The Stark County Democrat. [volume] (Canton, Ohio) 1833-1912, 1875-06-03
ANOTHER PAUL DOYYON.
Eshi6iaon Of Captain .Stoney's Life
Saving .SHH in Me Ha,6or.

SHDfhg oWH IN ne HdIOW'
One Captain ], B, Stoner, inventor Of
an article which he modestly calls the
"India- Rubber Life-Saving Suit" but
which on inspection proves to be first
class aquatic hotel, vest rday accom-
plished the somewhat remarkable feat OF
riding the foam-crested pillows, iii cam
pany with another gentleman and three
ladies, for one hour and half without
inconvenience to any of the party. A
highly miscellaneous crowd gathered at
the Battery yesterday afternoon to wit
ness the novel sight, and patiently await
ed the steamer that was to bear the Cap
tain and his audience to the scene Of ac'
ton. At last the Pleasant Valley ar
rived, and soon the devotees of science
and some dozen baskets of champagne
were carefully embarked, and the steamer
ploughed her way to Sandy Hook. Then
appeared the inventor full of his life
preserver, and his life-preserver full OF
him. Thus doubly preserved he pre-
sented the appearance OF playful ele-
phant returning from successful raid
upon rubber factory. The Captain is
literally solid man. kicking the beam at
about two hundred he is also an ener-
getic man, and these two qualities beau
tifully adapted him to the successful per-
furmance of encasing himself i'll several
lathoms of slippery rubber in one min
ute and thirty seconds. There was
Tapping of canvas. a ripping ol elastic
bands, a putting and snortlng as OF num-
berless war horses, and in very few
seconds over the allotted time the Cap
tain stood perspiring but calm. If there
was one present who felt that amid the
shrieks of women and children, III a
sinking ship, on dark night, the Cap
tain's achievement would be difficult for
the average traveller to initiate, he had
the sense to keep his opinion to himself,
and only cheers saluted the inventor.
The exact number of seconds occupied
by the ladies in transforming thems elves
into female elephants is not known.
However long they had been at it, they
achieved it at last, and appeared with
rubber trousers and bag-plpe belts to
plunge into the brine. First, as was
proper, went Captain Stoner. Splash !!
and Mhs Kitty Whitney was sitting
gracefully ON the dancing deep. Chunk
and Mrs, Moore was rolling over the wa,
ter like an animated football. Splash
splash and Mr. George Stratton and
Miss Gaynor had joined their friends
upon the surface of the bay. To provide
for the wearer's head being kept above
water, the Stoner suit has weights at
tached to each foot, and thus sitting
posture is maintained in the water,
which, if it slightly interferes with rapid
movement, through the water, has the
corresponding advantage Of enabling the
navigator to enjoy his cheerful cigar, or
possibly poker" The apparatus can be
easily described. 1t consists, first, of
complete suit of India-rubber in one
piece, fitting tight at the wrists, and hay
ing tight-tltting hood. This suit is put
on over ones own clothes, and keeps out
all cold. Over the rubber suit and around
the waist is strapped belt made up OF
air chambers twelve i'll number), dis
connected, so that in case Of one break
ing the remainder will support the swim
mer. In addition to this outfit Il rubber
float is carried attached to the swimmer
by short COrdl, upon which a signal
flag can be hoisted (the flagstaff being
made in sections that fit into one another)
and to which may also be attached rub
ber bags containing provisions and water.
Having got well clear of the steamer, the
five mariners yesterday hoisted their
| flags, and present d the picturesque APP
pearance Of a school Of dolphins ON the
war path. Three seabirds hovered for
some time in the immediate vicinity Of
Miss Whitney, but at last, apparently dis
gusted, flew away and were seen no more.
1t may be some comfort to know that
sharks are expected to do the same.
After an hour and a half the bathers re-
turned to the steamer, and, the suits be-
ing removed, were found perfectly dry
and warm. The female bathers of the
expedititn are said to be New Workers.
1t appears that stock company has
been formed, and that arrangements are
to be made with the various steamship
companies to introduce the suits by let
ting them to passengers for So per trip.
Among others who witnessed the expert
ment yesterday were Chief Justice DAILY,
Senator Moore, Alderman Morris, Abram
Wakeman. William A. Boyd, Horatio N.
Averill, Judge Clancy, Alderman Clan
cey, Alderman Mccarthy and Commits
sioner Edward c. Sheehy. Mr.. Merri-
man, the inventor Of the Boyton suit, was
also on board, and watched the expert
ment with great interest He claims that
his patent is superior, inasmuch as the
dress itself is inflated, thereby better pro-
tecting the wearer from cold, and being
more easily and quickly put on.-N. Y.
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