|
Built Less Than a Year Ago - Was
Considered Well Found |
| Launched
so recently as May, 1903, from the shipbuilding yards of E.W. Heath, Tacoma, the ill-fated
'Clallam' was reckoned to be in all respect a well-built and well-fitted vessel. She measured
168 feet over all, 32 ft. beam and 13 ft. moulded depth. She had 44 staterooms, carrying most of
them on her upper decks. The motive power consisted of a direct-action compound condensing
engine, 800 i.h.p., developing an average of 13 knots. She was built entirely of timber, and the
cost of construction was about $80,000.
The 'Clallam' was practically a sister ship to the 'Majestic', both being by the same builder, and having the same general appearance. If anything she was a more commodious vessel than the 'Majestic', having more deck room and promenade space. The owners of these vessels, the Alaska Steamship Co., of Seattle, are building another steamer, which was to take the place of the 'Clallam', next spring to run alternately with the 'Majestic' during the summer. The new steamer will be ready shortly. Unfortunately the 'Majestic' is also at present in dock undergoing alterations and improvements. The 'Clallam', while well fitted as a cargo carrier, had not been doing much freight business of late, and on the day on which she foundered had little of trade aboard. When fairly well loaded the 'Clallam' was very steady and a good sea boat despite her high free-board. |