Daily American telegraph. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1851-1852, 1852-04-17
A AMERICAN TELEGRAPH
steamboat Explosions.


boilers has become n subject of general remar'k,
and it is astonishing what apathy exists in re-
lation to the cause Of these explosions That
they are produced by natural causes, which
might be avoided by judicions management on
the part of the officers and engineers, we think
can be demonstrated to the satisfaction of every
intelligent mind; but, in the majority of in
stances, no blame attaches to any one when q
boat is blown up and the guilty parties usually
escape without detection and without punish
mant Let us ennmerate some Of the explo-
sions which have taken place since the COM
mencement of the present year:
JAN H., The Magnolia burst her boilers
near st. Simmonds Island (Savannah)--l3 kill
ed and IL wounded.
Jan "a The George Washington burst her
boilers near Grand Gulf-15 killed and 8
wounded.
Jan. "a The Peter Miller burst her boilers
at the mouth Of White riyer-seyeral killed
and 10 deck hands scalded.
March L. The Mary Kingsland burst her
boilers near New Orleans killed and three
wounded.
March ls. The Pocahontas burst her boil
ers near Memphis--s killed, and IS or 20
wounded
March 81. The Buckeye State burst steam
pipe near Wheeling-1 killed and wounded
April 8. The Red Stone burst three Of her
boilers near Madison, Indiana-35 killed, num-
Der of wounded not stated. She sank in three
minutes. The ladies' cabin foated and burnt
to the waters edge.
April 3. The Glencoe, of New Orleans,
burst her boilers near St. Louis. She had $50
passengers, large number of whom were kill
ed. The Glencoe took fire and burnt to the
waters edge.
April g. The Salulda> exploded her boilers
near Lexington, Mo. A large number of Nor
mons were on board-l0o lives are supposed
to be lost.
Here is the fearful record of the loss of life on
these nine boats since the commencement of
the year 1852. Ought not something to be
done to prevent this waste of human lives2
The question arises what can be done to pre-
vent these explosions? This inquiry is worthy
of serious attention. A gentleman, Mr.. Alfred
Guthrie, practical engineer of Chicago, Ill.,,
has submitted to the Senate memorial setting
forth the results of an investigation made by
him into the causes Of the explosion of steam
boilers, which has been printed for the use of
| that body, and which we commend to the at
tention of the public generally. We copy his
Recapitulation Of the principal causes tending
TO produce explosions Of steam boilers. 1st
Using iron of an improper thickness, or that Of
an inferior quality, in the construction of boil
ers; also, the too frequent use of cast-iron in
steam and water pipes, and parts of boilers.
3D. Using boilers defective in form or work
manship Intellectually stay-bolted or fastened
and also, using boilers weakened by age or use.
3d. Employment ofincompetent reckless, or
Incorporate engineers.
4th. Using in the construction of steamboats,,
boilers, engines paddle-wheels, and machinery,
without proper regard to the relative proper
tions which should exist between the different
parts of the whole.
5th. Using inefficient or unsuitable pumping
apparatus and not providing for free and open
passages for the water to the boiler and after
wards for the exit of the steam to the engines.
9Th In not providing suitable or a sufficient
number of safety-valves for the free and full
discharge of steam when suddenly accumula-
ting.
7th. Want of proper and suitable system
or mode of inspection of steam-boilers, engines,
and machinery; want of suitable and uniform
instruments for testing, by hydrostatic pressure,
the actual powers OF resistance OF every boiler
brought into use; and also an entire want of
laws requiring an inspection of boiler-ron, or
material for the construction of boilers.
oll 4,ra E,,+ III
ors. clothed with sufficient authority to regu-
late the conduct of engineers, and the manage
ment and general arrangement of engines and
machinery, with power to establish limit to
excessive pressure, within the capabilities of
the boilers to withstand it.
9th. Want of board of supervising engineers,
whose duty it is to exercise general surveil-
lance over all boats vessels navigated in whole
or in part by steam, within the jurisdiction of
the United States; and also to exercise like
surveillance over boards of inspection, conduct
of engineers and others in charge of steam-en-
gines
Enumeration of the causes tending 10 produce
explosions through the conduct of those an charge
lst. Allowing water to get low in the boilers,
through negligence, careessness, or design.
I'd. Overlooking the safety-valve, and permit
ting q dangerous accumulation of steam, for the
purpose of racing or wanten display.
Sd. Through negligence in not blowing off
steam when lying at landing, or when the en-
gines are not in motion.
Remedies proposed.-lst. Require that, in the
manufacture Of all steam boilers hereafter to
be made, the best material shall be used, and
that of proper thickness; abandon MS far as
possible the use of cast iron in any part of boil
ers, steam or water pipes where they are likely
to be subjected to great pressure.
I'd. Never allow the use of defective boiler
in any case, whether it be defective in form,
Mor orkmnnshin ana or nse