THE LOSS OF THE 'EMPRESS OF IRELAND.' [To nu Roma
or nu "Srromoz.".1
Sin,—Lest many should be under the impression that rafts on board the 'Empress of Is-cloud' would have saved many more lives, I am induced to ask you to publish my opinion that I do not believe rafts would have been of any beneficial use in all the circumstances attending that painful disaster. In the first place, the probabilities are that, owing to the sudden and abnormal heel of the ship, they would have taken charge and killed all those in proximity. Again, the heel of the ship was so sudden that none could have placed them- selves on the rafts for safety, and, what is more, the rafts would in all probability have been sucked down, mrtainly capsized, owing to the sudden sinking of the ship. The appalling loss of life can only be attributed to one special came. It is painful to write on such a theme, but it was entirely owing to the impossibility of the poor passengers being able to gain the upper deck, as the vessel lay over on her beam ends so very shortly after the fatal blow was given. And if to all these circumstances be added the darkness of the night and the thick fog, and all lights being extinguished, the tale is told in all its sad intensity.—I am, Sir, &a,
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