The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1875-02-25
OPENING on THR OHIO.
The Ice Runs Out Without Dam
age 10 Property. ~

Most OF our citizens have lively re-
membranee Of the gorges that in past
winters made the banks Of the Ohio bFim
full Of kissing, grinding Ice. The ex-
clamation, "the ice Is going off has
been sufficient to draw hundreds Of peO-
pie to the banks OF the river, to witness
this fascinating, though dangerous ex.
hibition. Churches have been summari-
ly emptied, houses have poured forth
their excited inhabitants, and the tidal
wave Of humanity has hurried to the
scene, each curious spectator seeking a
commanding position to witness the
grand avalanche that poured down IA
Belle Riviere," I,
Nor does darkness deter many from
b9holding Il The last time the river
broke up the dull booming sound Of col
liding ice foes was heard at midnight,
and the banks were soon thrOnged with
spectators. And happy were those who
witnessed a moonlight "Aitting" OF the
ice. All the diamOnd-studded walls Of
Aladdins tabled palace Paled into insig-
nifCsnce in comparison with the jewel
crowned bergs that went past, basking in
the soft light Of the moon,
Compared with former "breakups,"
then, the opening Of the river yesterday
will be remembered by our citizens as a
very small affair, and Us one that did the
least damage TO property Of any that has
taken place In the Ohio at this point
The landing was crowded all day, II II
true, but It was a disappointed crowd
when the ice was seen 70 quietly and
slowly give way and proceed upon III
journey south in u very unOstentatiOul
manner,
During the morning the river rose only
about eight inches, but in the afternoon
It suddenly came up about foot, and ~
suddenly went down again, This Is ac-
counted for by the gorge in the back rlyel
throwing tho water on this side, which
ran out as soon as the ice gave way a
Benwood. Ats o'Clock.in the morning
there were II feet 0 inches in the channel
and the water rising very slowly, at n
NJ. the marks indicated but II feet 5 inches
The ice commenced moving at Bellairt
aboutli 2, ~, and shortly after 2 p'eloeh
huge Cdkes became detached and slowly
foated off Just opposite 18th street, Thu
steamers were oil prepared for any emer
gency, and were waiting with steam VI
for the Ice to break, As soon therefore
rs 1t began to give way the sound o.
whistles and bells became almost deaten
ing. .,s ia no..
The cebr6ke of up as far as the 81
James Hotel, but the fields above remain
cd as before, leaving almost straight
edge directly opposite the northern, wal
Of the hotel. About5 o'clock, however
the leo above commenced moving, and Ii
n short time the river was full Of I'M
nlensc cakes, which were so rotten thu
they Crumbled like gingerbread "upor
coming in contact with anything. n,
The West Wheeling ferryboat hat
commenced running as soon as the rive
was Clear below, and when the Ice begar
to move above the little craft was on THU
side OF the river She put on her bes
ticks, however, and succeeded in crossing
the river and getting in her harbor Of
the Ohio sideiin safety1AgEjt tgi
The tOwboat Monitor aud the steamer
Express and Andes, were harbored Rboy,
the suspension bridge, the former boa
lying Just below the bend this side Of TIL
Top Mill. The Science and the wharf
boat lay below tho suspension bridge, thu
thew Hudson" at the foot OF 14th street
and the Hudson and Albion At the Bel
mont landing. None Of the steamer
sustained any damage. A stone burg,
was seen floating down the river about
o'clock, but owing TO The darkness 1
could not be recognized. 0t'
We have heard Of no destruction o
property, but rs tho night was very dark
daylight may may make some lamagC
known. The river Is still full Of largt
cakes Of floating ice, but all danger Ia con
sidcrcd past, as the Ice is soft and rotten