Centre Hall reporter. [volume] (Centre Hall, Pa.) 1868-1871, 1871-09-29

Most OF our readers have seen the
Union torpcdoes, little affair much re-
semblng a snail marble. IL 10 known
that these torpedoes aro dangerous play
things, and many serious accidents have
occurred from their usa. In large cities
their sale 10 prohibited by ordinances,
nevertheless they are stili kept and dis.
posed Of slyly. From these little play
things an accident has occurred in New
York, by which three persons we're killed
aud several severely Injured. A truck
man was unloading a quantity OF torpe,
does, when one Of the boxes slipped
from his grasp and fell 30 the ground,
The contents exploded with u terrific
report, aud the contents of the truck
we're also exploded by the oonoussion,
the report resembling that Of a cnnnon.
The entire block was at oneo enyeloped
in smoke and dust that completely ob-
scured the view, and fora few moments
eiIectually concealed all objects within
ID When ID had cleared away sufficiently,
scene OF ruin was presented. The
truck on which the torpedoes we're had
been blown and crushed into aplintefed
mass. Portions Of il we're blown entire
IN across the street, and not n single
wheel was left entire. The force Of the
explosion seemed 20 be principally down
ward, and the vehicle was tiatteaed 10
the earth.
The unfortunate owner of the truck
was blown upon an adjoining awning
and street lamp, and hung suspended
there, his head and shoulders projecting
beyond the edge Of the awning. he
had scarcely a shred Of clothing left
upon him, and was shoekingly mangled.
His face and head we're torn and cut in
most Eiekening manner there were
gashes aud contusions visible on various
parts Of the body, and three compound
fractures OF the limbs He was insensl-
BILE, but alive, and breathing family. II
was evident al glance that he could
not recover.
On the opposite side Of the street lay
the dead body Of Henry Brown, aged
Ia. mangled in shocking manner.
Mary j. Burr, aged 10, was sitting in
front Of her parents residence, nearly
opposite the truck. So great was the
force Of the explosion that she was
was lifted up and hurled against the side
Of the building. receiving severe but not
dangerous injuries
In all, three persons were instantly
killed, and at least eight more seriously
wounded. One man had his neck broken
by being thrown down. The horses at
tached 10 the truik were cut and torn in
a shocking manner. The jaw OF one was
fractured and mass OF flesh torn away.
There were also cuts on various parts OF
his body aud limbs The other had a
long cut in the side, exposing the en-
trails. and there was a hole IN his hip
large enough TO thrust man is hand into,
They were killed 10 end their snffeEings,
The explosive material OF the torpedo
is said 10 be nitro-glycerine mixed with
some strong acid, probably either nitric
OF hydrochioric. This acid is poured
ont Of cans constructed for the purpose,
made Of tin, and having long spouts
like oil-eans. The filing is done prin-
cipAlly by girls. whose labor is cheaper
aud manipulation more delicate than
that OF the men. Warnings OF the
danger OF the work have not been un-
frequent at this factory. A hammer
thrown on one occasion, which fell upon
feW loose torpedoes on the working
table, caused them TO explode. aud the
conclusion Immediately made every
package lying near detonate also.