Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1873-04-01
Vest BetheI--SBdsh-up on the
Railroad.

|
Our little village was the scene Of
great excitement on the 25th inst. Its
monotony was entirely broken up for -
time. As the ten o'clock train Oh the
Grand Trunk. Joseph Chandler, Engin
Ger, was passing this place on full rate
of speed, it came in contact with another
train, Hazelton, Engineer, moving at
rate estimated at thirty miles per hour.
| IL was a terrible shock, and the wonder
is how it could occur without any loss oil
human lille. Three engines wero nearly
destroyed That one drawing the down
train was completely telescopcd; the one
drawing the up train was raised lIom The
track and placed in 4 vertical position,
the boiler standing ON one endi Que plat
form car was driven upon another, upon
upon which was q crew that was being
carried 10 Montreal. This engine was
forced back against q box car loaded with
tea-both engine and car were greatly
damaged. Neither train was seen by the
other but moment before the collision.
Nothing but the greatest presence OF mind
on the part of the engineers and 6remen
saved them from horrible death. AS 1t
we're 10y one impulse OF their will they
Jumped from the trains aud suffered but
very little injury. Some OF them turned
several somcrsaults before they gained
their perpendiculars. One went with
such force that his feet and arms were
driven into the snow SO firmly that
he could not extricate himself, and had 10
remain stationary till he received assist
anee II ON those who were more for.
tunate. Mr.. Nathan Walker. who was
in the salooL- car, was more unfortunate
than the others, and received very severe
injuries. lie was thrown the whole
length Of the car. Ho received flesh
wound in the back OF his head. one
shoulder was badly hurE and several
ribs We're broken. Dr.. c. L. Wiley was
in altcndance as soon rs pnssluiu after
the accident, and dressed Mr. Walkers
wudnds. lie was removed to Mr.. Moses
Mason's house III Gilcad. where hc re-
ceiyed every attention from the inmates
that could contribute TO his comfort or
relief, and great hopes are entertained OF
A tatv hnt- hfto ~
train were injured. but not seriously.
One man had his shoulder bruised. and
another one his hip.
When we take into consideration the
rate OF speed OF these trains, the shortness
OF time between The discovery oil the i'm.
pending and real collision. and the mum
Der on board the trains. and the fact that
no loss Of human life resulted therelrom.
it stands almost without parallel in the
history ot railroad accidents. While
there is = feeling OF thankiulneSs IN every
heart that this disaster was no worse, II
Is not unaloyed with indi gnation at the
carclossness OF somebody officially re-
spOnsiblc Tor the safe movement Of all
trains upon public highways, aud de-
mand, both long and loud Tor luli and
! rigid investigation into its cause, so that
The blame may rest with its TUT weight
upon its author. and the proper measures
be adopted to prevent the recurrence OF
the like during this generation The
/ Conductor oi the down lIslln h.ld received
orders to make - crossing at West Bethel,
but tho Conductor OF the up train had re-
ceiyed no orders and claimed the right Of
way. hence the result. e.. ii. b.