Lynchburg Virginian. [volume] (Lynchburg [Va.]) 1829-185?, 1849-06-04
From the st. Louis Union May IT,
MARINE DISASTERS IN THE WEST AND SOUTH
FOR THE LAST MONTH

list Of steamboat disasters for the first quarter of
the present year hasheen published in the March
Der Of tile WESTERN REGISTER. 1t embraced the names
of some thirty boats to which accidents had occurred
Considering the entire suspension Of navigation on
era Of our streams during the greater portion of that
period, and the comparatively small number Of boats
running this was regarded unusual number Of
casualties. Since then, however single month has
tranpred, during which have found it our duty to
record quite as many accidents as had occurred for
the three months previous. fthe same ratio of fatal
ty continues throughout the year the list Of disasters
for $40 Will greatly exceed that for 1913.
The increasing insecurity to life and property on the
western waters strange say characterized by an
Increasing apathy in the public mind in regard to them
The rechlessness which too frequently produces these
disasters stalks unrebnked and becomes emboldencd
by the immunity extended to it. 1t is time that some
thing should be done to arrest this fearful state Of
things that the discoveries Of Fitch ard Fulton nav
not prove curse instead ola blessing to mankind.
There can scarcey exist doubt but that co1lpetel
CA i too often dsregarded in the selection of steam
cont officers 1t IS not alone necessary that an eno
ueer or pilot should be well acquainted with the Sci
encc OF his proes that lie should De fully trust
worthy in other respects and capable Of rcgar-
Ding property the lnmense responsibility nrustcd to
him. lie shotld b '.oral and strictly conscientious
and free from habits which might at any time detract
from his fitness for his station. 1t is for steamboat
owners to look to this and boat should lie deemed
worthy IF tbs patronage Of the travelling public, whose
owners yUuch for the character and capacity Of
those to whose care She is intrusted
An4RANTH.-Em into and sunk by the Dr. Frank
lin in the Upper Mississippi HE Imaranth was as
scending and the franklin descending; the former
empty, and the latter heavily laden. The Amaranth
was struck her starboard bow some thirty feet Of
which was crushed in She was got to the Missouri
shore, where her bow went down in twenty-five feet
water, her stern resting bar Although the iniu-
~ was great She has been raised by Captain Bennett
by means Of his wonderful wreck pump, and towed
70 port Tor repairs. After the collision the Franklin
Kept on her course, Offering no assistance!
AvAIANcBE-C Came in collision with the Alyarado.
in the Illinois river, Beardstown Badly injured
but saved from sinking by buIkheading
AHcE--Boi.ers burnt out by having no water in
them, in the Missouri river.
ALrHoNsE De LANARTINE.-A fine new boat. total
" destroyed by fire in the Illinois river opposite Bath
The fire originated in the ladies cabin, and 50 rapid
was the progress Of the flames that the passengers
and crew barely escaped with their lives. The boat
was valued at $4,000 Insured for $4,000.
ALcoNA.-Broke both shafts, in the Missouri river
BrENA EIsrr-Caught fire under her boilers near
Kaskaskia landing. out was, with much difficulty, say
ed Freight injured By water.