Smyrna times. [volume] (Smyrna, Del.) 1854-1987, 1856-03-19
Communications.
Correspondence IF the Smyrna Times.
Letter from Philadelphia.
PARLIAMENTARY. March IL


Mr.. Editor-The old saying, mislortunes
never come singly," has been fully verified
with our citizens the past week or so; in addi-
ton TO the fall of warehouse and the explo-
sion of boiler, another awful calamity is placed
on record. On Saturday night, as the ferry
boat "New Jersey" was crossing to Camden.
She took fire, an attempt was made to run her
to Arch street wharf, and make her fast unfnr-
tunatcly, it failed, and passengers who could
SWIM, made preparations TO save themselves.
Some jumped overheard and were picked up,
and some were killed by the wheel paddles of
the boat, II being impossible to stop the engine.
went to the ferry OF the company at Walnut
street, to CLEAN all the facts possible, for your
readers. Mr.. Agnew, gentleman who was on
board, stated, the boat could not run through
the canal, opposite the city, owing to the ice
lmpedimenls; she then turned up the river, to
cross at higher point, when he discovered fire
breaking out at the stackhouse; efforts were
made to extinguish, but it being found impos-
sble, the boat was then headed as above. Mr..
A. hung on to the boat till the last moment, be-
fore he jumped overheard at the time of doing
so, he saw three ladies standing at the end OF
the boat with their clothes on fire mo one be-
ing able to save them. So much ice in the
river rendered it dangerous for the best swim.
mers to leave the boat for the water. The ex-
citemeut along the wharves and throughout the
city was intense. At first, it was thought no
body was lost, but that happy idea was soou
dispelled, by the announcement that the loss o.
life was great The sight of the burning
steamer was grand in the extreme-the ligh
shone brightly upon the rigging of the vessels
and the warehouses along the wharves anC
the excited crowds and flying reports about thu
; lost, presented scene hope we will not have
to record again. AS the fact of the humble
lost became known throughout the city on Sun
day. the gloom over the countenances of GU
citizens were everywhere to be seen; ia mos
of the churches remarks were made upon tn
awful calamity, and the necessity of always be
ing ready to answer our Makers call, wer
solemhly Impressed upon the congregations.
Since my last, two more desperate robberie
have occurred. When we look at the smal
number of police (only twelve) in the Sixi
Ward, which comprises all the heavy bushes
houses Of the city, and 10 which this thievin,
is mostly carried on, il does not seem strang
, that robberies do take place here. The effect
Of the reduction of the police force are quit
perceptible. Another thing to be observed, il
that all these robberiea take place on Frida
, night--there is policy IN this: On Frida
nights the farmers wagons stand along Secon
and Market sts.; the thieves put their wagon
with those belonging 10 farmers, and after gel
ting their plumber, it is an easy matter to si
! il in their wagon and, if necessary, let it stan
/ till daylight before removal. Anything 10 &c
living without wcrk--uo matter whit nh
!. risk or disgracei--is the motto ola large clasl
: II seems that man is determined to disobey III
Divine injunction, that by the sweat of his bro,
he shall earn bread, as well as every law PR
posed BY man hmselfad Boys and young mem
! from ten, upwards be seen prowlingabot
! the streets daily; they can be distinguished b
their Hashy appearances and peculiar lool
! which makes your hands naturally grasp you
! pockei-pools These y',ung scamps preyoite
arrested, but generally manage to get throug