The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1851-03-19

election of Mr.. Dinsmore as Governor.
The new constitution was totally defeat
ed. ga.a
THE TERRIBLE DISASTER TO THE
STEAMER OREGON. aih W
The passengers saved from the explo-
sion and burning of the steamer Oregon,
on the Mississippi. have published mar
rative of the disaster, from which we ex.
tract the following: ..t .s,f IN
The Oregon rode beautifully on the bo.
som Of the Mississippi, her passengers,
many of them, being out on the guards
and upon the hurricane roof enjoying the
sunshine OF one Of the most pleasant days
Of the early spring, thinking, doubtless, Of
every thing but danger and death. How
soon were their fond hopes toperishi A
loud, heavy report, first called our atten-
ton. and in a moment the Oregon was en-
veloped in smoke-the steam issuing from
all parts-when, after few minutes, the
smoke cleared away, we saw what we
painfully feared that the Oregon had
blown up. Her chimneys had fallen and
were hanging over the sides Of the boat,
her pilot-house was gone, her cabin broke
in two. and every thing showed her per-
feet wreck She rang the signal OF distress,
which was promptly responed to by the
lroquois but the cylinder heads of the lr.
oquois were off and but lit!e steam in her
boilers. Orders were given and obeyed
promptly, however, and in a few moments
we were moving towards the wreck. ssr
Capt. Montgomery had tried ioland the
Oregon, by sending cables ashore and
making fast. but strong current and tho
wind together were carrying her rapidly
towards the middle Of the stream. We
were within abou, half mile OF her when
she was discovered to be on fire As we
approached, men, women and children,
with frantic screams, were crowding the
back part Of the boat. calling for help
There are times and incidents which prove
the worth OF men as certainly as acids test
the purity Of gold, and this was one Of
them. re feaA
The flames were already issuing from
the forward cabin Of the Oregon The
wind was blowing stiff breeze Torun
the lroquois alongside OF her would be not
only to endanger the boat, but with her the
lives of all on both boats. 4ge1
Yawls were in great measure useless,
for all who could gel there were crowding
around the back part of the boat, on the
guards of the ladies' cabin. without any
possible chance Of getting down, except by
jumping into the rivera certain death to
all who would dare it. A lew moments,
and all, living and dead, would be wrapt
in flames. In these few moments VIC wit.
messed scenes, the recollection of which
must follow US through life; and in these
few moments were done acts which call
forth the deepest feelings of gratitude Of
which our natures are capable. au
Everything now depended on the skill,
energy and cool determining the officers
of the Iroquois. ai a ii7..
Capt. Lee gave orders to run the bow Of
the lroquois against the aft guards of tho
Oregon and hold her there, which was done
with skill and precision we feel warrant.
ed in saying could not be excelled. She
was made fast to the wreck and man
placed by with an axe to cut the ropes
whenever the flames should render il i'm.
possible to stay longer. Ladders were
now thrown to the upper guards Of the Or
egon. whilst yawls and skiffs carried the
scalded and wounded ffom tho lower decks.
In afew minutes all were brought on board
The iraquois, the rope cut, and the Oregon
LEFT flaming wreck in the middle Of the
stream. 9ag 5ie " slsH oti3s
None were left aboard thar could Sc
iound olive. and all freely accord in say
ing that the energy, zeal and cool deter !.
mination OF Capt. Lee and the officers Of
the lroquois alone saved them. fagaH
i Fromthe best information to be obtained.
we are justified in the conjecture, that be-
tween sixty and one hundred persons wcse
lost. In this estimate we include those
who have died since the aeoidens, from
burns, &c. ioqsa.ad.iFl adj -
sNIf - ~