Birmingham Age Herald

FROM ACROSS THE POND.

Dr. B. Steiner Writes a Letter Announcing the Arrival of Himself and Family in Berlin.

Experience on the North Sea.

Dr. B. Steiner, wife and children a short time ago left here to visit the fatherland, where his parents reside. The following letter written in Berlin will be read with pleasure by friends of himself and family.

Central Hotel, Berlin, April 22, 1895.

Dear Sigfried: This is Monday, and as you no doubt have my letter from Southampton you know about part of our trip. Up to there it was good enough, but, my God, what a trip from there! We left Southampton about 7 p. m. Thursday and were to get to Hamburg Friday afternoon, but as soon as we left Southampton the fog began and the steamer slowed down and part of the time did not move at all. The fog horn sounded all the time, and there was no sleep day or night. About 1 o'clock Friday night I was lying in my bunk. Rosa in hers, none of us asleep except the children. The fog was as thick as it could be—all at once the steamer received a shock that shook it to its foundation. I jumped up and, half dressed, ran up stairs to see what was up, for I knew something had struck us, and we were tilting over when I came up stairs. I found them fixing the life boats and the captain examining the damage. A big steamer, supposed to be an English one, had struck us in the stern part or turtle back. Had it struck us 10 or 20 feet this side I probably would not be here to write these lines. Words are impossible to describe my feelings. The Elbe horror was before me, but I made up my mind to fight for my life and the lives of my dear ones, but thank God there was no need. By the time I came forward I saw the captain with his hands in his pockets and felt better. You can imagine the horror, the women and children crying, etc. This happened a few hours after we passed the place of the Elbe disaster. I tell you now a man should not go further than Southampton. This channel and North sea won't do, and I for one shall never go through any more. O, it was bad! Well, we came Saturday to Hamburg late in the evening and stopped over night. We were nearly ten days on the water and worn out, and don't feel much better yet. We left Hamburg yesterday for Berlin, where we now are. We will go to Dresden tomorrow, stop a day there and then to Prague and home. Will get home Thursday or Friday. No other news. Alois Ernst is with us and we will get home together. I can't write you all about affairs here; they are peculiar and strange to me. We are all well and hope this reaches you the same. With love from all to all yours,

B. STEINER.