Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1876-03-17
The Cruisc Of the Michigan.
THE SHIP THAT WENT OVER NIAGARA
FALLS,

THE SHIP THAT WENT OVER NIAGARA
FALLS
Capt. Gilbert Pratt veteran mariner
now living in Belleville, Ont, whose peri
cd of service on the lakes dates back near
ly half a century, recalls an incident which,
though IL has been almost forgotten, attract
ed considerable attention In its day. Ves-
sci. owners were then more conscientious
than now. They were not inclined to risk
the lives of passengers and crew in unsea-
worthy crafts. The owner of the old
schooner Michigan, then the largest vessel
on the lakes, hit upon novel expediont for
dsposing of her. The vessel had become
old and rotten, and was no longer servicea-
BILE. Instead of loading her and sending
her out late In the season heavily insure d,
to be wrecked, he chose moro harmless
plan, but one not less profitable TO himself
He induced the proprietors of the hotels at
Niagara Falls to buy the vessel and send
her over the falls. This was about the year
1880. The proposition was eagerly accept
ed by the hotel proprielors, who saw in ii a
capital advertising scheme, and one which
would be certain 10 pay them well. The
affair was widely published in the newspa-
pers, and was the talk of The surrounding
country for weeks and weeks. For sever
al days previous TO the great event the
stages and canal boats were crowd
ed. People tlocked thither from all
parts Of tho country TO witness. the novel
spectacle of the largest vessel OH the lakes
going over the falls. On the appointed day
the Michigan was towed out into the rapids
in the presence OF vast number of people,
who lined the banks or visited the scene
upon the numerous excursion boats which
were called into requstion. Tho task OF
towing the vessel into the current was en-
trusted 10 Capt. Rough, with a crew Of half
dozen oarsmen selected by himself. This
was rather hazardous enterprise, and Capt.
Pratt, who was himself one OF the crew,
says his heart almost failed him whom they
set out though he had gladly volunteered
for the service. There had been placed on
the schooner several animals, in accord
ance with the programme, which had been
widely advertised. These consisted of
buffalo, three bears, two foxes, a raccoon, a
cat and some geese. At her bowsprit was
the American ensign, and at her stern the
English jack, the Canadian hotel-keepers
having joined in the enterprise. There
were also some effigies displayed on board,
TO give the appearance Of crew, and to
make more real the scene OF a vessel with
all on board making the terrific plunge.
Just before the tow-line was cut, the ami
mails on board were turned loose. Just as
the vessel entered the rapids, two of the
| bears plunged overheard and actually sue
ceeded in sw INNING ashore. The third
one climbed the mast, as If TO get better
view of the scene. All tho animals seemed
greatly frightened, and ran from one end of
the deck 20 the other, much the same as a
human crew might have done under SINH
lar circumstances, in an agony Of despair.
The vessel swept grandly down the rapids,
| plunging over the first fall, shipping lit
tie water, righting herself and moving on
in fine style. In going over the second
rapid the mast went by the board, and the
bear with it, and neither WAS again seen.
She swung around and presented her
broadside to tue foaming waters. She had
evidently struck rock and was stationary.
Here il was thought her career was ended
and the affair was over. But she stopped
| only moment. The force of tho waters
swung her around, and she moved on stern
foremost. On the third rapid she bilged,
but carried her hull apparently whole,
straight TO the horseshoe fall, over which
she plunged sternforemost TO the foaming
| abyss below. She was smashed into a
thousand fragments. None Of the beasts
on board were ever heard of more, but the
geese turned up all right, and were seen on
the bank below, quietly oiling their feath-
ers as if there had not been much Of show
er after all. One of the efIigies was also
found uniujured, throwing his arms about
and knocking his knees together in tho ed
dies, but all the others had disappeared.
The scene was a most thrilling one. The
great crowd OF spectators watched the prog
ress of the vessel with breathless interest,
and gave great cheer as she made the final
| plunge. Detroit Post.