The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1850-03-12
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The new steamer keystone State" came down
last evening, on her first trip from Pitisburg, with
a fine company Of passengers. When she neared
the bridge, orders were given to turn the boat and
pass stern foremost Unfortunately, by some mis-
take, she placed about eighty feet westward of
the highest point in the bridge, and in conse-
quencc one Of her chimneys was caught by the tim
bers, thrown against the other, and thence TO the
deck; but without any material injury to the chin
ney, boat crew, or passengers; thus proving that
a very tall steamboat chimney may even be VIC
lently lowered without any Of those dire catastro-
Plies so eloquently described by the opponents of
this magnificent work, in the recent proceedings
before the Supreme Court
The chimneys Of the keystone State" 1.-THE high
est the rivcr) we're about eighty feet above the
surface Of the water; still there would have been
room to pass these under the bridge safely, il the
proper point had been chosen for the purpose, and
to indicate that point lighted lamp is always sus
pended from the cables. This boat has also con.
formed TO the necessity Of the case far as pro-
vide hinges to her chimneys, and the necessary
derrick and fixtures to lower them when occasion
requires. Unfortunately, she started out her first
trip without having these fixtures rugged for use
This occurrence is, therefore, fairly chargeable 10
the negligence and carelessness Of those concerned
III tue Hbtlng OUT anu management OF inc DOat
as in the first place. had the derrick and fixtures for
lowering the chimneys been in proper order no diff
hculty need have occurred; and, in the second
place, IL the boat, even in her improper condition,
had been placed under the proper point in the
bridge, there would have been no trouble, as one
chimney did actually pass under the bridge erect
The boat has repaired her damages and proceeded
on her downward trip, losing about fifteen hours.
II is urged excuse, by the officers Of the
boat, that no light shown; but, after good
deal Of trouble TO satisfy myself on this subject,
am convinced that the lighted lamp was suspended
usual, and that in this particular the officers
mistaken II IL also stated on the best authority,
that the boat was floating in the proper direction,
when the pilot told she was too near the shore,
in consequence Of which her position was changed
and the collision took place
Some persons are disposed 10 charge this occur.
renee to design, but cannot be so uncharitabe. II
seems, however, rather an odd coincidence that
this boat, bearing her name the soubriquet by
which the powerful assailant Of this magnificent
structure is known among people, should have
thus como of second best in this affair.
The Cincinnati" another Of the new packets
brought out this season, provided also with chimney
Of great altitude, came down on Sunday evening
and passed under the bridge by lowering her chin
neys slightly, without either difficulty, danger d
delay. The Brilliant also passed on her ut
ward trip to-day, and went under the bridge with
out lowering her chimneys, and had at least tn
feet to spare SO that your readers will readilype
ceive that great bridge is obstruction in ssy
case where the owners and managers Of the bots
are governed by proper spirit Of accommodated.
My object in this communication is to place he
facts in the fairly before the public through
your columns, and thus anticipate the unscru,u-
lous misrepresentation have every reason TO
expect from the Pittsburg papers.
GA SUBSCRIBER