to draw attention of those in authority (if anybody) to the fact that mines, not fish tabs, are a great danger to passengers and steamers travelling north. On the 14th the Heinchi sighted a mine, and after firing at it for some time and repeatedly striking it without any effect, the chief officer, Mr. Miller, was sent off in charge of a boat and made a towline fast to it. The mine was towed for six hours, when the rope gave way, and although there was a thick fog and nasty swell at the time, Captain cruised around about two hours, trying' to get sight of it. At last the search hed to be abandoned, and. we proceeded on our way. We had not gone far before we sighted one of Butterfield and Swire's hosts which had found our errant mine.
As we came into view, the other boat, evidently knowing we were searching for 44 this mine, steamed away, and the Hsinchi once more lowered & boat (the chief officer again in charge) and in spite of the danger of coming in contact with the mine—as the swell was very heavy at time—sueceeded in once more securing it, and it was towed for another five hours, when at about 9.15 p.m. it again broke away, and was lost in the f night. We think the travelling public will fully appreciate what the captains and officers of the northern steamers do to destroy these dangers. The last one the Hsinchi picked up exploded about 100 yards astern, and they have small portions of iron, belonging to it, which came on board. ' This certainly was not 'a beer cask, as was witnessed by several passengers and officers. Wo suggest the Companies ought to reward their captains and officers who risk their lives when picking up these mechanical mines. One picked up may mean the saving of hundred lives, without counting the loss of- the steamers. The Chinese gunboat brought two into Chefoo on the 13th ult., and exploded them under the Bluff (these were not beer casks). We should suggest the steamboat companies supply their officers with rif_es carrying steel bolts. Had we a rifle that would have penetrated the mine it would not have been necessary for Mr. Miller to have risked his life twice in such a heavy swell.
Trusting you will kindly insert this in your valuable col We G. 8. 0. Worxetnack, HI. H. Lowry,
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.