The Topeka State Journal

FEAR TUG IS LOST
CHEER TO NEEDY

No Trace of the Cornell, Which Left Shore Thursday.
Boat Was Due to Reach Buffalo, N. Y., Friday Morning

PLANES MAY JOIN IN SEARCH

Might Have Blown Boilers, One Theory Being Advanced.

Fog on Lake Erie Hinders Efforts to Locate Vessel.

Cleveland, Dec. 25. - A fourth tug was added this morning to the three already searching Lake Erie for the missing tug Cornell, which left here last Thursday afternoon and was due in Buffalo Friday morning. One tug which covered the middle of the lake as far as Erie, Pa., yesterday reported no traces of the tug or wreckage.

Two other tugs patrolling the north shore made similar vain search. The tug Oregon was sent out today to cruise the south shore as far as Fairport and then work out into the middle of the lake.

Efforts are also being made to enlist airplanes in the search.

Various theories are advanced in the marine circles as to the probable fate of the tug. One is that the tug might have blown up her boilers. Those who advance this conjecture point out that the coast guards on duty at Ashtabula had not seen the Cornell pass that point.

The boat was equipped with staunch lifeboats that would have enabled the crew to reach shore unless the boat had gone to pieces in explosion or ice jam. Others who scout this theory think the boat may have sprung a slow leak or is delayed by engine trouble.

Boats that put into Erie and Cleveland report the fog on Lake Erie so heavy it is doubtful if they could have sighted the Cornell even had they passed within ordinary sailing distance.