The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1852-04-15
STEAMBOAT EXPLOSIONS

they are produced by natural causes. which
might be avoided by judcious management On
the part of the officers and engineers we tbinl
can be demonstrated to the satisfaction Of evorv
intelligent mind; but, in the majority Of in
stances, no blame attaches to any one when -.
boat is blown up: and the guilty parties usually
escape without detection and without punish.
ment. Let us enumerate some of the explo-
sions which have taken place since the com.
mencement of the present year:
Jan. IL. The Magnolia burst her boiler,
near ST. Simmonds Island (Savannah)-13 kill.
ed and ] wounded.
JAN ID. The George Washington burst her
boilers near Grand Gulf-l5 killed and 9
wounded
Jan. "a. The Peter Miller burst her boilers
at the mouth of White riyer-seyeral killed
and 10 deck hands scalded
March /. The Mary KingsIand burst her
boilers near New Orleans killed and three
wounded
March IS. The PocGhontas burst her boil.
ers. near Memphis-s killed, and Is or 20
wounded
March 81. The Buckeye State burst a steam
pipe near Wheehng-1 killed and wounded
April 3. The Red Stone burst three of her
boilers near Madison, Indana-35 killed num-
Der Of wounded not stated She sank in three
minutes. The ladies' cabin foated and burnt
to the waters edge
April g. 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 9. The Saluda 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 tins waste of human lives
The question arises, what can be done to pre-
vent these explosions9 This inquiry is worthy
of serious attention. A gentleman, Mr.. Alfred
Guthrie, practical engineer of Chicago, ILL.,,
has submitted to the Senate a 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 LIST
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
I'd. Using boilers defective in form or work
manship, Intellectually stay-bolted or fastened;
and also, using boilers weakened by age or use
Sd. 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. n not providing suitable or sufficient
number Of safety valves for the free and full
discharge Of steam when suddenly aocumula-
ting.
It'll 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 boler-iron, or
material for the construction of boilers
9Th. Want of competent and faithful inspect
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 a limit to
excessive pressure, within the capabilities of
the boilers to withstand it.
9th. WantOfa board of supervising engineers
whose duty it is to exercise general surveil-
lance over ali boats or vessels gated in whole
or in part by steam, within the Jurisdiction of
the United States; and also to exercise q like
surveillance over boards of inspection conduct
of engineers, and others in charge of steamer
gines.
Enumeration of the causes tending 10 produce
explosions, through the conduct of those in charge
LIST. Allowing water to get low in the boilers,
through negligence earelessness or design.
I'd Overlooking the safety-valve and permit
ting dangerous accumulation of steam, for the
purpose OF racing or wanton display.
3D. Through negligence in not blowing of
steam when lying at landing, or when the en-
glnes are not in motion.
Remedies propo@d-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 as far as
possible the 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,
workmanship age, or use.
3d.. Employ competent, prudent, and careful
engineers, granting certificates to those whC
are worthy, and prohibiting the employment oil
the incompetent and incorporate from running
engines where life or property may be endan-
gered.
4th Instruct the board of supervising en-
gineers as soon as may be practicable
or establish such relative proper
tons between all the parts of boilers, englnee,s,
pumps, and machinery, as WIZ
insure in the best manner safety of life and prop
erty also, to establish such rules and reguia-
tons for the conduct of engineers and manage
ment of engines as viii give, as near as may
be- uniformity throughout the country. ~
struct this board 70 meet AZ often rs may NO
deemed necessary, for the purpose OF joint con
sultation, to recommend improvements 10 mhN
rules to he observed by the different boards Oh
inspection, to eaualize as far rs Po,.e,s enc sne
operaton of any laws which may oe s n1le
enacted and to see that oil are ia''"'''y """
rigidly carried out aud oo-,o;D
5th. Provide tho most ainPe a"u IN "a
means for supplying the oc,e,o s ~ IS