The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1875-03-17
THE SUSOUEHANNA.
PITTsTON, Pa, Marc

IHE StlUEHANNA.
PTTTsroN. Pa, March 10, 1875
Pittston and West PiItstOn, situated on the bank
OF the susquehanna, in Luzerne county. embrace
population OF some nf.een thousand persons.
The weather. for the past six weeks has been in.
tensely severe and the CONCEALED water
formed four feet thick on the bosom OF the river.
For several days grave apprehenslons have been
felt ny the public In reference the results or the
breaking up OF the river.
THE ICE BREAKS UP
Just above Plttston, in what is known the
"Narrows," at the foot OF the historic and poetic
Campbell's ledge, is o bend in the river. To the
east, between the "Narrows" and the centre of
Pittston, are three bridges. About seven O'Clock
this evening the tee in the susquehanna at this
place began TO rise suddenly. In short time
after the whole mass broke up and com.
menced moving downward, greatly I'M
PEELED by the tremendous rush OF waters,
which forced It out of It's position. The weather
during the day has been exceedingly warm tho
beams OF the sun melting the snow heaps on the
mountains very rapidly and charging the tribu.
tar1es OF the river TO fearful extent for twenty
miles from this place toward It's rise.
THE PEOPLE ALARMED.
The river has been gorged with heavy masses Of
ice for some time past, In many places reaching to
the height OF twenty feet. 1t was thought that
this would gradually 60 OF, under the genre innu-
ence Of the sun, and that no serious disasters
current and caused the banks to over
now. At the present moment. however the vast
body OF water now gong down Is rising rapidly
and the Inhabitants on the west side OF the river,
before communication was cut OF, we're greatly
which occurred here III 1855, just ten years ago to-
day. At this place three bridges span tho river
fine railroad bridge, built by the Delaware. Lack.
awanna and western Railroad company and was
remodeled ana 9 strengthened about three year.
and has always been considered q strong, sale
structure. Below this is a covered wooden Bridge,
erected IN 1863. lor teams and passengers. 1t
originally cost $40, 900. quarter OF mile below
this and leading directly into the town Is another
last spring BY the Watson Bridge Manufacturing
Company. 1t cost $4,000.
rho xotor RISE Rise or or TIE an, WATERS wi,n;R
bearing On a It's bosom immense cakes SO q 8
the river has been interdicted. as ir Is
net Known at what moment the structures rmay
Sxs Of 1s % sudS
night.
DISASTER BEGINS
The Ice breakers OF the new passenger bridge
gave way about eight O'Clock and now the ice and
spans OF the railroad Bridge have gwen way and a
portion OF the wreck has noated down and is caught
on the new bridge. This viii stop all passage over
Between Northumberland and scranton, It Is
reported that o number Of houses situated along
the banks and at the iO0t OF the noun tains above
are inundated and there Ia no way to help the
people who live IN them out Of their dilemma.
Their only safety lies in flight to the mountain in
Aelr rear. The west side, opposite this point, is
i6f two miles back level plateau, on which are
built the magnificent residences Of the wealthy
classes.
A messenger VINO Just Us! eahe 5Ssf the old bridge
states that the water is now running over the
banks, and every cellar along River street, 'front.'
ing the SusQuehanna, Is rapidly filing. The ex.
citement Is at fever heat. Many who came over TO
the east side early this evening cannot return,
and are greatly alarmed about the safety or their
%ense DAM barr sPasIsu 'na It's IN further
progress down the stream at Mill Greek,
about six miles below this point. The river
now presents terribly Arctic appearance. The
ragged boulders across the nalf mile OF space at
this point The night clear and the moon lllumi-
mates all objects with ITS palid light, adding to
the spectral appearance OF the scene. The water
Is backing up at terrible rate. orders nave been
Railroad Company to sell no more tickets for
points on the road In this section. The Lehtgn
Valley road Is reported to be flooded at the MAR
rows,D about two miles above this place. The
east bank here Is comparatively safe, by reason OF
It's high position. The streets are crowded with
people, all anxiousy waiting further particulars
ANOTHER BRIDGE GONE.
1t is reported that the bridge, which Is the only
one across the Susquenanna between this point
and Tunkhannock, and located at the latter place,
In the ice above here. 1t Will probably come down
when the ice moves again. The ice Is now piled
up against the upper side OF the old bridge and 1t
appears to be doomed to destruction.