Could Not Be Saved

Havana, Feb. 14. - Bnsign Josepli C. Breckenridge, executi.ve officer of thetorpedo boat Cushing, was washed overboard and drowned during a stormy passage from Key West to Havana. The Cushing arrived with the body and signaled the Maine for medical assistance. All efforts to resuscitate Ensign Breokenridge were futile. The body was sent by the Cushing to Key West today. The Cushing left Key West Friday morning with stores for the Maine. She pitched heavily In a fearful sea. She slowed engines at 1 o'clock in sight oL the cotist of Cuba. Immediately afterward Easign Breckenridge, wïio was stationed forward, wias carried off his feet by a heavy sea. He clutched the lifeline as he was swept aft. The line parted, however, and Breckenridge went overboard. Seamen Everett and Coppage started to go to rescue in the lifeboat, but it was swamped in lowering and the men were thrown into the water. Ensign Breckenridge's strength was fast failing, as he was incumbered with heavy oilskin boots. The Cushing was running through the sea, deluged from stem to stern. As Breckenridge was going under, the cook, Daniel Atkins,' went overboard to f.ne rescue. The Cushing flnally obeyed her helm and swung around and maneuvered near the men in the water. Atkins, Coppage and Everett were rescued by lines and Ensign Breckenridge was, taken on board in the same manner, Atkins fastening the line to him. Quick medical aid was necessary to save the ensign's life, and the Cushing' headed for Havana with her throttles opened. She tore through the heavy seas on a race with death. The erew meanwhile adopted the usual means ol resuscitation. On the arrival in Havana the Maine's surgeon was ashore. A message was sent to Consul-General Lee, who sent Dr. Burgess. Burgess said it was. doubtful if medical aid, if available, could have saved the ensign. Lieut. Gleaver, commander of the Cushing, is heartbroken.