Bellows Falls times. [volume] (Bellows Falls, Vt.) 1856-1965, 1872-04-05
Death on Mt. Washington.

When, year ago, winters sojourn
upon Mt. Washington was proposed,
there were many misgivings in the pub
lie mind about the safety of the enter
Prise, and whether those who so literally
buried themselves in an arctic winter
would ever come out alive. Their daily
reports we're read with eagerness, and
the story of their adventures thrilled
many hearts. But no sooner was the
possibility made certain, than the gov
ernment determined to establish per-
manent meteorological observatory up
on the mountain, so that for more than a
year there has been no interruption of
this life amid the clou Is. 1t is the only
station government has in the upper cur
rent of the atmosphere. and is found to
be about the most valuable of them all
in the daily prediction of the weather
for the benefit of sailors and ship own
ers ; from the simple fact, that changes
in the weather, the approach of storm,
or the return of fair weather are earlier
indicated in the upper than in the lower
strata, by corresponding changes in the
barometer and thermometer.
The names of the two men who have
been passing the present winter upon the
mountain, are Martin l.. Hearne. ser
geant, and William Stevens, private, of
the signal corps of the U. S. army.
Unlike their predecessors of last win
ter, whose company consisted of several
persons, who several times were favored
with visitors, and who were continually
receiving the congratulations of the pub
lie, their stay has been one of almost en-
tire seclusion. About the only visits OF
any Importance have been by B. Kill
burn, the well-known photographer, in
search of frost views upon the summit.
For several days Stevens had been i'll,
unfit for duty, and man had been de-
tailed, and was en- route from Washing
ton to take his place. On Monday, Feb.
Dist, telegraph came that Stevens was
suddenly very sick. A doctor was i'm
mediately called who took his place in
the telegraph Office at Littleton. and by
telegraph inquired infinitely in regard
to his symptoms, and soon pronounced
his disease paralysis. The same physi-
clan, with Kilburn, soon started with the
intent TO carry medical aid. They were
to have assembled Tuesday morning, but
the weather would not permit, with the
mercury ct twenty-four degrees below ze-
70, and the wind at eighty miles an hour.
And if they had gone it would have
been without avail, for the paralysis rap
idly extended over his body, soon render
ing him speechless and insensible. He
died early Tuesday morning. He was
thirty-two years of age. a native of
France, had no relatives in this country,
and on coming to the United States a
few years ago, had dropped his French
name for one of pure English. He is re-
ported as one faithful in duty, loved and
trusted by friends and superiors. His
comrade was there alone with his body
full thirtysix hours. 1t does not appear
that his disease was in any way occasion.
ed by the perils of the service, though il
is not improbable that it might have
been induced by their necessarily confn-
ed and sedentary life.
Wednesday, the wind having lulled, 8
party Of six, including the new assistant
observer, Robert j. Bill, prepared to as
cend the mountain to bring down the
body. They were under the lead Of
kilburn, almost as we'll known in the
region as mountain climber, as for hi;
unrivalled pictures. Their ascent is de.
scribed as s. rough two of the party be-
ing obliged to draw upon the strength
of the others for the last part of the
way. They returned the same day. In
closing the body in strong box, with
runners under the fore.end, and with
strong handles nailed upon each of the
four corners to be grasped by four men,
and with rope to be tightly held in the
rear, it was easily and safely slid down
the mountain all the way upon the rail
road track, except around Jacob;
Ladder The body was bought to Lit
tleton, Thursday and on Friday his flu
neral was attended in the Congregation
al church. A large company of people
assembled to let fall tear of sorrow
over the bier of one, who having died
above the clouds, was gently laid in his
lowly bed by the hand of entire strang
ers.-Rev. E. c. MiIIiken, IN Congrega
tionaList.
An Indian editor makes path Ell,