New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1860-03-09
THE EXPLOSION ON THE STEAMBOAT
ALFRED THOMAS.

The Eoston PA Free Press brings q fall ac.ount
Of the explosion Of the boiler on the steamboat Alfred
Thomas, Oh Tuesdsy Last. The foIlowingsa
LIST OY KILLED.
s. Sbaef Of Easton the builder of the boiler and en-
oire and engineer on this occasion, killed al ha
post wi b his hand at the work.
George Sbsef bis son and fireman. was also killed
at his post, having greater part OF his head carried
away by portion Of the boiler
Mi Richard Holcombe Of Belvidere, one Of the pro-
preOs thrown into the water, being greatly dis
figured snd wouoded, died in short time after being
taken on dry lsDd.
Judge WIN. r. Sharp of Belvidere, also one Of the
propIieoTs was tale dead ont Of the boat, having
tevtre wounds about his head.
George smith, painter Of Easton was blown high
into TIE air. terribly acerated, aud fe dead into
Joseph Weaver of Easton was killed instantly; not
much disfgnTed.
Samuel Yates Eastoo, had his leg broken, and was
also much wo nded died on Tuesday night.
Valentine Schooley Of EastOn, dangerously hurt;
died yesterday evening.
Eugene Tr,xe of Elson w ~ only slightly injured.
William Diehl Of Esston not seri nsly injured
John Sm b of Belvidere, thigh broken and received
severe injuries about the head.
p Bercaw Of Esston bad leg broken;
solomon McIntire, colored, of Belyidere, terribly
bruised about the face and head ana arms ana
ESwaro McIutre, colored, of Easton, badly wounded
about The b,a'.
Andrew Melick of Belvidere, arm broken.
Joseph Losey of Wellington, n j., Of the firm OF
Van Dozen & Losey, slightly injured:
Frederick WIcbler Of Belyidere, severely injured.
Be- jamin Yonells of Esston, had one leg broken IN
two places and injured other 8ise.
Henry Nedler Of Easton, terribly sealded, and n-
Richard Williams and Robert BuTell Of Easton,
slightly injured.
William Sharp, jr., of Belvidere.
Arthur Krsser of Esston.
Stewart Beatty Of EastoD.
CAUSE OF THE ACCIDENT.
This is the moot difficult and delicate part OF all snch
nsforiunes. Various Ct course, will be the opinions
expressed this point Censure will be cast, where,
in sll reliability il doee not belong. We have en-
6eavored to iDd ont the troh as nearly as possible
OF the dead wish TO ssy not one unkind word, but
the reputation of the living is equally sacred. Toe
former hive paid great price Tor their part and have
gone beyond the effect of human censure-the latter
mu sui Tsss this ordeal. The mischief was done by
the bur.g of The boiler Was it defective, or built
ont Of improper material 7 From the lips Of Mr..
Bishop mo built the woodwork Of the boat, we learn
that ie demonstrated time and again with Mr. Shaeif,
the buildr Of the engine and boiler that the boiler was
insufficient.
The space bet ween the upper aues and the dome Of
the bol-r was too email % have snicsn quantity OF
sesm and water 90 haod keep up the requisite
tive COVER The consequence was, that when the first
quantity Of steam exhausted time was required to
put in alter and generate steam. This fact was cor
70 oraled by three four machDiss in our presence.
Wbep Therefore, the boat did not succeed TO get
through The DIS at he' first trial. her steam got 100
low md me bad 10 lie to for ii ne. Steam then
gene rated aud the fues became heated am 1st TO red
heat, until the essure, already stated, was l2j
pound the squaIe inch The sig0al was given 10 set
engine 10 motion, cold water wss pumped INFO the
boiler, and from The shaking of the boat, i. eame in
contact with the overheated hues, and the explosion
was he inevitable result This condition of affairs
was mentioned than to the master machnist,
but 1t was not beeC ed.