Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1859-10-06
Tho Trial Trip OF tho Great Eastern---
Further Particulars.


The English papers by the Arabia contain
full accounts of the sailing of the monster steam
ship Great Eastern upon her trial trip. The cor
respondent of the Times, writing from Purfeet
September 7th, after describing the busy scenes
connected with the closing preparations, the sta
tioning of officers at various points, &C., says:
Then was the order given to go ahead slowly,
and for the first time the Great Eastern started
into motion, and with the slow, majestic beat Of
her huge paddles moved grandly down the river.
Then ensued an extraordinary scene. Thousands
upon thousands Of people were seen running to the
river side from all points. Boats Of every kind
and size were launched, crowded to the waters
edge, and the stream and its banks seemed sud-
denly instinct with life. There were not 80 much
cheers as continuous shouting-.a q genuine out
burst of enthusiasm and delight. Even the wsn
and sickly inmates of the Seamen's Hospital ship
turned out upon the deck or crowded the ports
with their worn faces to give one shout or wave
cap to the vessel which swept so grandly by.
The noble vessel now seemed to be instinct
with life. She had cast off her little incum-
brances, and was gradually putting forth her own
powers in cleaying the waters. The screw now
worked thirty revolutions minute and the pad
dies nine and half, the force used being about
two-thirds Of her maximum power. Under these
circumstances she gave thirteen and half knots /;
so that, taking into consideration her insufficient
immersion, and the consequent imperfect work.
ing of the paddle and screw, her maximum speed
may be calculated at nineteen knots, or twenty
three measured miles an hour, being double the
average of any of the subsidized steamers.
During the time that the vessel was going at
the speed Of thirteen and q half knots, or fifteen
miles, the engines worked with an ease that, when
their size and power was considered, was perfect
ly astounding. There was scarcely any vibra-
ton on the vessel, and as far could be gather.
edfrom outward objects, one might much easier
have imagined ones self writing in Parisian sa
loon than in the state cabin Of the Great Eastern
flying down the More: One thing connected with
the vessel is as remarkable as her other charac-
teristics. Even when going thirteen knots an
hour, there was an utter absence Of "swelP' in
her wake-even less, as far as could be judged
from the deck, than is made by the ordinary pen
nv steamers, and not one-half as much as was
thrown up by our own tugs. Even s;pail Of wa
ter standing on one end of the paddle boxes, did
not show the least symptoms of vibration.
The Manchester Guardian is not altogether
satisfied of the success of the ship. It says:
1t is now asserted that the length Of the Great
Eastern being only equal to the shortest line be.
tween the crests Of two waves, and ships course
being usually in an oblique line from one wave
to another, she will not glide through the water
quietly as has been calculated, but will often roll
in an exceedingly disagreeable manner. The de.
monstration by experience whois right and whs
is wrong in this matter will be looked for viii
interest, not only on account Of the principle in
volved, but because on it depends the future pas
senger.traf6c of the Great Eastern
On the afternoon of the 9th, when the Grea
| e =
4 the forward funnel, which had been introduced
on the ground of economy in heat and to keep the
heat of the tunnels from the cabin, exploded will
terrific force, blowing the funnel into the air ant
tearing to pieces the grand saloon and lower decl
cabins, through which the funnel passed, and 9th
erwise doing great damage to the internal fittings
Great CONSERVATION prevailed on board, bu
prompt efforts were made to get at the unfortu
nate men in the engineering department, wht
were either buried in the rubbish or prostrateo
by the steam.
Three. iremeu were found in o dying state, ant
soon expired, while eight others were injured, two
of whom subsequently, died. One fireman wa
lost overheard, having either fallen into the wate
or jumped into it to escape scalding. -
The injured men were generally progressing fa
Yorably, although two or three Of them were in
precarious condition. q r. : q:
The numerous guests onboard had only quito
the grand saloon, through which the funnel pass
ed, and in which they had been dining, few min
utes before the explosion took place. But 70
this, the consequences would have been most sc
rious. -
The explosion is stated to have probably bee
one of the most terrific which vessel has Eese
survived;a and which none1in the world could hay
withstood save o structure of such marvelou
strenpth as the Great Eastern. She not only re
sisted it-her frame sustaining no injnry whateE
er-but it made so little difference in the move
ments of the vessel that the engines were neve
once stopped till she reached Portland. =
:, The coroners inquest was commenced at Wey
mouth on the 18th, and the evidence clearly show
ed the cause Of the explosion to be: Firstly, tn
supply of the boilers through the water jacket
the funnel was stopped because of failure IN tn
auxiliary pumping power. Secondly, stand pipe
which acts as safety valve, had in it tap whel
the casing was hydraulically tested, and that tai
was turned, apparently intentionally, so that tn
pipe was useless. The inquest was adjourned tll
the 17th. .ek.L
Prior to the accident the performance or IN
vessel WAS most satisfactory, and she was almos
without motion, while large vessels in her Vlclnit
were pitching and tossed in stormy sea. =.
"A survey Of the vessel had been held esti
motes sent into forthwith to repair the damage o
a cost of not more than $4,000, the injury 5ein
far less considerable than vas at first supposed.
The Great Eastern will sail from Hollyhead TO
Portland, Maine, on the 28th of October.
--<e>>--
The Cause ofthe San Juan War.
The following is o brief review fthe trouble il
the Northwest, which, in the opinion, of some
tbroetans war with England The Island Of Sa