Weekly national intelligencer. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1841-1869, 1853-05-14

We are gratifed to observe that the dreadful
catastrophe at Norwalk has received the prompt at
tention of the Legislature Of Connecticut The
train will, we hope, be brought to strict account
and most exemplary punishment by the proper tri-
bunals
The following proceedings of the Legislature on
Saturday last augur good for the future safety of
the traveller through that State
/ Mr.. SMITH, of Sharon presented o resolution autho-
rizing the appointment Of joint select committee to
slider that portion Of the Governors message relating to
the prevention Of railway accidents and the appointment
of general railroad commissioners and in presenting the
resolution he said:
Mr. Speaker there are occasions when the tongue can
but feby express the feelings of the heart and language
is poor give uterance to the profound emotions
which press upon the sensibities Within few brief
hours the public mind has been stirred up as with the
shock of earthquake and the tdngs passed
with lightning speed, many heart, but moment be-
fore joyous and happy, has been filed with mourning
desoation and VICE. 1t is hard to leave this bright and
beautiful world, when age has partially bunted the
power of enjoyment when disease has Frustrated the
forces of nature, when the tear of sympathy is falling
upon the pillow of the dying and the hand Of affection is
smoothing the passage to the dark and house
Under the most kindly and favorable circumstances
supported by that hope which is anchor the
SOUL poor human nature shrinks back appalled, from
with the king terrors But to meet him
without preparation without last farewell to all we
hold dearest upon EARTH when perhaps the heart beat
ing high with dreams of and antcipatons of
pleasure-in moment, in the I" twinkng of eye,
with terrible crash awful convulsve shudder
be preciptaed headlong into the dark and unknown u
ure, this is indeed to taste the bitterness of DEATH
The shocking, heartrending catastrophe that has
Cured within the borders of State far surpasses
in its horrible destruction any railroad accident that has
ever happened in this country, proverbal it is for
wanton and wicked disregard for human e Mr. Speaker
will not call it accidents but upon my responsibility
man. and representative of the people, denounce
it as wholesale, bloody murderous massacre. In my
opinion the wretch whose brutal heedlesness ignorance
caused it should be hung upon gbbet higher than Ha-
MANS and exposed to the scorn and execration of out
ragged humanity.
Mr. Speaker it is said by foreigners that country
in such haste get through life, intent upon
the acquisition of wealth. full of stirring enterprise,
that such direful calamites produce but momenary
shock and forgotten in the hurry Of business and
the excitement Of traffic 1t is aas too sadly true; and
past experience affords melancholy evidence of the
correctness of the assertion.
Steamboats, burn sink, and explode; railroads mas
and mange their and hundreds and yet
body is to blame; their captains, engineers, and
ductors the most innocent of individuals and are
whtewashed from every color and shade of responsibility
| am aware Mr. Speaker that action of ours
assuage this rreparable calamity, give back to weep
ing, heart broken friends the loved and the lost The
future is all that is left and shall be recreant to
trusts shall deserve the condemnation of the civil
lized world if with such before u.s. do pass
act sufficiently stringent to render next to impossible
In all coming time the repetton OF such crue anu par
barous calamity.
Mr.. BEcKwITH of Ltchfeld in seconding the resolu
ton Of Mr. Smith, remarked that the subject had been
presented for the consideration Of former Legislatures
but yet satisfactory action had been had in regard
to it. In many of the States Of this Union and in Eng
land especially general railroad commissioners APP
pointed whose duty it was to visit of disaster,
and publish correct reports of the which led to
them, and suggest the proper remedial measures. The
result had shown that the number of accidents had
teray decreased and those that did unavoidaby happen
were not so bloody and terrible formerly In this State
such board of commissioners composed of learned and
scientific men, imperiously demanded. Ii would be
disadvantage to railroad companies it would only in
the employment by them of experienced and compe
tent agents. in whose hands the lives and property of
citizens would be safe As citizen and legislator of the
State he hoped that rompt and efficient measures
would be taken in reference to the matter.
The question was put on Mr.. Smiths resolution, and
carried unanimously.
Mr.. BURR, Of Hartford offered resolution appointing
committee to proceed the of the recent disaster
at Norwak and report to this Legislature at early day
possible the Of the terrible calamity Passed
and Messrs Beckwth of Litcheld Bsse Of Sharon and
Hasey Of Norwalk were appointed
bill was introduced imposing fine of $4,000 for
each person killed. and heavy penalties for injuries caus
ed by carelessness railways.
In the Senate, Also resolution offered to appoint
committee of one Senator and three members OF the
House to visit the Of the late disaster at Norwak
to inquire into the facts connected with it. Ii de-
bated by Mr. HARRISON who spoke very forcby and feel
ngly on the subject He urged the necessity Of imme
date action to check the careessness of railroad
mics and their employees The subject too important
to be rfed with neglected any longer The resolu-
ton passed.
Mr.. Hyatt was appointed the part of the Senate
MEETING AT NoRwALK.-The citizens of Norwalk held
mass meeting on Monday afternoon near the scene of
the late terrible catastrophe to syDpahize with the