The Columbia Democrat. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1837-1850, 1839-08-31
AN INCIDEN T.

10 observe the motion Of the ice which was
moving III large masses, rapidly down the
stream. / was delighted with the prospect
before me, but as turned to go, my atten-
ton was attracted by the cry of distress,
which seemed TO proceed from some one on
the river. looked anxiously, and saw a
small boat hemmed in between the cakes of
ice, and passing with rapidity down the cur
rent! A person in the boat, was standing
up, and calling aloud for assistance. A
crowd was soon collected around me, attract
ed by the cries Of the stranger, who was
evidently In the most imminent Danger
Inc spectators of the scene expressed great
sympathy for the suffered, but not one of
them made the smallest effort to relieve
him.
3" 1t is pity" said one, "that the man
should be lost %
"Yes," said another, /" it is too bad. but
| do not see that any thing can be done TO
save him !''
"Do you think he will fetch up on one
Of the islands in the harbor 2" asked
third.
Somebody ought to save him." said
cautious old gentleman, "but really, this is
a very delicate affair, and we must not do
any thing rashly."
81 wonder if the man has family; what
loss it will be to them if he gets drowned,
said miserly looking man; g really can't
help plying him"
81 hope he will land somewhere in safe
ty," said person, whom l recogniseda as
candidate for the Legislature; wonder
which way the wind blows"
What time does the tide turn 2" asked
young man who was looking at gold
which he held in his hand.
"We must be careful" said a person with
a statesman like air, Sin endeavoring to
save the man, not 10 hasten his destruction.
If in trying TO save him, we should hasten
his death we shall be held accountable, ac-
cording to the Constitution and the laws of
the land"
| was just going to observe" said
young gentleman with green glasses, " that
many serious mistakes are made through ig-
norance of the law"
Some contended that even if the man
were brought to land, he had been so long
on the water, it would be impossible to re-
store him. Others insisted strongly, that it
was an " ordination of Providence" that he
should be lost, consequently, all efforts to
save him must be useles.
"Why don't some one go & save him."
said half dozen voices OF once. A mid
die aged, respectable looking person, who
was crossing the bridge at this time, stop
ped his carriage and alighted to inquire in
to the occasion of the crowd. On being
told that man was IN great danger Of be-
ing drowned, he remarked " that it was a
very serious affair; that the man ought TO be
rescued, but there were difficulties in the
way which could not be easily overcome.
lie also observed, "lhat we were proba-
bly, liable to be indicted at common law. for
presumng to discuss the subject" On hear
ing this, several prudent persons took to
their heels and were soon out of sight. At
this junclurs we were interrupted by coup
lie Of sailors, who rushed quickly past us,
sprang aboard of sloop which was lying
near; and began to lower the boat from her
stern, "Come here" cried the sailors,
'' what are you all standing there for Take
hold, and help us TO get the boat into wa
ter Several sprang on board, now ihat
some means were found to take the lead,
and assisted in lowering the boat. AS soon
as the boat touched tho water, the sailors
were in it, and taking the oars, they rowed
with all their might towards the sufferer,
who had hoated to considerable distance
from the bridge. Al length, after great ex-
ertion, they succeeded in reaching the ice,
and The man half dead with cold and frirbt |